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In Broad Daylight

by Left Turn At Albuquerque

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1.
See How The Tide Rushes Out [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] Frost on the window, and it’s cold where you lay. Why are you hiding and denying the day? Is this the only answer? Knock on the door and you make ready to fly. A friendly word can’t hurt, and neither can I. Why won’t you let me help you? See how the tide rushes out. Makes you believe that it will never come back again. See how my heart rushes out. I won’t retrieve it while I’m hoping to bring you in. So scared of answering the phone when it rings. So scared of listening to the tidings it brings. One day you’ll have to answer. Cold eyes pass over you, and more pain is caused Than all of the suffering in all of those wars. Why don’t they understand you? See how the tide rushes out. Makes you believe that it will never come back again. See how my heart rushes out. I won’t retrieve it while I’m hoping to bring you in. More time, (WHAT TIME?), How time can mock you when you’re growing old. You’re never given more than you have got. Mark time, make time But take time to come in from the cold. You think the world’s deserted you. I tell you it has not. They’ve read your history, but your future is clean. How dare they criticize what they’ve never seen? Won’t you give me your answer? See how the tide rushes out. Makes you believe that it will never come back again. See how my heart rushes out. I won’t retrieve it while I’m hoping to bring you in. See how the tide rushes out? Makes you believe that it will never come back again. See how my heart rushes out? (I’m reaching out!) I’m not deceiving you, I just want you back again.
2.
Whiskey And A Gun [Scanlon - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] I don’t wanna be better, I wanna be well. Lukewarm water, baby, is fine when you’re walkin’ through hell. But God I need some ice cubes, the wind whippin’ through the trees, ‘Cause my spirit’s tired my heart is broken, to be or not to be? And I need you to be the truth for me. Hold a mirror for the things that I cannot see I need you to be the truth for me. Whoa oh oh can you be the truth for me? There were no safe places left inside her head. It’s all bombed out metallic desert, inventing things they hadn’t said. And honey I need a parachute, or some whiskey and a gun, ‘Cause my spirit’s tired my heart is broken, and yet I’m so in love. And I need you to be the truth for me. Hold a mirror for the things that I cannot see I need you to be the truth for me. Whoa oh oh can you be the truth for me? And they were safely anchored outside the confines of her mind. Holding the past and rememb’rin’ the future, Keeping all the things that were left behind. The world is a far more graceful place than we realize. And God’s design is all around if we just open up our eyes. If we just open up our eyes… I fear we’ve said too much, used up all our calls. Can’t believe we’re here again. It’s all or nothing, or not at all. We need something to cling to in this dark and lonely night, ‘Cause our spirit’s tired our hearts are broken, but we’ll put up a fight. And I need you to be the truth for me. Hold a mirror for the things that I cannot see I need you to be the truth for me. Whoa oh oh can you be, Whoa oh oh can you be, Whoa oh oh can you be the truth for me?
3.
Sparks In Broad Daylight [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] Who would notice a firefly at noon? And who’d remark on the thunder from A thunderstorm in June? The overlooked and the obvious, And the mundane pass me by. But sparks in broad daylight catch my eye. The way they dance in the air and rise and fall. My eyes are open or screwed up tight, Makes no difference at all. The afterimage, the afterglow, Help me conjure the real thing. Sparks in broad daylight make me sing. And you can say there’s nothing there, It’s just light and air, it’s trivial. And I reply, just look beyond The glamour and the physical. It is mystical. It’s fire un-contained And never tamed. Not everyone sees what I see, guess it’s true. The beauty we all behold is seen from So many points of view. And one man’s ecstasy Leaves another wonderin’ why. Sparks in broad daylight get me high. ‘Cos I would watch them forever if I could. And I would share them with everybody In this neighborhood. Sparks, work your magic, leave me laughing, Make me feel so good. And if you can’t stick around, you’ll come back soon. And we will dance with the fireflies…
4.
Kaleidoscope 04:13
Kaleidoscope [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] I dropped my battered soul Into a rabbit hole. No one admonished me to hurry after. I led my weary mind Through ruin and decline. No one suggested I might want it later. There is a form of rejection so pure That it feels just like liberation. A gram of prevention, or a kilo of cure. I’d give a lot for some sensation. White light might look like hope Through a kaleidoscope. Peel back the glamour, much less satisfying. To the unjaundiced eye, Moonlight might mystify. Call me a cynic, I’m much more demanding. What is the difference between diamond and coal? A million years of heat and pressure. So where’s my payoff, where’s my sparkling soul? I sense her hesitation, I hear the pregnant pause. Can’t stand to hear what’s coming, But she’ll still say it, “just because.” The truth that she’s proclaiming One day may set me free. But only I can take this weight from me. I left a long reply On her machine last night. Her essay questions have been asked and answered. I left her room for hope, And my kaleidoscope. Don’t ever ask to see the truth unvarnished. There was a point, but damned if I can recall. I sense her hesitation, Still hear the pregnant pause. She’s dialing up the drama, So she can bask in self-applause. The truth that she’s proclaiming One day may set me free. But only I can lift this weight up. I’m shrugging off confusion, Re-writing natural law. Can’t miss the resolution. It thrills me even as it awes. And if the meek inherit, Or struggle endlessly, Is not of any consequence to me. No rabbit hole’s where I belong.
5.
Infrared 04:57
Infrared [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] Maybe she sees by infrared Things that are dark, and draped in shadow. Maybe she’s seen inside your head, And knows all of the things not even you know. Maybe she makes no bones about Things she’s done, things she’s become. And maybe she sighs and tells you things Are gonna be just fine. The damage was done long before you found her. Your sympathy comforts and confounds her. Do you smile and ask her for a dance? She’s only half-expecting your advance. You could walk away, she may not even spare a glance. Your path’s already set, she’s seen by infrared. She’s seen you coming. Maybe she dreams in infrared, And imagines the heat of a thousand fires. Maybe she takes flight from the dread, And the faces of each of a thousand liars. Maybe it makes no sense to try to go on, Or cry when they’re gone. And maybe it makes no difference, ‘Cos the dreams are all the same. She’s out on a limb, and she’s getting farther. Gravity only makes it harder. Do you try to teach her how to laugh? Would it help dispel her holy wrath? You could talk all day, she’d never stray far from her path. Her goal is dead ahead, it’s bathed in infrared, And you’re still coming.
6.
Respectable 04:18
Respectable [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] Here I stand, a gentle man, Well into middle age. But if fifty’s the new thirty, Then I’m dying to turn the page. ‘Cos I’m sick of looking back On all the years that I have lost. And I’ve gotten sick and god-damned tired Of paying what it costs… To be respectable When no one needs me to be. I’m so respectable. Don’t know what is wrong with me. No lady would, if she were good, Go down with me tonight, Into that den of vice and sin, And carnal appetite. But it’s no lady that I’m looking for, I see her smiling in the dark. Behind that wide-eyed innocence There lurks a lustful heart. Sure, she’s respectable When it’s for all the world to see. Could she make me less respectable If I could get her home with me? Well here I am, alone again, Protecting my good name, When I could be taking lessons From the boys who know no shame. Them movie stars doing “mea culpas” There on my T.V. You know it’s part contrition, part ambition, Part adolescent glee! Why be respectable If there’s no notoriety? What good’s respectable If it just means obscurity? Yeah, there’s what’s acceptable, And what will get publicity. God knows I’m still respectable… What the hell is wrong with me? What the hell is wrong with me? Ah, what the hell…
7.
Countdown 03:14
Countdown [Scanlon - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] The rope we’re all living on is stretched much too tight, Our spirits are caught between places tonight. All of these echoes of songs we’ve all sung, No matter how big the crowd is we’re all still alone. The El-train‘s still runnin’ And the countdown’s always comin’. We’re saying “good-bye,” “auld lang syne,” “wish you well.” Reciting vast empty promises we make to ourselves. I wish I were with you, but for better or worse, It’s just another midnight on January First. I’d stay in the moment for a reason to be. What are we searching for? Mistakes we can’t see. Praying for guidance while we’re fast asleep, I’m missing you, are you missing me? The El-train‘s still runnin’ And the countdown’s always comin’. We’re saying “good-bye,” “auld lang syne,” “wish you well.” Reciting vast empty promises we make to ourselves. I wish I were with you, but for better or worse, It’s just another midnight on January First. If I had three wishes you know what I’d do? I’d split into pieces and give one to you. It all seems so scattered, oh God I’m so lost. We’re standing here crying “that ball’s gonna drop.” Three, Two, One! The El-train‘s still runnin’ And the countdown’s always comin’. We’re saying “good-bye” “auld lang syne” “wish you well” Reciting vast empty promises we make to ourselves. I wish I were with you, but for better or worse, It’s just another midnight, It’s just another midnight, It’s just another midnight… On January First.
8.
All The Stars And Amelia [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] All the stars and Amelia Are lined up in my sky, And they set me a course When I’m ready to fly. Come for me in the darkness, Take me east toward the sun. And well do I know I’m the fortunate one. I remember how early We stood up and held fast Against every naysayer Who darkened our path. They write rules for the timid. This was rule number one: “You never shall do What you never have done.” Oooh, but what sort of Sorry excuse for a life would that be? Oooh, and how could we live with ourselves If we couldn’t live free? Oooh, and what kind of Empty excuse for a life would that be? Yeah, ‘cos “better than nothing” Still means it ain’t all it should be. We’ve no fear of the future. Make it up as we go. And we never say “yes,” When the answer is “no.” All the stars and Amelia Are a luminous sight. And they show me the way Both by day and by night.
9.
I Dare You 03:02
I Dare You [Scanlon - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] I don’t know what it is you’re thinkin’ But oh you’re so cute and we’ve been drinkin’ So, come on, take a chance with me. The sweetest of answers that I’ve ever heard, Three little letters make love in that word. Just say “yes.” Oh I dare you, say “yes.” I don’t know if my skin is see-through But oh, you’re so sweet and feelin’ my cues, So, come on, take a chance with me. This truth serum shaken with ice cubes and lime, Alice’s wonderland’s nowhere near mine Just say “yes.” Oh I dare you, say “yes.” You mess with wires, light my fire, let go and let it start. Your dark blue crossed my crimson line is bruisin’ up my heart. It’s so cliché, say anyway, I’ll think about you ‘night and day.’ Standards said it best so I will say “I’ve got you under my skin.” So, I don’t know what it is you’re thinkin’ But oh, you’re so cute and we’ve been drinkin’ So, come on, take a chance with me. I’ll meet you in dreams just as fast as I can. We’ll tumble around in our own candy land. With ice cream and gum drops and licorice whips, I’ll walk up to you and get lost in your lips, Just say “yes.” Oh I dare you, say “yes.” The sweetest of answers that I’ve ever heard, Three little letters make love in that word. The sweetest of answers that I’ve ever heard, Three little letters make love in that word. Just say “yes.” Oh I dare you, say “yes.” Oh I dare you, say “yes.” Oh I dare you say… Oh I dare you say… Oh I dare you say…“yes.”
10.
Suzette 05:12
Suzette [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] All the Hopefuls gathered ‘round her parlor door, And none would leave until the sun was sinking low. And each would bring her what he thought would please her most. And every one believed he’d be the one she chose. Carefully, she kept them guessing. Poor boys, never once suspecting. Hearts were lost with summer’s ending, But that’s the way it goes. Suzette was never good at giving up her heart. She’d sigh and say no one had shown her where to start. Though every Hopeful swore that he could show the way, She still would not give up the game she had to play. “You gentlemen must call again tomorrow.” Beyond such sweetness lay such sorrow. Oh, Suzette, the way is clear to open minds. Don’t forget, you choose your place, you choose your time. Suzette, the lies you tell come back for more. Don’t forget, the heart you break the most is yours. Her Mama taught her not to let them call her bluff. “Suzette, my darling child, they just can’t get enough.” And Mama told her that the rules would never change, And that she'd never, ever want for anything. But stories told grew hard to swallow. The Hopefuls soon forgot to follow. Oh, Suzette, the way is clear to open minds. Don’t forget, you choose your place, you choose your time. Suzette, why aren’t they waiting at the door? Don’t forget, the heart you break the most is yours. Why break it? The world you were born into has long since disappeared, Though no one though to tell you so. Maybe one day you’ll see there’s been a change ‘round here. Cos who’s the Hopeful now, who’s hurting now, Who’s ever gonna know? Oh, Suzette, the way is clear to open minds. Don’t forget, you choose your place, you choose your time. Suzette, the lies you tell come back for more. Don’t forget, the heart you break the most, You break the most is yours. It’s yours.
11.
Feeling/Falling [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] The born romantic has to keep falling in love… to feel Alive and vital, and out on the edge of the knife. It’s more real than the rest of his life. The feeling of falling in love Is all that can matter, And who… who would take that away? Yes, and who… would insist that he play by the rules? The true believer leaves the light low in his room… and dreams Of curls and kisses, as candlelight glistens and gleams. In that glow he can feel everything. The warmth of her breath on his skin. The brush of his hand through her hair. And all that it needs to begin Is for her just to notice he’s there. The born romantic has to keep falling in love… to feel He’s in the moment, and certainly sure of what’s real. Sound asleep with both hands on the wheel. The feeling of falling in love Is his for the losing… it’s true. The feeling of falling in love Is so damned addicting, it’s true… The feeling of falling in love Is all that can matter, And who… who would take that away? Yes, and who… Who among us would say he’s a fool?
12.
Left Turn At Albuquerque [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] If I drive a little faster, If I speed through all the warnings, If I mind that second star And follow straight on ‘til the morning, I’ll still never make it home. I could try to mind my manners, I could keep myself in check. I could bow before my betters, I could not stick out my neck, But I still never would belong. There’s a crossroads in the valley. A safe and sound dividing line. But that left turn at Albuquerque Gets me every single time. There are pieces of the scenery That can take away my breath. There are hairpins in the passes That have scared me half to death, And that I just can’t leave alone. For there is dignity in daring, And embracing the unknown. There is freedom in not caring Whether I go right or wrong Out on the road I call my own. I’m not reluctant on this journey Of no intelligent design. But that left turn at Albuquerque Gets me every single time. There’s a postcard on the dashboard, Of the place I left behind. There’s a vision bright within me Of the home I’ve yet to find. So If I drive a little faster, If I speed through all the warnings, If I mind that second star and follow Straight on ‘til the morn, I’ll see the crossroads in the valley. I’ll see that feared and cherished sign. It’s that left turn at Albuquerque, Gets me every single time. I’m not reluctant on this journey Of no intelligent design. And that left turn at Albuquerque May deny me peace of mind… I’ll take it every single time.
13.
I Still Don't Know (Sharon's Lullaby) [Churchwell - © Hat's Too Tight Music (ASCAP)] You stir, you wake. You sigh, you wait. You hesitate, Then you call me. You know I’ll come When I am done. It’s after one When you call me. You fear so much, And still you trust. Sometimes there’s just No explaining. You fear I’ll go. Why, I don’t know, When there is so Much love remaining. It flows from you to me and back again, So naturally. If there are doubts, they’re mine. Oh my love, what do you see in me? What do you see? You sleep so sound When I’m around, As though you’ve found Peace, completely. But there’s still a mystery I wish you would reveal to me… We learn, we grow. We ebb and flow. But I still don’t know Why you love me. I still don’t know Why you love me. I still don’t know…

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released June 26, 2011

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Left Turn At Albuquerque Chicago, Illinois

Left Turn At Albuquerque is a synthesis of 70s folk, 60s pop and classic rock, with lyrics that are not quite Shakespeare but are more than bubblegum. Relying on intricate guitar fingerwork, sultry piano and awesome voices, LTAA works all sides of the street to bring you music which appeals to a wide variety of tastes and age groups.

Left Turn At Albuquerque is a detour well-worth taking.
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