Jo Burt:  "The JBEx project has inspired me to look back over the songs that I've written over the years.  I frequently have trouble remembering the words - and sometimes even the titles!  For those of you who have recently asked me to post the lyrics to the songs I'm currently performing, here they are."
(in alphabetical order)


Angel Hurricane
I think the 'boy' in us all recognises The One That Got Away - even though it's probably  just as well!


If the truth be known
My tough guy image would be blown
I took the gamble just for fun
She hooked me with her claws
Played with men like dealing straws
It seems I picked the shortest one

Full of fears I fumbled
Just one trick and I've been tumbled
I lost my cool and then my tongue
Got caught up in her tresses
I fell for her caresses
When I closed my eyes she was gone

Well I'm going where the wind blows
She blew my heart away
Angel, Angel Hurricane
Gonna find her only god knows where
She blew my heart away
Angel, Angel Hurricane

This is some disaster
My confidence in plaster
I'll never be quite the same
So don't patronise me sunshine
All I want is peace in my time
Where is my Angel Hurricane

Well I'm going where the wind blows
She blew my heart away
Angel, Angel Hurricane
Gonna find her only god knows where
She blew my heart away
Angel, Angel Hurricane

All around the world
People search for love for what it's worth
Look at me, I'm no exception
Over mist and shadows
Through the deep and narrows
Just hope I find the right direction

Well I'm going where the wind blows
She blew my heart away
Angel, Angel Hurricane
Gonna find her only god knows where
She blew my heart away
Angel, Angel Hurricane


Christopher Calling
I wrote this song after reading William Douglas Hulme's autobiography.  The original recording is on the Sector 27 Complete album - the live version couldn't be more different!


This is the story of a misfit soldier
Took the call and joined the Buffs
Bright young politician with one pip on his shoulder
He’s out of step and talking tough

Minister demanding unconditional surrender
In terms the soldier can’t condone
Exceed the limit said his patron and defender
And you’ll be on your own

This is Saint Christopher, calling
This is Saint Christopher, calling
This is Saint Christopher, calling
This is Saint Christopher, calling, calling

And so to France, le Havre is under siege
The second front is newly formed
German general asking for civilian reprieve
But his request is just ignored

Shunning orders and refusing to take part
Court Marshalled he was duly tried
The assault took place with him under guard
And twelve thousand French civilians died

This is Saint Christopher, calling
This is Saint Christopher, calling
This is Saint Christopher, calling
This is Saint Christopher, calling, calling

Christopher calling you’re exceeding the limit
Christopher calling you’re exceeding the limit


Clean & Dry

I've been working all morning and driving all night
I'm tired and I wanna get back
In my nice new second hand four door ford
With my gear all stashed in the back
Well I've been doing a job in the country
And driving best part of the night
When this Panda car starts flagging me down
And flashing his little blue light

But I'm clean and dry
So when the Rozzer comes over look him straight in the eye
And say I'm clean and dry
Stone cold sober though I wish I was high
I'm as clean as your whistle
I'm as dry as a bone
I've only had three number sixes
I'm tired and I wanna get home

No, I haven't  been drinking
And yes, it's my car
I know the number in my head
I've got a nice clean license and an MOT
And a long drive home to my bed
Well my brake lights are really working
And I'm insured to the middle of June
I've had a tiring day
And I'm miles away
And I can't hit my pillow too soon

And I'm clean and dry
So when the Rozzer comes over look him straight in the eye
And say I'm clean and dry
Stone cold sober though I wish I was high
I'm as clean as your whistle
I'm as dry as a bone
I've only had three number sixes
I'm tired and I wanna get home

"Your tax disc runs out at midnight, sunshine
So don't give me none of your lip
Cortina driver tried to get funny with me
And I ran him in, just the other week
You can think about that in the morning
They let them out the cells about nine
I'm letting you off with a warning
But I'll bleedin' well do you next time"

But Officer! ... I'm clean and dry
So when the Rozzer comes over look him straight in the eye
And say I'm clean and dry
Stone cold sober though I wish I was high
I'm as clean as your whistle
I'm as dry as a bone
I've only had three number sixes
I'm tired and I wanna get home

Deborah
I believe that people should be defined by more than just what they do for a living. This is based on a real dancer friend of mine who disappeared.  I never knew what happened to her but when I read the headline it inspired me to write this song.


The first time I saw Deborah
She danced the seven veils
In the Body Shop on Sunset
That hallowed place for lonesome males
She sat right down beside me
Told me, men don't treat her well
Abandoned by the man she loved
She and her baby girl

Deborah, ooh-ooh-ooh
I wish I knew you better
Deborah, Deborah

It was a late September evening
I saw her in the general store
I asked about the seven veils
She laughed, she said 'I don't do that no more'
She told me how her life had changed
Since she'd thrown the pills away
And how her lover and the father of her child
Was coming home to stay

Deborah, ooh-ooh-ooh
I wish I knew you better
Deborah, Deborah

I read the headlines for the news
It made me sick, it made me numb
Sunset Stripper - Victim Of A Hit And Run
They said she was a loser
I never saw her in that way
In fact I think about her often
When things don't go my way

Deborah, ooh-ooh-ooh
I wish I knew you better
Deborah, Deborah


Free
Ironically, this song is about the loss of freedom


I don't hear the words you're preachin'
Besides your house is full of sin
Selling tickets on the lawns of Eden
I ain't buyin' in

Wanna be a pilgrim heading for a new found land
Till the walls come crashin' in

Free, u-huh (sanctifying me)
Wanna get free, u-huh (we all wanna be)
Free, u-huh (mind and body free)
Get yourself free, u-huh
Aaaaahhhh

Staple diet for the nation
We all eat from the hand of Doctor Spin
Cut me loose from this TV generation
Right now, this patience getting thin

Wanna bathe in some purified water
Before the rot settles in

Free, u-huh (stop crucifying me)
I wanna get free, u-huh (the only way to be)
Wanna get free, u-huh (a natural remedy)
Get free, u-huh
Aaaaahhhh

They manufacture gods to save us
Then they fill our mouths with bubblegum
Their only claim is being famous
That 15 minutes seems so long

Wanna be a pilgrim heading for a new found land
Till the walls come crashin' in

Free, u-huh (it's sanctifying me)
Wanna get free, u-huh (only way to be)
I wanna get free, u-huh (natural remedy)
Get yourself free, u-huh
Aaaaahhhh


King of Fools
I was this man!


This is a strange affair
Now that you’re not here
I’ve got a pocket full of blues
You got dignified
Still I’m the uncrowned king of fools

Me, I’m trying to find
A little peace of mind
While your life is so serene
People stand and stare
At this unnatural pair
Still you want to be my queen

It’s lunacy to love me
I’m a balladeer of blues
It’s madness in the morning
Waking up with the king of fools
Well I’ve got the story
And you are the news
There’s no morning glory
Waking up with the king of fools

It’s lunacy to love me
I’m a balladeer of blues
It’s madness in the morning
Waking up with the king of fools
Waking up with the king of fools


Little Lover
This is just an old fashioned LURVE song!


Hey girl
You know I'm writing this song for you
And girl
I hope you like it cos it's all I can do
I know
Sweet talk brings out the devil in you
And so
Come a little closer, I need you to

Little lover, with those angel eyes
Little lover, you could be heaven's child
Sweet angel from paradise
My little lover, well you drive me wild

These days
I think that I might just f-f-fade away
But your gaze
Jacks me up and knocks me back again
I know
Physical love is like a drug for you
and so
Get a little closer, I want you to

Little lover, with those angel eyes
Little lover, you could be heaven's child
Sweet angel from paradise
My little lover, well you drive me wild

Well I'm not only working just from nine to five
Spending all my evenings in some smoky dive
Driving all the hours till the morning light
I'm racing with the wind
I'm coming home to you tonight

My little lover, with those angel eyes
Little lover, you could be heaven's child
Sweet angel from paradise
My little lover
You drive me wild, yeah


Mess (The)
I've never been a morning person!


My head is heavy I’ve got achin’ eyes
Sunglasses in a stormy sky

I don’t remember where I left my car
This kind of carelessness has gone too far

Ah-a-a-ahhhhhh

I’ve been in some confusion
It’s the only place where I can be me
This is not an illusion
This is what you get, this is what you see

I’m a mess, I’m a mess, I’m a total mess - I confess, I’m a mess (repeat)

I don’t remember where I was last night
Waking up I’m not a pretty sight

Salt in my coffee and egg on my face
Bring on the jacket and the padded place

Ah-a-a-ahhhhhh

I’ve been in some confusion etc

I'm a mess, I'm a mess, I'm a total mess - I confess, I'm a mess (repeat)

I’ve taken the trip on that boat on the river
Seen tangerine castles and marmalade skies
Easy to say so much more to deliver

I'm a mess etc


Miracle of Life
Learning to be loved


I believe the love you give
Is the love that you receive
So pardon me if I can’t explain
The love you give to me
Been wandering around
In the lost and the found
Was lost now I’m found
And I’m glad you’re around these days

Lift me up, take me high
Giving me the will to survive
Dig down deep
Where the seed still lies
Show me the miracle of life

My own way is not to say
You’re all I ever need
The pages turn the more I learn
You’re the other half of me
Now you’re around
My feet on the ground
Since you came along
I feel so much stronger now

Lift me up, take me high
Giving me the will to survive
Dig down deep
Where the seed still lies
Show me the miracle of life
Won’t you show me the miracle of life

Now I wake to find a day worth living
When you’re lying next to me

Lift me up, take me high
Giving me the will to survive
Dig down deep
Where the seed still lies
Show me the miracle of life

Lift me up, take me high
Giving me the will to survive
Dig down deep
Where the seed still lies
Show me the miracle of life

Won't you show me the miracle of life
Yes, you can show me the miracle of life


Money Changes Nothing
Inspired by The Beatles.  Again.  It's true - all we really need is love.


I can still remember looking back down those railway tracks
My family waving from the station with tears in their eyes
All I had with me was strapped right upon my back
My head was heavy as I headed for the city lights

The eyes of the world were upon me there
Only words of comfort from my mother dear

Money changes nothing
And love is everything, love is everything
Money is nothing
And love is everything, love is everything

I remember that first kiss on a dark and rainy night
Killed my heart with joy and set my head alight
Walking home in the rainstorm cos we didn't have the fare
I can still hear my mother's words ringing loud and clear

Nothing ever changes
Everything just stays the same
And you will find your destiny

Money changes nothing
And love is everything, love is everything
Money is nothing
And love is everything, love is everything

I've had my share of riches and everything that they bring
I've partied with princes and I've dined with the queens
But the pavements are cracked on the boulevard of broken dreams

I've been around the world a few times, maybe more
And if I ever settle down to family life well one things for sure
Gonna tell my children for their children too
The words my mother used, I'm passing on to you

That nothing ever changes
Everything just stays the same
And you will find your destiny

Money changes nothing
And love is everything, love is everything
Money is nothing
And love is everything, love is everything


Night Tide (The)
A dream that morphed into a tale of survival in the aftermath of the 'meltdown', when the river becomes a lifeline.   Tom Robinson wrote the screenplay to my movie.


For christ's sake Chrissie won't you open the door
Don't tell me you're still sleeping
All hell's going on in the street outside
All the roads are closed this evening

Tried to call you but the lines are jammed
Don't say you're not ready after all we've planned

Sail on the night
Sail on the night tide
Sail on the night
Sail on the night tide

There's no need packing, you can leave your key
We're running out of time now
Your money's worth nothing when we're all at sea
Just leave it all behind now

Only one way out of town tonight
We'll miss the madness if we time it right

Sail on the night
Sail on the night tide
Sail on the night
Sail on the night tide

Down the culvert and across the tracks
Down to the river as we turn our backs

Sail on the night
Sail on the night tide
Sail on the night
Sail on the night tide

Sail on the night
Sail on the night tide
Sail on the night
Sail on the night 


Ring The Changes
A song of hope


The room was bathed in silence
As our conversation died
I said farewell, I'd see you
But I knew that I had lied
Disillusion's nothing new
And even god's have feet of clay
As I turned to find a braver face
My tears gave me away

Ring the changes
Ring the changes
Ring the changes
Ring the changes

Holding back the tears
As I tried my best to work
With a voice that sounded crumpled
And a mind that's fit to burst
Can life go on without you
Well I guess I'll have to cope
As I wandered my way home that night
I heard the bell of hope

Ring the changes
Ring the changes
Ring the changes
Ring the changes

Ooh, when it gets extreme
You gotta hold that dream
And ring the changes

Now there's time for some reflection
Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry
But I'm learning to let go
Not getting rich but I get by
And if missing you's getting harder
Well it's a sign that all is well
Still your memory strikes me deep inside
When I hear that abbey bell

Ring the changes
Ring the changes
Ring the changes
Ring the changes


Rock & Roll Attitude
Peter Pan complex?  Who ... me?


I’ve had it with the boss, told him I don’t give a toss
When he says you can get your long hair cut
You cannot wear those jeans
Ain’t it funny - I can’t seem
To keep my big mouth shut

Working nine to five just to stay alive
Well I don’t believe in all that shit
I would rather die
Than wear a fancy tie
And have to live with it

That’s my rock&roll , rock& roll, rock&roll attitude (repeat)

You can stick your job I don’t owe nothin’ to nobody
I’ve done my time in this rut
Gonna head on into town
wind the windows down
& turn the music up

Keep my motor running, I’m half way down the street
Little Richard on the radio
Hit a downtown bar
With all the pretty girls
Get this road on the show

That’s my rock&roll , rock& roll, rock&roll attitude (repeat)

It’s time for me to shake the monkey from my shoulder
I’m just a kid who ain’t getting any older



Shutdown
A term coined in the 80s by my S27 bandmates to describe the moment I would spectacularly collapse without warning, when only moments before I had appeared completely sober.   Falling over unexpectedly became an art form!


I should see through you but my vision is blurred
Somehow I never seem to learn
It must be something that I ate or overheard
I’ve reached the point of no return

Feel no pain Nirvana I am with you
All is nearly dead and done
Give me one last glass and I’ll surrender
Shutdown claims another victim won

And now you’re dancing with your crystal silhouette
Bright eyed and lovely just for show
Reach for the bottle as you start to pirouette
You’ve wound me up now let me go

Feel no pain Nirvana I am with you
All is nearly dead and done
Give me one last glass and I’ll surrender
Shutdown claims another victim won


Take Me To Heaven
This represents a defining moment in my life.   I was happy to be overwhelmed.  Still am.


She walked in the room
And my life came undone
Cool as the Mistraal
But as hot as the sun
A molatov cocktail of fire and ice
First freezing me out
Then she sets me alight

Driving me to distraction
but that’s what I like
I’m caught in the beam of those halogen eyes
I’m in the dark
So take me into the light
Take me to heaven tonight

Take me to heaven, take me to heaven, take me to heaven tonight

Are you kind of cruel
Or just cruel to be kind
Blindingly obvious
I’m obviously blind
If I’m dying for you
Well then dying is fine
Take me to heaven tonight

Driving me to distraction
But that’s what I like
I’m caught in the beam of those halogen eyes
I’m in the dark
So take me into the light
Take me to heaven tonight

I can’t stop – and why would I want to
I just can’t get over you


You Fix Me (Thank You)

You fix me
With words of love
Change my state of mind

Touch me
Healing hands
Reaching deep inside

I was broken
And only half alive
By the same token
The stronger half survives

Love Me
Let me live
One day at a time

Teach me
How to find
Reason in the rhyme

I was broken
And only half alive
By the same token
The stronger half survives

You fix me
With words of love
Change my state of mind

Touch me
Healing hands
Reaching deep inside

I was broken
And only half alive
By the same token
The stronger half survives

Thank you
Thank you my friend

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