Aldoush

Composer - Musician - Guitarist - Music Director - Producer - Photographer

X DOT 25 Music releases "Melancholy Man" Video from the album "Rain and Dust" By Aldoush

Melancholy Man - Performed by Aldoush - Written by Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues

Melancholy Man is a song from "Rain and Dust" album by Aldoush and is full of melodic songs performed by Aldoush. Electric guitar, acoustic guitar and some computer sequencing has created the lush background for Aldoush's powerful and heart touching vocals. He has integrated acoustic guitar, percussion, bass and drums with his own tasty electric guitar work.

Aldoush always loved the music of Moody Blues and had performed their songs fo many years for friends in gatherings. Max Ahmadi, Founder and Executive Producer of X DOT 25 is an avid fan of the Moody Blues for many years also and their philosophy of life has been a way of life for him. This song connects to both so they decided to reproduce it. They also reproduced the song Nights in White Satin by Moody Blues on Aldoush "This Life" Album.

In the News

Aldoush is currently working on a new album to be released later in 2020. This album promises to be another extraordinary release. Aldoush has been a pioneer of World Music, World Fusion and World Blues. He is the winner of 1993 Wammies Award in San Francisco for the best World Music album of the year. This new release will be a timely present from Aldoush to his fans all over the world in these hard times. More to come…..

"...Resoundingly entrancing" says BAM Magazine. "...Fusion...in favor of ensemble fluidity, which has a seductive and serpentine appeal" - SF Bay Guardian.

Aldoush started singing when he was sixteen and picked up the guitar at age twenty-two. His playing was entirely Western and had no connection to his native music; he didn't truly begin to understand Persian music until after he left Iran in 1978.

In 1987 he returned home. Upon entering Iran he became a child within a dreamland. He was drenched in a waterfall of beautiful music and culture that had been invisible to him during my youth. A myriad of positive changes occurred while he was there, and his musical perspective changed dramatically after his visit. He then moved to Northern California, and his changing vision began to coalesce and expand. He was finally living in an area that was a hotbed for a growing world music scene and contained the musicians who could be sympathetic to his artistic vision, and he formed the Human Exchange.

Aldoush Wining Wammies Award in San Francisco (Best World Music Album of the Year Year 1993)

Aldoush creates an exotic new sound, combining ancient Iranian village music with Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms. In 1992 he wrote "The Child Within" album which was released on then pioneer record label in World Music - X DOT 25 Music in Emeryville, California. "The Child Within" was the first album created based on X DOT 25 Music's "Persian Art Music" concept. This album was the winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year.

His arrangements blend traditional Iranian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation which is the result of his present awareness of both Persian and Western styles of music, and working towards bringing these vastly different cultures together has been his goal.

In 1999 he released "This Life" which is a collection of Music he worked on for the 25 years with English lyrics. In 2001 he released "Rain and Dust" which is a collection of Persian music with electric guitars and 2 songs in English.

Then he moved back to his homeland and spend time with people there and then he co-created a new album "Desire to Fly" with one of his old friends Davood Ajir in 2007.

Later on in 2007 he moved to France, where he now writes music for radio and also performs live with Davood. They have a new group called "Wet Kind Of Blues" with a recent release: "Wolves Are Crying". You can check out Aldoush on Facebook.

Aldoush and Davood are currently working on a new album to be released soon.

The Child Within

Winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year.

" ...Resoundingly entrancing" - BAM Magazine. " ...Fusion...in favor of ensemble fluidity, which has a seductive and serpentine appeal" -SF Bay Guardian.

Aldoush & the Human Exchange create an exotic new sound on their CD "The Child Within", combining ancient Iranian folk music with Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms by Koorosh Angali. Their arrangements pass through many different genres, blending traditional Iranian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles.

The result is a sound that contains both the raw effervescence of true Iranian village music and the uncanny communication found in a well rehearsed jazz band. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation- winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year, this music is a must for multiculturalists and world music enthusiasts alike.

Listen and be enchanted. This album is the first album created based on X DOT 25 Music's "Persian Art Music" concept.

ALBUM INSERTS:

Style/Genre: World Contemporary Folk

Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Tamburak, Nazanin, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Six-string Fret-less Bass, Synthesizer, Synth Programming, Percussion, Tombak, Daf.

Tracks:

1. Deliverance (Raha-Ee), Pt. I (1:35)
2. Deliverance (Raha-Ee), Pt. II (7:49)
3. Prince of Love (Shahzadeh Eshgh) (7:51)
4. Love (Amoon Az Daste Eshgh), Pt. I (8:19)
5. Persian Miniature (6:54)
6. Ritual of New Year (Norooz - Nowruz) (6:40)
7. Zolaikha, Pt. I (2:33)
8. Zolaikha, Pt. II (7:26)
9. Juicy Pomegranate (6:03)
10. Goli Joon (6:47)
11. Love (Amoon Az Daste Eshgh), Pt. II (2:11)

Item # CD 1001-2, CA 1001-4

Winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award - Best World Music album of the year.

Pictures of Performances and More Information

Engineer: Bob Hodas

Aldoush & the Human Exchange create an exotic new sound, combining ancient Iranian village music with Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms. Their arrangements blend traditional Iranian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation- winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year, this music is a must for multiculturalists and world music enthusiasts alike. Listen and be enchanted. "...Resoundingly entrancing" says BAM Magazine. "...Fusion...in favor of ensemble fluidity, which has a seductive and serpentine appeal" - SF Bay Guardian

I started singing when I was sixteen and picked up the guitar at age twenty-two. My playing was entirely Western and had no connection to my native music; I didn't truly begin to understand Persian music until after I left Iran in 1978.

In 1987 I returned home. Upon entering Iran I became a child within a dreamland. I was drenched in a waterfall of beautiful music and culture that had been invisible to me during my youth. A myriad of positive changes occurred while I was there, and my musical perspective changed dramatically after my visit.

I then moved to Northern California, and my changing vision began to coalesce and expand. I was finally living in an area that was a hotbed for a growing world music scene and contained the musicians who could be sympathetic to my artistic vision, and I formed the Human Exchange.

This album is the result of my present awareness of both Persian and Western styles of music, and working towards bringing these vastly different cultures together has been my goal. I dedicate this record to the children of the world- our greatest treasure.

Many thanks go to my family, particularly my sister Clara, and to all my friends for their support. Special thanks to Koorosh Angali whose efforts during the production of this album and many years of friendship have brought me closer to my true culture. Thanks to Baback Etminani and Mark Newstetter who invented and hand-crafted the Nazanin. My deepest appreciation goes out to Ahmadreza Nabizadeh who introduced me to Persian folk music; finally, thanks to X DOT 25 Music for their enthusiasm and support.... - Aldoush

Produced by ALDOUSH ALPANIAN

Executive Producers: X DOT 25 Music

All English interpretations of lyrics by Koorosh Angali
Composed, Arranged, and Produced by Aldoush Alpanian
Lyrics by Koorosh Angali except "Juicy Pomegranate" by Scott Hill

Aldoush Alpanian: Lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar, tamburak, nazanin
Scott Hill: Soprano saxophone, clarinet, backing vocals
Jeff Obee: Six-string fretless bass, synthesizer, synth programming
Maryam Katouli, Sara Sultan, and Kathryn Khavari: Children's choir
Joe Brigandi: Percussion
Shahram Kazemi: Tombak, Daf

Recorded at Studio D, Sausalito, CA in April through July 1992 Additional recording at Coast Recorders, San Francisco, and Music Annex, Menlo Park, CA
Mixed by Bob Hodas
Recording Engineer: Ron Rigler
Assistant Engineer: Larry Brewer
Mastering Engineer: Paul Stubblebine Mastered at Rocket Lab, San Francisco, CA
Art direction, cover illustration, Design and computer manipulations: Koorosh Angali
Computer scanning: Jayce Farahmand

Lyrics

Deliverance (Raha-ee)

Dedicated to Emmett Kaake

Distress, distress, distress
The agony of perplexity
Into my soul yielded deplority
I prayed and prayed a cold sigh in vain
Release me from all grief and pain

In the end I found refuge
In the bosom of sorrow
As an infant would sneak
Into it's mothers arms to borrow
Respite.

Yonder an oracle, I heard all at once
A light - the Creator - illuminated in response
The everlasting Spring, forever to be
The eternal love and enlightenment came to me

The bird of the sun, caressing my skin
I tasted the sweet flavor of the rain
As a flock of angels were sprinkling henna
Over the golden-orange plain
What a dream it was, what a dream!
This was divine promise, it seemed
For better days to come.

Deliverance, freedom- I had the master key and gears
My beloved at my side, yet my eyes were filled with tears
Out of blindness

How did I expect to reach happiness so poor-spiritedly
With my inner eye blindfolded so benightedly?
The Oracle, I remember, uttered to me:
"Ope thy orb, a coward don't you be
Dare thyself to take sail in the ocean of divine love
Oh, you enlightened free-spirited dove!

رهائی

پریشونی پریشونی پریشونی درد حیرونی
به جونم بود خزونم بود چه حال زاری نمیدونی

دعا ها می کردم به صد آه سردم
رها تا کنه از غم و دردم

از این سر گردونی بلای حیرونی
به دامن غمها پناه بردم

صدا اومد ندا اومد از آسمون نور خدا اومد
بهار خندید دو چشمم دید که اون دلبرخوش ادا اومد

چکید طعم بارون به روی لبهامون
نشست مرغ خورشید رو تن هامون

انگار از آسمون هزارتا فرشته
حنا می زدن بر تن هامون

!چه رویآئی چه رویائی پی امروز چه فردایی
بهار ما بهاری خوش کنار ما نگاری خوش

رها بودن رها بودن کلید اون در کف ما بود
نگار ما کنار ما ولی چشمامون یه دریا بود

از پس پلک بسته دلای شکسته
چه راهی برای رسیدن هست؟

یه دم چشمو وا کن دلت رو دریا کن
که از دریای عشق شوی سرمست

!چه رویآئی چه رویائی پی امروز چه فردایی
بهار ما بهاری خوش کنار ما نگاری خوش

پریشونی پریشونی پریشونی درد حیرونی
به جونم بود خزونم بود چه حال زاری نمیدونی

دعا ها می کردم به صد آه سردم
رها تا کنه از غم و دردم

از این سر گردونی بلای حیرونی
به دامن غمها پناه بردم

صدا اومد ندا اومد از آسمون نور خدا اومد
بهار خندید دو چشمم دید که اون دلبرخوش ادا اومد

چکید طعم بارون به روی لبهامون
نشست مرغ خورشید رو تن هامون

انگار از آسمون هزارتا فرشته
حنا می زدن بر تن هامون

!چه رویآئی چه رویائی پی امروز چه فردایی
بهار ما بهاری خوش کنار ما نگاری خوش

رها بودن رها بودن کلید اون در کف ما بود
نگار ما کنار ما ولی چشمامون یه دریا بود

از پس پلک بسته دلای شکسته
چه راهی برای رسیدن هست؟

یه دم چشمو وا کن دلت رو دریا کن
که از دریای عشق شوی سرمست

!چه رویآئی چه رویائی پی امروز چه فردایی
بهار ما بهاری خوش کنار ما نگاری خوش

Prince of Love (Shahzadeh Eshgh)

Yonder in the wheat fields, gold nuggets of grain
Have sprouted gracefully in the shimmering plain
A vow is in order- these fields are for keeps
The offspring of the human should know that prosperity reaps
He who sows the seeds of love

Our forefathers left this land in our trust
Safeguard it restlessly against evil we must
This precious, precious land is the temple of God,
Zoroaster, Cyrus, Parthian, and Mad(1)

Devil would try his best from time to time
O'er it to cast a wicked spell
Wishing for this lovely land to be,
The terrible dungeon of the scornful Hell

Against all this profanity With all our soul and might
Joyfully and gracefully, we must ne'er cease our fight
Find the Prince of Love we must, O' we must
Leave this cherished land in his trust

Strut in the fields, then, here and there
Scatter seeds of joy and not despair
We must not be lazy, deplorable, or weary
Whilst we can be alive and prosper merrily

شاهزاده عشق

ببین محصولامون چه خوب دراومده
دیگه رنج یکساله مون سراومده
دونه های گندما مث حب طلاست
که ازخاک جوونه طلائی سرزده

بیا کدخدا دست بدست هم بدیم
که تا جون داریم دشتوازدست ندیم
تو این خاک بیا بذرسعادت بکاریم
از این محصولا به بچه هامونم بدیم

بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم
بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم

پدرها به ما یک امونت دادن
دادن تا که ماجون داریم تو بدن
اونو حفظ کنیم ازکف (دست) دیوبلا
بسیازیم ازاون خونه پاک خدا

اگه شیطون اومد طلسمش کنه
بخواد مار ودرگیراسمش کنه
شیشه عمرشو پیدا کنیم وبشکنیم
تا که دود بشه ریشه شوبرکنیم

بریم شاهزاده عشقو پیدا کنیم
بیاریم توی ده اونو شاه کنیم

بیا کدخدا دست بدست هم بدیم
که تا جون داریم دشتو ازدست ندیم
تو این خاک بیا بذرسعادت بکاریم
از این محصولا به بچه هامونم بدیم

بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم
بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم

پدرها به ما یک امونت دادن دادن
تا که ماجون داریم تو بدن
اونو حفظ کنیم از کف (دست) دیو بلا
بسیازیم ازاون خونه پاک خدا

اگه شیطون اومد طلسمش کنه
بخواد مارودرگیراسمش کنه
شیشه عمرشو پیدا کنیم وبشکنیم
تا که دود بشه ریشه شو برکنیم

بریم شاهزاده عشقو پیدا کنیم
بیاریم توی ده اونو شاه کنیم

توی صحرا بریم اینجا اونجا بریم
هر طرف ما بریم دون بپاشیم
خسته از کار نشیم مست و پروارنشیم
مرده زارنشیم زنده باشیم

توی صحرا بریم اینجا اونجا بریم
هر طرف ما بریم دون بپاشیم
خسته از کار نشیم مست و پروار نشیم
مرده زار نشیم زنده باشیم

Ritual of Persian New Year (norooz - nowruz)

Sweet smell of violets streams through the town
Whilst maiden of delight, with her Narcissus crown
Brings joy in a salver to effuse in our hearts
Girls dance in the streets chanting songs of love
Children play with their rattles; rejoice their lusty chests
Grandmothers, in their living rooms, entertain their guests
Girls in groups of many roam into the pastoral scene
Recite the ritual of Seez-dah(2), making ties of grass and greens
Wishing to be a bride in this year with such dreams

Watching all this panorama would fill your eyes with tears
Not of sorrow, but of joy- the spring is here.

نوروز

این روزا از خونه ما بو بنفشه جاریه
از دل بی نیاز ما غصه و غم فراریه
گلای باغچه تو نسیم رقص دل انگیز می کنن
دلای بی تا بمونو از شوق لبریز می کنن

دخترا روی گیسشون گلای نرگس می زنن
توسبزه ها ترانه ها از عشق و شادی می خونن

بچه ها توی کوچه ها جغجغه بازی می کنن
مادر بزرگا تو خونه مهمون نوازی می کنن

عید اومده تو خونه ها سفره هفت سین بذارین
تو سفره های رنگارنگ نقلای شیرین بذارین
اون حاجی فیروز رو ببین باز همه رو میخندونه
هزار غمم داشته باشه بازم ز شادی می خونه

بهار میاد تو کوچه ها نسیم دلکش میاره
توقلب پر امید ما گلای شادی میکاره

دسته به دسته دخترا سیزده رو به درمیکنن
با امید عروس شدن گره به سبزه می زنن

Zolaikha

At dawn the divine hand
Diffuses gold particles o'er the fields
Lady Sun, in her floral attire
In the brick adobes she yields
To pay visit to early birds

Zolaikha, oh, Zolaikha
Behold how fair and lovely the morning is
God's hand is leading away
As riders of the sweet breeze:
Colorful flowers, in herds

Let us go to God's sacred dwelling
Pick a bounty of love-flowers
In His affectionate face
Would we see our latter hours and tomorrows to come

To scatter love-flowers over the village,
Let us borrow thousands of hands
Reciting tales of love for children
Let us carry this hearty errand to the storyteller of the village

The sun is sprinkling the wheat fields
With various lovely tints
Running her fingers through our hair
For a divine copulation
Tis all but a hint of invitation

In the harem of divinities
We lie down, our bodies shimmering gems
As the Zephyr kisses the faces of children
And people pay homage to them

زلیخا

آفتاب داره سر می زنه رو خونه های کاه گلی
خورشید خانم میاد بیرون با پیرهن گل گلی
رنگ طلایی میپاشن به سینه کوه و دشت
غرق نفس میشه دلا میرن به سیرو گلگشت

زلیخا ای زلیخا ببین چه صبح قشنگه
دست خدا ببین پر ازگلای رنگ وارنگه

بیا بریم پیش خدا گلای عشق بچینیم
تو صورت پاک خدا فردامونو ببینیم
هزار سبد گل بیاریم میون ده بپا شیم
به بچها از عشق بگیم قصه گوی ده باشیم

ز روزخلقتم جز قصه ای من نه بشنیدم
از این گردون بی دم
کنون دانم حقیقت در خود ماست
حقیقت نیست جز اندیشه و تن ای داد بیداد

خورشید داره رنگ می پاشه رو زلفای گندما
انگار که پنجه میندازه تو زلفای مردما

نسیم که بوسه میزنه بصورت بچها
آدما کورنش میکنن به حرمت بچها

زلیخا ای زلیخا ببین چه صبح قشنگه
دست خدا ببین پر از گلای رنگ وارنگه

بیا بریم پیش خدا گلای عشق بچینیم
تو صورت پاک خدا فردامونو ببینیم
هزار سبد گل بیاریم میون ده بپاشیم
به بچها از عشق بگیم قصه گوی ده باشیم

Juicy Pomegranate

Press on the skin and the juices within
Will explode in your mouth with amorous sweetness and life

Surrender the senses to red spheres of splendor
They hang from the tree- the round, juicy pomegranates

Taste of life, a wine from the seeds of the sun
A treasure of mine for you

Goli Joon

Roaming in the green fields- a graceful strut
Playful, lusty Zephyrus thrown with you his lot
Indignant Flora, although jealous of this deed
Paves your path with floral carpet singing "Godspeed"

The breezy fingers of Favonius
Through your hair and skirt
I wonder if it's erroneous:
Such grace was made of dirt

Earthly love is ephemeral
To the clouds we should flit
Where amorous Pygmalion's heart
With Galatea's glance would be lit
And Helios, the God Sun
Roams about on his steed
While nesting mother of rain
Is impregnated by his seed

Goli, my beloved
Oh, remedy of all my pain
Folks would try to stop us
Of this divine love, but all in vain.

گلی جون

تو دشت و صحرا گلی جون مسست وخرامون
میون گلها می زنی پرسه و جولون

دومنتو باد میزنه اینور و اونور
گیس بلندت می زنه به هر طرف سر

گلی دورت بگردم گلی دوای دردم
گلی حیا نکن از حرف مردم

بیا بریم به صحرا رها بشیم ز حرفا
فرار کنیم بریم اون سر دنیا

دشتو نگاه کن چشماتو وا کن
زندگی ما گلی جون تو دشت و صحراست
گلی جون اون سردنیاست

بیا رها شیم من و تو ما شیم
خاک جای ما نیست گلی جون
بیا واسه رها شدن ابرهوا شیم

آدما نیش می زنن
دلتو ریش می کنن
زخم پر درد تنن

باید بریم بقچه رو ور دار
گلی جون حالا دیگه وقت فراره
موندن دیگه فایده نداره

تو دشت و صحرا گلی جون مسست وخرامون
میون گلها می زنی پرسه و جولون

دومنتو باد میزنه اینور و اونور
گیس بلندت می زنه به هر طرف سر

گلی دورت بگردم گلی دوای دردم
گلی حیا نکن از حرف مردم

بیا بریم به صحرا رها بشیم ز حرفا
فرار کنیم بریم اون سر دنیا

دشتو نگاه کن چشماتو وا کن
زندگی ما گلی جون تو دشت و صحراست

گلی جون اون سردنیاست
بیا رها شیم من و تو ما شیم

خاک جای ما نیست گلی جون
بیا واسه رها شدن ابرهوا شیم

آدما نیش می زنن
دلتو ریش می کنن
زخم پر درد تنن

باید بریم بقچه رو ور دار
گلی جون حالا دیگه وقت فراره
موندن دیگه فایده نداره

گلی جونم بیا بریم به صحرا
گلی بیا رها بشیم تو ابرا
گلی جونم بیا بریم به صحرا
گلی بیا رها بشیم تو ابرا
گلی جونم بیا بریم به صحرا
گلی بیا رها بشیم تو ابرا
گلی جونم بیا بریم به صحرا
گلی بیا رها بشیم تو ابرا
گلی

Love (Amoon Az Daste Eshgh)

Enter, enter, oh you seeker

Welcome, welcome to the flicker
Sparks of rejoicing shimmer in this air
Flakes of love shower on your thirsty flair

امون از دست عشق

دمی با عاشقون هم پیشه گشتوم
دمی با ظالمون هم تیشه گشتوم
چو به میدون ندیدوم جون آزاد
رفیق و دمخوراندیشه گشتوم
د‌‌‌لوم از خنجر اندیشه خونه
نپرسیدوم کسی کندیشه چونه
دل دریا چه گونه گیر آبه
که تو خونش هزارو گونه گونه

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

غریبی تشنه و سر در گریبون
کویری یا بسونو دیده بارون
لبونوم خشک و حق حق بود شب و روز
دو چشموم تر تر از دریای دامون
دل عاشق که روز و شب نداره
چه بیماری که حتا حب نداره
چه گو یوم با دل خونین که حتا
ز حجم عشق جای تب نداره

امون از دست عشق

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

دل و درد غریبی یک دو تا نیست
به جز وصلت بر این علت دوا نیست

از این بارامانت شونه در کن
که این خاک مدور جای ما نیست
از این آشفتگی ای دل حذر کن
به کوی عاشقون پیمونه سر کن
در این امواج جوشان نعمتی نیست
بیا منزل به دریای دگر کن

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

Rain and Dust

Style/Genre: World/Persian

Instrumentation: Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Drums, Percussion, Clarinet, Djembe, Keyboards, Fretless Bass, Soprano Sax.

Includes Gol-e Yakh - Performed by Aldoush
Melancholy Man - Performed by Aldoush - Written by Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues

This album is a collection of his songs from his pre Award Winning "The Child Within" music era. Most songs in Persian, except "Melancholy Man" and "People Aren't for Sale" in English. This album is full of melodic songs performed by Aldoush. Electric guitar, acoustic guitar and some computer sequencing has created the lush background for Aldoush's powerful and heart touching vocals. He has integrated acoustic guitar, percussion, bass and drums with his own tasty electric guitar work. This album includes re-makes of Persian classic song "Gol-e Yakh" and a Moody Blues song "Melancholy Man".

Tracks:

1. Gol-e Yakh (8:24)
2. Deerooz, Emrooz, Farda (5:11)
3. Melancholy Man (4:43)
4. Afsaneh (6:00)
5. Shekar-e Ahoo (6:50)
6. Vasoonak (5:19)
7. Goli Joon (7:12)
8. People Aren’t For Sale (6:21)
Total Time: 50:03

Item # CD 1012-2

Produced by Aldoush
All Songs Arranged and Produced by Aldoush Alpanian
Songs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 Recorded & mixed by Aldoush Alpanian, Steve McRumme, Los Angeles CA.
Additional mixing David Whipple, Berkeley CA.
Songs 3,8 Recorded by Aldoush Alpanian in Napa Studios
Mixed by Bob Hodas & Aldoush at Wellhausen Studios in San Francisco
Mastered by Albert Benichou at CD Premastering Studio - Emeryville, CA
Painting of Aldoush By: Poulet Khodayai
Cover Design: Farzaneh Foroughi

Executive Producers X DOT 25 Music

Lyrics

Gol-e Yakh (Ice Flower)

Lyrics: Mehdi Akhavan Langaroodi
Music: Koorosh Yaghmaee
Aldoush: Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Steve McRumme: Keyboards

Persian:

Gham miyoone do ta chashmoone ghashanget, looneh kardeh
Shab too moohaye siyahet, khoone kardeh
Do ta chashmooneh siyahet, mese shabhaye mane
Siyahiaye do cheshmet, mese ghamhaye mane
Vaghti boghz az mojeham payin miyad, baroon mishe
Sayle gham abadimo viroone karde
Vaghti ba man mimooni tanhayimo, bad mibare
Do ta cheshmam baroone, shaboone karde
Bahar az dastaye man par zado raft
Gole yakh tooye delam javooneh karde
Too otagham daram az tanhayi atish migiram
Ey shokoofeh tooye in zamooneh karde
Chi bekhoonam, javoonim rafteh sedam rafteh dige
Gole yakh tooye delam javooneh kardeh
Chi bekhoonam, javoonim rafteh sedam rafteh dige
Gole yakh tooye delam javooneh kardeh

English Translation:

Sadness has nested in the middle of your two beautiful eyes (it's always there)
The night has made a home in your black hair
Your two black eyes are like my nights
The blackness of your two eyes are like my sadness
When the spite comes down on my eyelashes, it turns into rain
The sadness like a flood has ruined everything I have built
When you stay with me
The wind takes my loneliness
My two eyes have rained in the night
The spring flew out of my hands
The Ice Flower is growing in my heart
In my room I am burning from loneliness
Oh' the one who has blossomed in this age/time
What should I sing? My youth has gone, my voice has gone
The Ice Flower is grown in my heart
What should I sing? My youth has gone, my voice has gone
The Ice Flower is grown in my heart (X2)

گل یخ

غم میون دو تا چشمون قشنگت لونه کرده
شب تو موهای سیاهت خونه کرده
دوتا چشمون سیاهت مثل شبهای منه
سیاهی های دو چشمت مثل غم های منه
وقتی بغض از مژه هام پایین میاد بارون میشه
سیل غمها آبادیمو ویرونه کرده
وقتی با من میمونی تنهاییمو باد می بره
دوتا چشمام بارون شبونه کرده
بهار از دستهای من پر زدو رفت
گل یخ توی دلم جوونه کرده
تو اتاقم دارم از تنهایی آتیش میگیرم
دل شکوفه تو این زمونه کرده
چی بخونم جوونیم رفته صدام رفته دیگه
گل یخ توی دلم جوونه کرده

Deerooz, Emrooz, Farda (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow)

Lyrics: Ahmadreza Nabizadeh
Music: Greg Lake
Aldoush: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Steve McRumme: Keyboards

Persian:

Zendege-eee
Tahmile yek gonahee
Tanbihe yek khataee
Ey zendegee
Zendege-eee
Ayenehee ghosehamoon
As azal edameh dareh
Ey zendegee
Cheshmaat koreh ey zendge-eee
Ya nemikhay bebinee aynehamon shekasteh
Zendegee
Ghalbam labreez as eshgh
Zendegeee
Zendegeeee
Ranj-o dardo eshtiyagh
Vahshat as peereeo entezaar
Zendegee
Roozo shaab hemeh talash
Dar peye omido yek sarab
Zendegee
Bar bar dosh bordan
zendegee
Lahzehee yek tavalod
Lahzehee as dast raftan
Zendege-eee
Deerooz - Emrooz - Farda
Zendege-ee

Bachehah shaadee koneem
Ghamo dardamono
Ba ham beshineem chareh koneem
Hala ba ham bekhoneem
Besheeneem bepareen
Keh ma zendegeero dost dareem
Akheh zendegeero dost dareeem
Keh ma zendegeero dost dareem

Akheh zendegee ro dost dareem
Keh ma zendegeero dost dareem
Eshghe yek maadar
Zendegee
Parvazeh yek kabootar
Baazee ba yek aroosak
Zendegee
Deerooz - Emrooz - Farda
Zendegee

Zendegeeee
Ranjo dardo eshtiyagh
Vahshat az peeree-o entezaar
Zendegee
Roozo shaab hemeh talash
Dar peye omido yek sarab
Zendegee
Baar bar doosh bordan
Zendegee
Lahzehee yek tavalod
Lahzehee as dast raftan
Zendege-eee
Deerooz - Emrooz - Farda
Zendegeee

Zendegeeee

Zendegeeee.......

دیروز، امروز، فردا

تهمیل یک گناهی
تنبیه یک خطایی
ای زندگی

زندگی
آینه غصهامون
از اذل ادامه داره
ای زندگی

چشمات کوره ای زندگی
یا نمیخواهی ببینی آینهامون شکسته
زندگی

قلبم لبریز از عشق
زندگی

زندگی
رنج و درد و اشتیاق
در پی امید یک سراب
زندگی

بار بر دوش بردن
زندگی

لحظه یک تولد
لحظه از دست رفتن
زندگی

دیروز امروز فردا
زندگی

بچها شادی کنیم
غم و دردامونو
بشینیم با هم چاره کنیم

حالا با هم بخونیم بشینیم بپریم
که ما زندگی رو دوست داریم
آخه زندگی رو دوست داریم
که ما زندگی رو دوست داریم

آخه زندگی رو دوست داریم
که ما زندگی رو دوست داریم

عشق یک مادر
زندگی

پرواز یک کبوتر
بازی با یک عروسک
زندگی

زندگی
رنج درد و اشتیاق
وحشت از پیری وانتظار
زندگی

روز و شب همه تلاش
در پی امید و یک سراب
زندگی

بار بر دوش بردن
زندگی

لحظه یک تولد
لحظه از دست رفتن
زندگی

دیروز امروز فردا
زندگی

زندگی

Melancholy Man

Lyrics: Mike Pinder Music: Moody Blues
Aldoush: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Obee: Fretless Bass
Joe Brigandi: Drums & Percussion
Scott Hill: Clarinet
Art Cavanero: Jimbe

I'm a melancholy man, that's what I am,
All the world surrounds me, and my feet are on the ground.
I'm a very lonely man, doing what I can,
All the world astounds me and I think I understand
That we're going to keep growing, wait and see.

When all the stars are falling down
Into the sea and on the ground,
And angry voices carry on the wind,
A beam of light will fill your head
And you'll remember what's been said
By all the good men this world's ever known.
Another man is what you'll see,
Who looks like you and looks like me,
And yet somehow he will not feel the same,
His life caught up in misery, he doesn't think like you and me,
'Cause he can't see what you and I can see.

Afsaneh (Persian Girl)

Lyrics: Reconstructed by Koorosh Anagli
Music: Shaabaah Group
Aldoush: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Steve McRumme: Keyboards

افسانه

به چشم مست ناز تو نگاه پر ز راز تو
به اشکا که هر زمان ریزد پی نیاز تو

غسم به غم که هر شبان ز نالها که میکنم
رود صدای ساز من به عرش آسمان غم

همه بود یاد تو همه بود نام تو
ببین دل غمین من چگونه گشته رام تو

به جز پناه زلف تو چه دارم ای امید من
افسانه شیرین جان من کبوتر سپید من

به خواب خوش میبینمت نشسته ای کنار من
امید روزگار من امید روزگار من

به چشم مست ناز تو نگاه پر ز راز تو
به اشکا که هر زمان ریزد پی نیاز تو

غسم به غم که هر شبان ز نالها که میکنم
رود صدای ساز من به عرش آسمان غم

همه بود یاد تو همه بود نام تو
ببین دل غمین من چگونه گشته رام تو

به جز پناه زلف تو چه دارم ای امید من
افسانه شیرین جان من کبوتر سپید من

به خواب خوش میبینمت نشسته ای کنار من
امید روزگار من امید روزگار من

SHEKAR-E AHOO (DEER HUNTING)

Lyrics: Traditional Folk
Music: Traditional Folk
Aldoush: Vocals, Electric Guitar
Steve McRumme: Keyboards

شکار آهو

میخوام برم کوه شکار آهو
میخوام برم کوه شکار آهو

تفنگ من کو لیلی جان تفنگ من کو آه
تفنگ من کو لیلی جان تنفگ من کو

بالای بومی کفتر پرونی
بالای بومی کفتر پرونی

شستت بنازم لیلی جان خوب میپرونی آه
شستت بنازم لیلی جان خوب میپرونی

روی چو ماهت تیر نگاهت
روی چو ماهت تیر نگاهت

برده دل ازمن لیلی جان چشم سیاهت آه
برده دل ازمن لیلی جان چشم سیاهت

هر دم بگردم دره به دره
هر دم بگردم دره به دره

مانند آهو لیلی جان گم کرده گله آه
مانند آهو لیلی جان گم کرده گله

بالای پشتی عاشق رو کشتی
بالای پشتی عاشق رو کشتی

با خون عاشق لیلی جان نامه نوشتی
آه با خون عاشق لیلی جان نامه نوشتی

روی چو ماهت تیر نگاهت
روی چو ماهت تیر نگاهت

برده دل ازمن لیلی جان چشم سیاهت آه
برده دل ازمن لیلی جان چشم سیاهت

VASOONAK (TRADITIONAL FOLK WEDDING SONG)

Lyrics: Folk from Shiraz
Music: Folk from Shiraz
Aldoush: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Steve McRumme: Keyboards

واسونک

چینگ وچینگ یه ساز میاد و از بالای شیراز میاد
شازده دوماد غم مخور که نومزدت با نازمی یاد

سر کوچه شازده دوماد صد شتر کردن قطار
سر کوچه عروس خانوم شاخه گل کردن سوار

یار مبارک بادا ایشالله مبارک بادا
یار مبارک بادا ایشالله مبارک بادا

این طرف تخت طلا و اون طرف طلا
شازده دوماد روش نشسته می کنه شکر خدا

باد اومد بارون گرفت و آب اومد دالون گرفت
سوریا گویید مبارک کار ما انجوم گرفت

یارمبارک بادا ایشالله مبارک بادا
یارمبارک بادا ایشالله مبارک بادا

چینگ وچینگ یه ساز میاد و از بالای شیراز
میاد شازده دوماد غم مخور که نومزدت با نازمی یاد

سر کوچه شازده دوماد صد شتر کردن قطار
سر کوچه عروس خانم شاخه گل کردن سوار

یارمبارک بادا ایشالله مبارک بادا
یارمبارک بادا ایشالله مبارک بادا

چارقد نازت بنازم لول به لول باد میبره
رنگ گلناریت بنازم سر شو خوابت میبره

کی به حجره کی به حجره شازده دوماد با زنش
کی بگرده کی بگرده خواهر کوچیکترش

یارمبارک بادا ایشالله مبارک بادا
یارمبارک بادا ایشالله مبارک بادا

Goli Joon (Persian Girl)

Lyrics: Koorosh Angali
Music: Aldoush
Aldoush: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Steve McRumme: Keyboards

English Translation:

Roaming in the green fields- a graceful strut
Playful, lusty Zephyrus thrown with you his lot
Indignant Flora, although jealous of this deed
Paves your path with floral carpet singing "Godspeed"

The breezy fingers of Favonius
Through your hair and skirt
I wonder if it's erroneous:
Such grace was made of dirt

Goli, my beloved
Oh, remedy of all my pain
Folks would try to stop us
Of this divine love, but all in vain.

گلی جون

تو دشت و صحرا گلی جون مسست وخرامون
میون گلها می زنی پرسه و جولون

دومنتو باد میزنه اینور و اونور
گیس بلندت می زنه به هر طرف سر

گلی دورت بگردم گلی دوای دردم
گلی حیا نکن از حرف مردم

بیا بریم به صحرا رها بشیم ز حرفا
فرار کنیم بریم اون سر دنیا

دشتو نگاه کن چشماتو وا کن
زندگی ما گلی جون تو دشت و صحراست
گلی جون اون سردنیاست

بیا رها شیم من و تو ما شیم
خاک جای ما نیست گلی جون
بیا واسه رها شدن ابرهوا شیم

آدما نیش می زنن
دلتو ریش می کنن
زخم پر درد تنن

باید بریم بقچه رو ور دار
گلی جون حالا دیگه وقت فراره
موندن دیگه فایده نداره

تو دشت و صحرا گلی جون مسست وخرامون
میون گلها می زنی پرسه و جولون

دومنتو باد میزنه اینور و اونور
گیس بلندت می زنه به هر طرف سر

گلی دورت بگردم گلی دوای دردم
گلی حیا نکن از حرف مردم

بیا بریم به صحرا رها بشیم ز حرفا
فرار کنیم بریم اون سر دنیا

دشتو نگاه کن چشماتو وا کن
زندگی ما گلی جون تو دشت و صحراست
گلی جون اون سردنیاست

بیا رها شیم من و تو ما شیم
خاک جای ما نیست گلی جون
بیا واسه رها شدن ابرهوا شیم

آدما نیش می زنن
دلتو ریش می کنن
زخم پر درد تنن

باید بریم بقچه رو ور دار
گلی جون حالا دیگه وقت فراره
موندن دیگه فایده نداره

People Aren't for Sale

Lyrics: Sue Mckarness
Music: Aldoush
Aldoush: Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Obee: Fretless Bass
Joe Brigandi: Percussion
Scott Hill: Soprano Sax

You came to me on a windy day and showed me a face of pain
I took your gentle hand in mine and we listened to the rain
I can see the year scattered on your face, the memories you can't erase
Still lost in your darker days, searching for your hiding place
Why did you choose this life young girl?
What drove you in this way young girl?
Listen to me and don't forget that people aren't for sale, young girl
You look so young and strongly pure despite the lines of sorrow
And if I could I'd stopped you now and save you from tomorrow
Why did you choose this life young girl?
What drove you in this way young girl?
Listen to me and don't forget that people aren't for sale, young girl
Ohhhhhhh, Young Girl, Mmmmm....

And when we talked you are so weakened
And make me cold with pain
For all those people who turned on you
And cast you to your fate
Let me lead you to a better life
Where people live in joy
I'll give you all you ever want
And you learn to love this world
Again, Again ...............

Some losers are just sacrificed but don't be a victim this time
Leave behind the winter of your life and toss away those lies
Why did you choose this life young girl?
What drove you in this way young girl?
Listen to me and don't forget that people aren't for sale, young girl.

This Life

Style/Genre: World Rock
Instrumentation: Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Daf, Tabla, Persian Tombak (Zarb), Percussion, Drums, Alto & Soprano Sax, Keyboards, Bass.

Includes: Nights In White Satin

Performed by Aldoush - Written by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

East meets West on the new release from composer/producer Aldoush Alpanian. A newline up and a different perspective on this CD where progressive world fusion crosses rock boundaries and is influenced by Middle Eastern textures. This work is enhanced by Aldoush's expressive vocal work, lyrics of depth and intensity in English, and a band that cooks.

Here Aldoush has followed up his 1993 Wammies Award winning debut album "The Child Within" with a table turning tour de force in "This Life", changing his focus from the western influenced middle eastern world music of "The Child Within" to an epic album of world class rock. A richly textured musical and lyrical adventure . Although Aldoush has maintained his acoustic foundation, this album rocks with a soaring and soulful blend of pop, rock, reggae, blues, jazz and middle eastern influences.

Style/Genre: World Rock
Instrumentation: Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Daf, Tabla, Persian Tombak (Zarb), Percussion, Drums, Alto & Soprano Sax, Keyboards, Bass.

Tracks:

1. The Ride 7:50
2. Living in the City 7:48
3. The Call 6:58
4. Lady of Mexico 8:10
5. Truth in Chains 6:27
6. Simple Man 4:53
7. Nights in White Satin 4:50
8. This Life 8:23
9. My Private Storm 5:11
10. Journey to Jaffar 6:20

Total Time: 66:50

Item # CD 4002-2

Aldoush has followed up his 1993 Wammies Award winning debut album "The Child Within" with a table turning tour de force in "This Life" his second release, changing his focus from the western influenced middle eastern world music of "The Child Within" to an epic album of world class rock. "This Life" is a richly textured musical and lyrical adventure (English lyrics), full of emotion, drama and surprise. Rarely has an artist of this quality changed directions so dramatically with such impressive results. He has augmented his lineup of acoustic guitar, saxophone, Persian steel string instrument (Nazanin), percussion, bass and drums with the immaculately tasty electric guitar work of Mark Holzinger.

Although Aldoush has maintained his acoustic foundation, this album rocks with a soaring and soulful blend of pop, rock, reggae, blues, jazz and middle eastern influences. Each song is a passionate and powerful slice of life from the tongue in cheek desperation of the opening track "The Ride" to the bluesy meditative title track "This Life." There is also a dazzling diversity between the songs, from the poetry and promise of "The Call" and the challenging "Truth in Chains" to the dynamic rhythms of "My Private Storm" and the middle eastern celebration of "Journey to Jaffar." These songs flow effortlessly together on a variety of rhythms, thanks to the consistently compelling melodies of Aldoush. "This Life" is guaranteed to be as satisfying as it is surprising.

Produced and arranged by Aldoush Alpanian

Musicians:

Mark Holzinger: Electric Guitar (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
Jeff Obee: Bass (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
Larry De La Cruz: Alto Sax, Soprano, Keyboards (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
Dave Rokeach: Drums (1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10)
Art Cavagnaro: Percussion (1,3,7,8,9,10)
Ann Dyer: Harmony Vocals (5,6,7,8,9)
Hooshmand Saki: Persian Tombak (Zarb) (3,8,9,10)
Jim Owens: Tabla (1)
Aldoush Alpanian: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Daf (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9)

All songs 1999 X DOT 25 MUSIC PUBLISHING (ASCAP)
except Nights In White Satin Copyright 1967 Tro-Essex Music (ASCAP)

Music by Aldoush Alpanian except "Nights in White Satin" by Justin Hayward

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe except "Living in the City" by Susan MacKarness, "Nights in White Satin" by Justin Hayward, and "Simple Man" by Mike Dane Hager
All lyrics used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recorded by: Aldoush Alpanian and Mark Schleunes at Crowmagnon Studios, Oakland, CA
Mixed by: Aldoush Alpanian & Mark Lamaire at Canyon Studios, Oakland CA
Mastered by: Scott Hill
Cover Photo, Design & Computer Graphics: Koorosh Angali
Dave Rokeach's photo by: Ralph Granich
Baby on the cover: Payam Mottaghian
Executive producers: X DOT 25 Music
C&P 1999 X DOT 25 Music

Lyrics

The Ride

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

I'm a fool, surrounded by a wall of illusion
Created by my desire to believe your lies
I'm a fool, drowning in a well of confusion
Feeling helpless as I gaze into your eyes
Love is crazy, don't know what I'm thinking, what I'm doing
I never could resist the way you smiled
Love is crazy, know that you're not feeling what I'm feeling
Still, sometimes I feel as helpless as a child
Sometimes I feel as helpless as a child

A thousand miles she came to find me
How could I know? Why should I hide?
Like a dream she came to blind me
I went along just for the ride
How could I know?...Why should I hide?
I went along ... just for the ride

My head's spinning, fighting my emotions for control
I know that if I win I'll only lose
My head's spinning, what I feel is stronger than what
I know I know I've no choice left and still I choose
I am lost now, caught up in a web of self -destruction
Wondering if you always knew I'd go this way
I am lost now, suffering more each day from my inaction
While searching for the strength to walk away
While searching for the strength to walk away

Looking into your eyes , somehow I'm hypnotized
I wanna' leave but you know I always stay
Sometimes I think I'll get away today
But then I look in your eyes, and again I'm paralyzed
I don't know if I'll ever get away
How could I know?...Why should I hide?
I went along ... just for the ride
I don't know if I'll ever get away

Living In The City

Lyrics by Susan MacKarness

I see you man, we both exist
But can you show your heart
Take away that mask of stone
And smile just for a start
Yesterday the sky was blue
And I felt my spirits rise
But everywhere I turned was cold
And all I heard were lies

Living in the city can really bring you down
I'd rather get some land and leave this golden town
Living in the city really brings you down
I'm gonna get some land
and leave this bloody golden town

We're all here for a few years
To live and fight for life
I've seen so many souls who've lost their way
Down these lonely streets tonight
I'll have to leave here very soon
If I want to feel again
I've tried so hard to get through
But all I got was pain

Living in the city can really bring you down
I'd rather get some land and leave this golden town
Living in the city really brings you down
I'm gonna get some land
and leave this bloody golden town

Did you see that lovely face?
Notice that lonely old man?
Watch those flowers growing tall
I'm running, catch me if you can
Yes, this has been too much for me
I don't want whatever it's got
I'll flee into the other life
Where money's out and feeling's not

Living in the city can really bring you down
I'd rather get some land and leave this golden town
Living in the city really brings you down
I'm gonna get some land
and leave this bloody golden town

The Call

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

Here, here, here we go again
For every three steps forward
There's two we are pulled back again
Sky, sky, the evening sky is clear
But I hear thunder and a strange sense of danger is near
Cry, cry, but don't you cry for me
Cry for all the misguided ones, whose hearts still don't see
There are reasons to live in everything we do
In the time that we are given, I will show them to you

Well it only takes a moment
For your world to explode
And it only takes a moment
To sanctify your soul

Fear, fear, all around us in their eyes
Lord, I've stood my ground for you
Won't you open up these skies?
And save me, save me, save me from this mob
They want to take my life
They want to shake my faith in God
Pain, pain, they strike me with their stones
I feel the sting of their hatred
As their nails crush my bones
Afraid, afraid, afraid of the truth
They're blinded by fear and rage, with everything to lose

Well it only takes a moment
For your world to explode
And it only takes a moment
To sanctify your soul

Free, free, I'll be free when this is done
My time is almost over now, and yours has just begun
On we go, answering the call
Remember me and carry on the word to all
Home, home, take me home again
On a slide of light, to that promised land
Home, home, take me home again
On a slide of light, to that promised land
On we go, answering the call
Remember me and carry on the word to all

Lady of Mexico

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

You lie sleeping in my arms again
So soft and warm, your golden skin
And I wish this moment would never end
My lady of Mexico

In the morning you'll be leaving
In my head, well I guess I know
In a few months you'll be back here again
But the tears are beginning to show
`Cause my heart keeps crying to me
Hey man, don't let her go
'Cause I love you
   'Cause I love you
      'Cause I love you
               My lady of Mexico

Soon your Spanish eyes will open
And I'll kiss your morning smile
We'll hold each other close for awhile
Before you take to the sky
Well, it's something you feel you have to do
And I just can't stand in your way
'Cause I love you
    'Cause I love you
        'Cause I love you
               My lady of Mexico

So I'll think about these moments
In the months ahead while you're gone
And they'll help me through the days to come
And the nights won't seem quite so long
And if you don't come back to me
I'll know I can't, but I must carry on
`Cause I love you
My lady of Mexico
And if you don't come back to me
I'll know I can't, but I must carry on
'Cause I love you
   'Cause I love you
      'Cause I love you
            My lady of Mexico

Truth In Chains

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

"Nothing is what it appears to be"
The old woman feebly cried
When truth is chained for convenience
Innocent people die
Three doors tower in front of you
Which one will you choose?
Your own redemption's just out of reach
There's no time left to lose
There's no time left to lose

"Why do you stand there waiting?"
Came the familiar voice
So many lives are on the line
And you must make a choice
As if your force could prove you right
You boldly cross the line
Is anything worth so many lives?
Will this dust settle in our time?
Will this dust settle in our time?

Cold wind whistling through empty streets
No other sound for miles around
Dead city standing in a yellow haze
Ruins crumbling to the ground
As lightning flashes in the distance
Big birds sail across the sky
Evil destruction is raining down
And the sky begins to cry
And the sky begins to cry...

Simple Man

Lyrics by Michael Dane Hager

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free
What it takes to have some peace.

Free from all the children, that are naked in the night
Hoping somebody will save them,
                          from the evils of their plight
We've got to take them back into our arms,
                          and show them that we care,
And give them the love and shelter,
                           that takes away all their empty fear.

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free,
What it takes to have some peace.

Free from all the bigotry, that is tearing us apart,
It's reaching out across the land,
                             it's like a shadow in the dark
We've got to join our hearts together,
                             and build a better way,
And stop all the lies and hatred,
                             that brings us back to the ancient days.

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free,
What it takes to have some peace.

Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free,
What it takes to have some peace.

Free from all the voices, that are calling out in pain,
Clinging onto lives ravaged by,
                               the threat that we call AIDS
We've got to stand up all my brothers,
                               and give them a loving hand,
Bring an end to all this fighting,
                               that steals away all our precious time.

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free,
What it takes to have some peace.

And the winds of tomorrow,
hold the answers to our faith,
And all we have to do is stop and open up the gate.

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free,
What it takes to have some peace.
What it takes to be free,
What it takes to have some peace.

Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo

What it takes to be free
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free
What it takes to have some peace

Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo

This Life

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

Looking at this life, when I close my eyes
Deep within my mind, where I go
Looking at this life, well I realize
Deep within my mind, well I know

I need freedom, I need space n' time
Feel this life is closing in
I need freedom, I need peace o' mind
'Cause this life is all I know

Behind these eyes I am searching
Behind this smile, into my soul
Am I changing? Is the change too fast?
Am I drifting? Will I lose control?

I need freedom, I need space n' time
Feel this life is closing in
I need freedom, I need peace o' mind
'Cause this life is all I know

Arrest my fears and unlock the gate
I've been building walls instead of bridges
Opening my eyes, the hour is late
I've been travelling too close to the edge

I need freedom, I need space n' time
Feel this life is closing in
I need freedom, I need peace o' mind
'Cause this life is all I know

My Private Storm

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

Under threatening skies, in my private storm
Heading toward that distant light
Breaking through this wretched night
I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again
Breaking through this wretched night
Heading toward that distant light
Battling raging seas, saw you walking there
Flooded by unrest, trembling like a prayer
From my tragic depths, breakers crash the shore
Heading toward that distant light
Breaking through this wretched night
I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again
Breaking through this wretched night
Heading toward that distant light
In your eyes I see all the faiths that shine
All the truths I seek, tonight I'll make them mine
Woah oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh...

We think and dream, in the end we hope and pray
We balance pleasure and pain toward a better day
The only light I see tonight is in your eyes
Shining like the truth, to save me from the lies
And all the people that we used to be
And all the reasons that we couldn't see
Right now they don't mean a thing to me
Shine light, shine light, shine, shine for me tonight...yea

Sailing cold, cold seas, in my private storm
Heading toward that distant light
Breaking through this wretched night
I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again
Breaking through this wretched night
Heading toward that distant light
Tonight I see that light, for me it's enough
New winds lift my sails, stir the stars above
On my knees again, I live for your love
Heading toward that distant light
Breaking through this wretched night
I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again
Breaking through this wretched night
Heading toward that distant light
I've been to the edge and I've seen that view
But I never thought I'd see the end of you
Woah oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh...

Heading toward that distant light
Breaking through this wretched night
Heading toward that distant light
Shine light, shine, Shine light, shine