Some of the Songs  New River By Lee Rector  Well
Some of the Songs

New River
By Lee Rector

Well, I’m tired to the bone
Of the general tone
Waitin’ for my dreams to turn the pages

Just been getting’ along
With nothing goin' on
I think it’s time, I head down a new river

Clothes on my back
Ragged as the pack, Lord, that I carry
Goin’ no where blues
Lord, I got my hat and shoes so weary

And I’m tired of just getting by
Sick of being so high
Think it’s time I head down a new river.

Clothes on my back
Ragged as the pack, Lord, that I carry
Goin’ nowhere blues
Lord I got my hat and shoes so weary

And I’m tired of just getting’ by
Sick of bein’ so high
Think it’s time I head down a new river.


A Peaceful New Beginning
By Lee Rector

Dawn, open wide the eyes of this sleepy one
The night lies behind and we’ve just begun
For life was made to celebrate, looking for the sun
And today is a peaceful new beginning.

Heart, beat stronger now lift my soul awake
Give me strength to carry the crosses that we make
And as I pick up to bear, still I celebrate
In a day of a peaceful new beginning

(Bridge)
Today the sun is shining down, the sky is glowing clear
Birds on the horizon sweep clean the morning air
And as I look for the Son and answers to my prayer
I see today is a peaceful new beginning.

Yesterday was thunder, Lord, the rip and tear of rain
Drownders falling overboard, calling out their names
But now the storm is over and I can rise again
To a day of a peaceful new beginning
Yes today is a peaceful new beginning.


Within Me
By Lee Rector

God, I see your light
I see is shining within me
God, I know you’re here
And I can feel you within me,
God, I know your touch
And I can feel you come forth from me
Within me God
And from me God
I thank you God
For coming to dwell in me

God, I know your voice
And I can hear it deep within me
Good are your ways
And is the love you place within me
Happy are my days
Since I recognize your coming
Within me God
And from me God
I thank you God
For coming to dwell in me.

Hope has filled my heart
And positive is my direction
Now that I have you within me God
I’ve made connection
Everlasting love and striving
To be like  you father
Within me God
And from me God
I thank you God
For coming to dwell in me.


Ascending
By Lee Rector

(Refrain)
Ascending, Ascending
To the mansion worlds up above
Are you ascending
Through the stairways of love?

The first step to heaven’s believing
The rest is quite easy to do
Just pledge you will love one another
Let love guide you all your days through

(Refrain)

Christ showed the will of the father
To a world lost in darkness below
If you live the words of your teacher
Ascending you will go.

(Refrain)



I’m Richly Blessed
By Lee Rector

You give me a happy family
The best place on earth to live
You send the Spirit of Truth
When I most need it

(Refrain)
And all you ask of me
Is that I do my best
Oh, I thank you Michael
For I’m richly blessed.

You want to see me though
This world and many more
You lend me a hand
As you go before

(Refrain)

You show me the love of  the Father
And how I can go to him
You give me the key
To the eternal plan

And all you ask of me
Is that I do my best
Oh, I thank you Michael
For I’m richly blessed


God Bless The Children
By Lee Rector

God bless the children
In every land
God bless the brothers
God bless the man

God bless the spirit
Show us the way
And God bless you Father
For every living day


It’s Your Life
By Lee Rector

Then I was down
With nothing at all
On my knees, I finally did fall

With nothing to loose
I uttered a payer
And my life it started right there.

Said, “Lord I’m empty
With nothing to give
Won’t you show me the reason 
To live?”

He said, “It’s your life
And you’ll live it
One way or another
You’ll give it.
It’s your life
Don’t abuse it
For the good of your brother
Use it!”

I raised up my head
And lo I beheld
A hand to help me 
Off the ground.

I looked in his eyes
And as I arose
From a loving face
Came a voice…

He said, It’s your live
And you’ll live it
One way or another
You’ll give it.
It’s your life
Don’t abuse it
For the good of your brother
Use it!”

For the good of your brother
Use it.

Light and Life
By Lee Rector


I had a dream or a vision
Came churning into the night
When an angel told me the story
Of the coming paradise.

No more death upon the planet
No more hunger, toil or strife
When all of mankind is settled
In the glorious light of life.

There will be no rebellion
When the truth is made right
We will love one another
In the glorious light of life.

We are all sons of almighty
We can choose eternal life
When we strive to be like the father
We step into the light of life.

So come now and tell y our children
That the time is drawing neigh
When Urantia will be settled 
In the glorious light of life.

The New Golden Rule
By Clyde Bedell and Lee Rector

Did you ever sit and ponder
Did you ever stop to think
That all the rule to save this world
Is in one drop of ink

The Golden Rule is all men need
The simple Truth it speaks
And promises the good on earth
That every good soul seeks.

For ages all religions 
Had a famous Golden Rule
You learned it from your family
And you learned it all from school

“Do not do to others
What you don’t want done to you.”
The Buddhists and the Muslims
And Confucius had it too.

Well that old rule was good enough
Until on earth there came
A man bestowed as  son of  God
And Jesus was his name

He saw what no one else had seen
The rule said “Do not do.”
But Jesus wanted me to act,
And he gave us all the cue.

He turned the Golden Rule around,
Jesus said, “Do!”
Get out and do to others 
What you don’t want done to you.

Don’t waste your time in idling
Get out and help your brother
In essence he pure instructs
“Do good to one another.”


Between You and Me
By Lee RectorBetween You and Me


Haven’t seen you in a while,
Somehow heartaches mend
But the warmth of your smile’s
Got me stirring up inside again.

If it’s forward, pardon me
But I’ve got to see
If it’s still going on
Between you and me.

‘Cause when we come close together
It’s impossible to see
How we could ever let someone
Get between you and me

And just between you and me
I think we could make it together
Between you and me
This feeling’s never going away
I can’t get enough of your love
If it lasts forever
Between you and me
Our love is here to stay.

When I heard your friendly voice
I just couldn’t wait
As my heart skipped a beat
You were telling me It’s not to late

Don’t you think it’s come a time
That we both agree
Something’s gotta be done
‘Bout this thing between you and me.

‘Cause when we come close together
It’s impossible to see
How we could ever let someone
Get between you and me

And just between you and me …

The Ship Seraphim
By Lee Rector


She was the trust captain
Tested and ready for sea
Her ship, Seraphim, rigged tight to the wind
Can leave with lightening speed.
Her cargo, the souls of peace.

Now the mighty ship set sail
Her wings let loose to the sky
To a place of many mansion worlds
On a race for endless life
Where they clothe men in garments of light.

She charted her course by the stars
At night it can be hard to tell
Where the sea leaves off and the sky begins
But they sailed and they sailed and they sailed
Off in the distance they sailed.

Truth was the name of the mission
Goodness the fuel for their souls
Beauty is what they were seeking
As the Universe unfolds
In search for the Father of all.

The crew felt the ship leave the surface
As off into sleep they did dream
For a sea of glass in the distance
Past the speed of light it did seem
They flashed in a streak of blue green.

Now some people think it’s a legend
And flinch at the scent of the truth
How a ship of souls can sail the sky
They want material proof
For them faith alone will not do.

But she was a trusty captain
She takes no time to rest
Her ship seraphim into orbit did spin
Doing what she does best
Clutching children of light to her breast.

Truth was the name of their mission
Goodness the feel for their souls
Beauty is what they wee seeking
As the Universes unfold
In search of the father of all.

You Will Survive
By Lee Rector

When you see the world is closing in
And you won’t get out alive
Trust the unseen power
And say, “I will survive.”
You will survive.
You will survive.
You are alive.
You will survive.

Say, “I’ll survive,
Hey, I’m not giving up,
Because I will survive.
And after I drink this cup
I’ll be strong and alive.”
Say, “I’ll survive,
And though the going’s rough
I will not cringe or hide.
I will take my comfort
Knowing I’ll survive.”

(Repeat)

Oh, take your comfort
Knowing you will survive
You will survive
You will survive.


Walk With Me Through Paradise
By Lee Rector

Walk with me through paradise
Let the sunshine in
Happiness is all around
Won’t you come on in.

Walk with me through paradise
Feel the father’s touch
Comfort and security
Falling down on us.

Oh, now I see what they’re saying
About being in love
For what you are telling
Is all I’ve dreamed of.

Walk with me through paradise
Journey into dawn
Come with me and see the light
In all I’ve dreamed of.

Walk with me through paradise
Journey into dawn
Come with me and see the light
Forever and beyond.

Walk with me through paradise
Forever and beyond.

The Bible Tells Me So
By Mayf Nutter and Lee Rector

Though it’s clear, it’s just like dreamin’
Crossing that old mountain stream and
Hearin’ children’s voices sing
Through High Sierra Pines

Little one room church bell ringin’
Callin’ us to Sunday meetin’
How I’d love to hear them
One more time

I would sing with all the rest
Dressed up in my Sunday best
But I was only tryin’ hard
To sing the lines in key

I learned the words and sang the songs
But, Lord, it’s taken me this long
To see just what 
It really meant to me

When we sang, “Yes, Jesus Loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.”

Sometimes when you’re off and grown
Tryin’ to make it on your own
You find you’re just lost and livin’ 
In a crowded dream.

This old world is rough and wild
‘Til you see it as a child
You never know
Just what the children mean.

When they sing, “Yes, Jesus Loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.”

Anything It Takes (To See the Father)
By Lee Rector


Been searchin’ all my life
For something to believe
A truth that I can hold
To set me free

I’ll do anything at all
For a drink of living water
Anything it takes
To reach the Father.

I’ve seen many different places
As I moved along
But there’s no place on this earth
That I call home

Yet there’s something drives me on
There’s a reason for the bother
I’ll do anything it takes
To reach the Father.

I’ll keep wanderin’ this pathway
Til’ it comes to it’s end
And I know I’ll have to walk
The path again

If it takes a billion years
It really doesn’t matter
I’ll do anything it takes
To reach the Father.

I’ll do anything it takes
To reach the father.


Gimme the Strength
By Lee Rector

Give me the strength
Give me the strength, Oh Lord, to carry
To carry the load
To carry the load, Oh Lord, you give me

Give me the strength
Give me the arms
Give me the load
And let me walk on

Give me the strength
Give me the strength, Oh Lord, to carry.

Give me the eyes
Give me the eyes, Oh Lord, to see thee
To see the love
To see the love, Oh Lord, you give me

Give me the eyes
To see the way
I’ll have a part
That I can play

Oh, give me the eyes
Give me the eyes, Oh Lord, to see thee

Give me the ears
Give me the ears, Oh Lord, to hear thee
To hear the truth
To hear the truth, Oh Lord, you give me

Give me the ears
Give me the sound
Give me the light
Let it shine down

Give me the ears,
Give me the ears, Oh Lord, to hear thee

Give me the heart,
Give me the heart, Oh Lord, to feel thee
To feel the power
To feel the power, Oh Lord, to hear thee

Give me the heart
Give me a part
Give me the load
Give me a start
Oh, give me the heart
Give me the heart, Oh Lord, to feel thee.


Somewhere In Time
By Lee Rector

Somewhere in time
I’ll meet the love
That I’ve waited for
Somewhere in space
I know I’ll find her
Our paths yet to cross
But they will, I know it
And dreams will be coming true
For somewhere in time
I know that I”ll find you.

And soon I’m alive
With all the wonder
That keeps me going on
Somewhere in time
I know that I’m no longer alone
Our paths yet to cross
But they will I know it
And dreams will be coming true
For somewhere in time
I know that I’ll find you.

Our paths yet to cross
But they will, I know it
And dreams will be coming true
For somewhere in time
I know that I’ll find you.


Old Mexico
By Lee Rector

Drinking a beer from a gay colored glass
In a tavern in Old Mexico
A lady came in and sat down and then
Began to sway to and fro
The man in the corner was playing guitar
Songs tat she knew so well
And I let the evening come over me
As I fell under her spell.

I let the lady sing to me in the moonlight
I let the stars hypnotize me
I let the midnight air revive me
And it’s me and the girl, cheek to cheek,
Down in Old Mexico
With her hand in mind
Her eyes on fire
I felt my love start to grow

And when I awoke my hair was a mess
Down in Old Mexico
My money was gone at the breaking of dawn
And I had nothing to show
The cabaret closed, everyone left
As  I dreamed the evening away
And now here I am with no way to go
And I have nothing to say

I let the lady sing to me …. (etc.)

It's All Done with Mirrors
By Lee Rector

Mirrors, it’s all done with mirrors
Can’t you see the reflection in your eyes
You can be what you dream
All the peaches and cream
When you look into the mirrors of your mind

Lovers, we all can be lovers
When we open our hearts to someone new
Take a hold and give in
To the love of a friend
And embrace a higher power than you.

Oh, mirrors
Sparkling bright shining mirrors
Flashing scenes of the way
You hope to be

Don’t let life pass you by
Open up your mind’s eye
Look into the light
Of eternity

Oh, mirrors, it’s all done with mirrors.


I'm Gonna Drink A Little Beer
By Lee Rector

I wait all week, half loose my mind
For Friday to get here
My job is rough
My hours are long
But I’m gonna drink a little beer

Gonna put my duds
And after shave on
And polish my boots up clear
High tail it down
To the Peacock lounge
I’m a gonna drink a little beer

You better grab your woman tight
‘Cause I’m on the loose tonight
Bartender fix me a drink
Why, she gets purtier with ever wink

Tie things down, I’m a commin’ to town
But don’t you never fear
It’s Friday night and I’ll get tight
‘Cause I’m a gonna drink a little beer


Music Has Got To Be Fun
By Lee Rector

I used to sing ballads every day
And go crying in my beer
But that was long before
I wrote the song I’m singing here

‘Cause if there was anything I picked up
When I was on the run
I learned that music has got to be fun
I learned that music has got to be fun

So when you go out dancin’
And kickin’ up your heels
You don’t want to hear no sad song
To make you feel ill.

I will tell that I got the words
Tat will turn you on
Because I know that music has got to be fun
I know music has got to be fun

I know that music has got to be fun
I know that music has got to be fun.


Dare To Be Great
By Lee Rector

With their child she held at the side of the gate
Waving good bye as she felt the cold
For she knew he was one who dared to be great
But she cried all the same, so I’m told
As he faded in the dust down the road.

‘Twas a warrior his bullets they always flew straight
And strange how misunderstood
Leave their loved ones to wage battle with hate
To defend all their honor and good
So he left her behind in the wood

Yes there are men who dare to be great
Who will take on the world with their will
And if you be a man who dares to be great
You don’t attend and watch, you participate

In the battle his saber was shiny and swift
He slashed at the evil and foes
And he conquered aggressors and held them at wait
Until retreat and surrender were told
A resounding reunion of bold

Yes there are men who dare to be great
Who will take you on the world with their will
And if you be a man who dares to be great
You won’t stand and watch, you’ll participate.


Behind Your Eyes
By Lee Rector

Behind your eyes
Is Every wonder
I ever want to know
And every feeling
I ever need to show
Rests behind your eyes

And on your brow
Is where I want to lay
My lips to rest a while
Till the morning shines
And I can see the smile
Behind your eyes

Behind your lips
The secrets that they hold
It may never be told
What’s behind your eyes

Behind your eyes
Is every memory 
I ever want to make
And I’ve a lifetime to take
To get behind your eyes

Behind your lips
The secrets that they hold
It may never be told
What’s behind your eyes

Behind your eyes
Is every wonder 
That I ever want to know
And every feeling
I ever want to show
Rests behind your eyes.

The Ashes Once Were Me
By Lee Rector

You loose the chains that bind us
Yes ever I have broken free
To fly high like an eagle
O’er the ashes once were me

As I look through the window
Of the heavens stretching in
I know I’m given part 
Of your eternal plan

Your body is the bounty
Of celestial harmony
And your gift is giving life
To the ashes once were me

And when my soul takes wings
To leave my place of birth
I won’t be looking backward
At a lonely planet earth

As a journey into light
Begins an endless odyssey
Behind the winds have scattered
All the ashes, once were me

You loose the chains that bind us
Yes even I have broken free
To fly high like an eagle
O’er the ashes once were me;.

We've Got Love Every Day
By Lee Rector

When you lay down to sleep close beside me
I’ll keep you warm, I’ll be your shelter from the storm
And if you ever need to guide me
Don’t be afraid, we’ve got it made
Because we’ve got love every day

Don’t you think it’s kind of sad
How some others can only be lovers
When you and I are best of friends/

Don’t ever let go of what we’ve  got
We hold a lot
It’s the key to happiness
And we’ve got love everyday

And tomorrow when I wake
I’ll smile and say
I love you to the morning of the day

Sheltered in the Arms
By Lee Rector

You’re sheltered in the arms
Of someone who loves you
You’re sheltered in the arms
Of someone who cars

Who strives to be
In support of you
You’re sheltered in the arms
Of someone who dares

What a sad world it would be without shelter
Someone to hold you when you cry
Turn your eyes up to me and I’ll rock you
In the warmth of my love till tears are dry

You’re sheltered in the arms
Of someone who lives you
You’re sheltered in the arms
Of someone who cares

Who strives to be
In support of you
You’re sheltered in the arms
Of me and I care.

Bein' Alone Ain't Enough
By Lee Rector

Bein’ alone ain’t enough
You gotta’ touch somebody
Bein’ alone ain’t enough
You gotta’ touch someone
Bein’ alone ain’t enough
You gotta love somebody
Bein; alone ain’t  a
Bein’ alone ain’t a
Bein alone ain’t enough

Slowing Down to 55
By Lee Rector

Used to travelin’  by jet airplane
‘Cause I like to get there fast
Used to ridin’ in limousine
Heads turning as I go past

Now I’m thumbin’ on I-40
Everybody ignorin’ me
Oh, but I feel so alive
Slowin’ down to 55

Once my records were on the top
Everybody wanted me
On a roll that I could not stop
It was such a sight to see

Then I stepped off to smell a flow
Kiss the ground and enjoy an hour
Now I’m learnin’ how to survive
Slowin’ down to 55

One I loved she said to me
Baby, you’re gonna have to stop
I flew off but now I see
I really left a lot
God, I hope she’ll take me back
On foot without a Cadillac
But Oh, I said I feel so alive
Slowin down to 55

Oh, I said I feel so alive
Slowin’ down to 55

Some Things Are Good For This Old Earth
By Lee Rector

He smiled into the cradle
On the night of her birth
And slowly wiped a tear from his cheek
Said, “Some things are too good for this old earth,”
As new life was easing his grief.

Mother had left me
Had answered the call
And Daddy he had to be strong
And into the cradle
He stretched his loving arms
To pick up his life and go on.

Some men strive for power
Some men strive for gold
Some men count their blessing
By they things that they control
Some men live for love
And for what love is worth
Some things are too good for this old earth
Oh, some things are too good for this old earth.

Now sister’s by the cradle
And smiles at what she’s made
Daddy stands beside her
Young eyes and hair of gray
He flashes back upon the night
Of his daughter’s birth
Some things are good for this old earth
Oh, some things are good for this old earth.

*(Repeat Refrain)


High Up In Sierra
By Lee Rector

Out across the blue sierra
With my baby flyin’ high
Like the eagle up above us
Making circles in the sky

Like the tall and mighty redwood
Stretching up to touch the sun
For a thousand years it stood there
And a thousand more to come

Oh, we’re high up in Sierra
Lookin’ in each others eyes
And forever may we stay this way
‘Neath the blue Sierra skies

For as surely as the seasons
Come and then they go
I will be with you as continuous
And I promise so

(Repeat Refrain)

Hangin' By A Thread
By Lee Rector

In he gutter laid a wino
Who was given up for dead
When the mission volunteer knelt down to pray
“Oh Lord, please help this weary soul,” 
She bowed her head and said,
“’Cause I know he’s still hanging by a thread,”

Another face familiar
To the motion picture screen
But lately no one even turned their head
With a hypo, spoon and needle
She sat numb beside her bed
But you know, she’s still hangin’ by that thread

Oh yes, you know somebody
Who needs a helping hand
And yes, you can reach out and take hold
As surely as the stranger you leave lying in the sand
You too, may be stranded on the road
So open up your hearts
To the people that you see
And put a thought of kindness in your had
For surely just like you
Reaching out for someone’s hand
We’re all just hanging by a thread.

From the father comes commandment
To perfect be
But sometimes it’s hard for us to see
How the strands between souls
Weave a tapestry it’s said
And we’re all just hanging by a thread

(Refrain)

But don’t give up ‘cause you’re hanging by a thread
Golden thread


Tennessee Rainbow
By Lee Rector

Last night baby was crying when she hung up the phone
When she heard that I’d be goin’ out again
But I can’t stand her sorrow when I know she loves me so
For she’s my Tennessee rainbow

Now I’ve spent many years playing music on the road
And how they come and go I sure know
But this old country boy ain’t never had a home
Until I found my Tennessee rainbow

Tennessee rain
Tennessee dawn
Oh, babe, can’t you see
I’m comin’ back home
Since I met you
I can’t stand it alone
Oh, Tennessee rainbow
Tennessee dawn.

As the sun is coming up I drive through Kentucky
Makin’ fast tracks for Nashville, Tennessee
I just can’t wait to tell her, I’ll be comin’ off the road
To stay home with my Tennessee Rainbow.

(Chorus)


California
By Lee Rector

California!
From the desert to the sea
To Yosemite
I love you.

California!
From the big, big bear
To the sweet wild flower
I love you

California!
From the lights of  L.A.
To the San Francisco Bay
I love you.

California!
From the Redwood tree
To the mountain peaks
I love you

California!
You’re the Golden State
And I just can’t wait
I love you.

California!
California!
California!


Goin' Somewhere
By Lee Rector

A young man at the window used to sit and stare
At the cars going up and down the street
Sufferin’ from the blues of havin’ been nowhere
And all the passin’ faces he should meet

So upon himself he took to leave that life behind
And from a small quitet town went off to war
In a foxhole soon was sweatin’ cold out of his mind
But, he was goin’ somewhere

The years found him gazing from a high rise penthouse perch
At cars winding up and down the shore
Specks like ants were splashing happily on the beach
Yet still his hunger craved something more

Looking down from the rooftop at the concrete far below
He realized his world was not so tall
As to all four corner of the earth he did go
But what mattered most in life had just grown small

The dragon of his dreams he slew with his valor
With his hand upon his sword he had no fear
He climbed as he move every mountain
Yes, he was goin’ somewhere.

And brick on top of brick laid a foundation
Upon which he mounted great and massive wealth
An empire to rule at his whim and fancy
But nothing he had done for himself

He turned from his perch atop the building
And slowly to the stairway he did walk
Climbing down from his stately castle
He and himself had a talk

“Oh God,” he said, “can’t you show to your children
That material greed is what to fear
For only when I give to you my mansion
Can I finally say, ‘I’m goin’ somewhere’.”

As he stepped into the streets of Monte Carlo
He shouted to everyone who could hear
“I give to you my fortune and my castle
‘Cause I’m a goin’ somewhere.”

Yes, now I’m goin’ somewhere.”


When The Right Thing Had Come Along
By Lee Rector & Dave Estes

I always said I’d know it
When the right thing came along
And the right thing
Came along with you

When you first looked my way …
Electricity
Your smile flashed
Simplicity
Your voice spoke so
Explicitly
That I knew the right thing had come along

When I met you 
I felt so free
My heart was thumpin’ love
Inside of me
And you turned me on
Like I could never be
And I knew the right thing had come along

I always said I’d know it
When the right thing came along
And the right thing came along with you

When we first touched in love
It was warm to me
Your lips upon my lips
Brought life tome
Thank God we took the time
To be happy
When we knew the right thing had come along

I always said I’d know it 
When the right thing came along
And the right thing came along 
With you

Your Cheatin' Lies
By Lee Rector

Can’t you see the real you
In the reflection of my eyes
Can’t you see that I can see
Through your cheatin’ lies
Can’t you tell that I can tell
It will be no surprise
When you see that I can see
Through your cheatin’ lies

Why pretend you’re true to me
When you’re cold and pull away
Don’t hide your eyes for I can see
Through the hands across your face

Can’t you take the best of me
And what we could do with our lives
Face to face, open up your eyes
When you see through your cheatin’ lies.


I'll Pay the Price
By Lee Rector

I’ll pay the price
I’ll do anything
No cost is too high to have you back again
I’ll pay the price.

Yes I’ll pay the price
I’ll go all the way
I’ll do what it takes to bring you back to stay
I’ll pay the price.

What would it take to bring you back
Would it take all I’ve got and more?
I’m longing to show you what I didn’t before
I’ll pay the price.


Do You Know How To Live
By Lee Rector

What are you doih’ here
Sittin’ in your chair there
Waistin’ life’s precious time
What are you doin’ there
Sittin’ in your chair there
Isn’t life so fine?

Do you know how to live
Do you know your mind
You have something to give
Don’t you think it’s about time?

It’s not too late now
There’s no time to wait now
Time was not made to pine
They’ve gone to the moon now
You can go there too now
You have a life to design

Do you know how to feel
Do you remember how to cry?
Can you imagine what is real
Or do you just live and die.?

There’s something in your heart there 
And you can start there
To make that soul of yours shine
Why are you waitin' there
Your life’s a fadin’ there
Use our words as a sing

Do yu know how to live
Do you remember how to cry
Can you imagine what is real
Or do you just live and die

Well let’s get goin’ now
Your guts are showin’ now
Let’s get out of the line
You’re something special now
Don’t be superficial now
Show us that you‘ve got a spine.

Do you know how to live?
Do you know your mind?
You have something to give
Don’t you think it’s about time?

Her Love Was Like A River
By Lee Rector

Her love was like a river
Flowing through a valley wide
Swelling with the waters
Coming from the mountain side

She shared with me her water
I thirst, she was a giver
She spoke to me in silence
Her love was like a river

And then the rains came falling
The stream began to rise
Her love went wild and raging
And left it’s banks behind

I was pulled underneath
The torrent made me shiver
There’s danger in the waters
Of a love so like a river.



Somewhere Between Love and Goodbye
By Lee Rector

In the lock the key is turning
And your eyes are open wide
You’ve stared at that ash tray all night long

Like you my eyes are burning
I must shave and get awake
I have to go to work, right or wrong

Oh it hurts to see what’s happenin’ 
Right here in our home
It’s too late to turn the pages
Back to when we were alone

There’s no time left to wonder
And less time left to cry
We’re just somewhere in between love and goodbye

I can hear the children waking
Time to straighten up your face
No need to make them feel there’s something wrong

Just a few more minutes faking
Then I’ll be out of your way
I’ll take the family car and I’ll be gone

Oh it hurts …


Without You I'm Not Long For This World
By Lee Rector

Without you there’s no sunshine in my future
No stars at night to shine in the sky
Without you I know who is the looser
Without you, I’m not long for this world

Without you there’s no time to count my blessings
Prayers go unheard, no matter what I try
Without you I’m just left guessing
Without you I’m no long for this world

And late at night tears come without warning
I bow my head and pray that I could die
But life goes on to still another morning
And that is why I lie awake and cry
I cry

Without you I’m the ashes of a looser
Blowing in the wind across the sky
Without you I’m a lonely self-abuser
Without you I’m not long for this world.


The Ashes Once Were Me
By Lee Rector

As I look out my window
At the heavens stretching in
I know I’m given part
Of your eternal plan

Your body is the bounty 
Of celestial harmony
Your gift is giving life
To the ashes once, once were me

And when my soul takes wings
To leave my place of birth
I won’t be looking backward
At a lonely planet earth

As a journey into light 
Begins and endless odyssey
Behind the winds have scattered
All the ashes once, once were me
The ashes once were me.


Loafin'
By Lee Rector

We were sittin’ on the tailgate of my pick-up truck
Eatin’ cantaloupes and Moon Pies
When a school bus load of girl scouts passed us up
Slowin ‘ down for the junction of Highway 5 and Y

There were 16 lovely ladies all about 16
The first time away from Mom and Dad
And me and Bob was figurin’ out a way
To get some of those girl scouts in our cab

When You Stopped Lovin' Me
By Lee Rector

You broke my simple minded way you used to be
And pulled apart my happy heart
An empty shadow of all that I could see
When you stopped loving me

Tripped up my tripper and tore me anew
I didn’t know what to do with two
But now I’m lost without you
Since you stopped loving me

I knew when we met you’d b e easy to forget
But when I found out you were
I was afraid to see you might forget me
When you stopped loving me

Sittin’ here alone lookin’ at the tel3ephone
Wonderin’ if it will ring what silly thing to do
Pulling all the parts away I don’t know what to say
When you stopped loving me
When you stopped loving me.

I Don't Want Nobody New
By Lee Rector & Dave Estesr 

I don’t want nobody new
Darling, all I want is you
I know what your love can do
I don’t want nobody new

I won’t let nobody else
Ride upon my carousel
I have no urge to rebel
You’re my only mademoiselle

I don’t want no other one
Just look what loving you has done
Happiness goes on and on
I don’t want no other one

What would I do with someone new 
That I could not do with you
All my love belongs to you
I don’t want nobody new

I don’t want nobody new

Signal Tower Hill
By Lee Rector

All the teenage lovers
In our town will tell
Of how they first tasted love
On Signal Tower Hill

I met you at the dance
We had planned it out so well
I took the top down
And we went driving up and down
With the warm wind blowing
Your hair swirled all around
We drank a little whiskey
And headed out of town
And like all the teenage lovers
That ever have a will
We took the rocky turnoff
Up to signal tower hill

In the summer we married
In the winter had a child
And in one year had parted
As our lives got turned around

Oh the pain of being young
And of wanting to your fill
We nerve listed to the message
Up on Signal Tower Hill

And Lord a cold wind’s blowin’
Yes Lord a cold wind’s blowin’
Yes Lord a cold wind’s blowin’ 
Up on Signal Tower Hill


All I Want Is Her
By Lee Rector

All I want is her standing close to me
Walking to the park, through a memory6
And I ant is love to touch me now and then
Lying next to her, living once again

And you see me here alone
With teardrops and my song
Lord, don’t you wonder why,
Why my baby’s gone

Cause all I ant is her speaking soft to me
Telling me how much she’s in love with me
And yet I’m alone with teardrops and a song
Lord don’t you wonder why6, why my baby’s gone

Boy don’t you wonder why, why your baby’s gone.

And if you come around
You’ll catch me now and then
I may be looking back at how
She slipped right through my hands.

The Last Time She and I Were Together
By Lee Rector

Every time I see you it just reminds me 
Of the list time she and I were together
Every time I love you it just reminds me
Of the last time she and I were together.

The smoke hasn’t cleared from all my memories
And the things you did at that time
So all I get to thrill me
Is that memory of mine

Every time I need you it just reminds me
Of th3e last time she and I were together
The last time she and I were together



I Don't Want You Anymore
By Lee Rector

I don’t want to see you anymore
Although I’m sure I may now and then
I’d like to tell you everything I feel
But I don’t know where I would begin

It’s over now and that’s one thing for sure
And though an emptiness has started to creep in
I don’t want to see you anymore
Not any time, not once again

I don’t want to touch you anymore
Although your touch is so close to where I am
I don’t think I can stand to say goodbye
So please go out the way you came in

I don’t want to feel you anymore
I don’t know how I can make it more plain
I don’t want to see you anymore
Not any time, not once again.


Bring Back That Good 'Ol Country Music
By Lee Rector

I’m lonely for the sound of country music
That ringin’ of twin fiddles in my ears
Lord, don’t you know I really want to hear it
Won’t you bring it back after all these years?

Won’t you bring back that good ‘old country music
The kind that I heard when I was young
Won’t you bring back that good old country music
And sing for me a good old country song

I long to hear that steel guitar ‘a crying
To a vocal group with four part harmony
I wish just once that everyone could hear it
Country done the way that it used to be

Won’t you bring back that good ‘old country music.
The kind that I heard when I was young
Won’t you bring that good old country music
And sing for me a good old country song



Don't Confuse Me With The Facts
By Lee Rector

Woman the time has come and you must know the truth
As you sit and look at me in the prime of your youth
I’ve put up with too much now, I won’t take any more
You’ve put me too far down now, I’m walkin’ out the door

I’m goin’ to the station.
Gonna’ ride out on the tracks.
My mind is made up gal, don’t
Don’t confuse me with the facts.

When that train starts rolling, I’m gonna laugh my mind away
When I hear those rails a clickin’ I’ll be gone to stay
I don’t know where I’m headin', but I don’t want to see your face
I’m goin’ to some other town to join the human race.

I’m goin’ to the station … (etc.)


Burn Candle Burn
By Lee Rector

Burn candle burn
I won’t ever learn
As the flames race for the middle
I say, “Burn candle burn.”

Burn, candle, burn
I won’t take a turn
To watch it get shorter
I say, “Burn, candle burn.”

The flame of life it lit me (scorched me)
On the day that I was born
And like a day old pony
I was yearning for to run.

I left my sweet homestead
Still wet behind the ears
I lit the candle at both ends
And never shed a tear

I said burn candle burn, etc.

I’ve poured me lots of whiskey
I’ve loved me lots of gals
Been locked up for vagrancy
When I was takin’ pills

Drivin’ long black Cadillacs
And smoked them big cigars
Diggin’ my way to China
And reaching for the stars

And I said .. burn, candle burn (etc.)



That's The Kind of Cowboy He Is
By Lee Rector

He’ll lasso you when you’re not even looking
He’ll rope your heart just like he would a calf
He’ll mount you on his saddle and he’ll lead you
For that’s the kind of cowboy he is.

He’ll sing to you sweet country love songs
And harness your emotions with a kiss
He’ll ride you like a pony till he tames you
For that’s the kind of cowboy he is

Some night when you’re asleep and dream of ranches
His mind will be on rodeos and more exciting days
And you will not suspect when he touches
He’s breaking other horses in corals so far away

He’ll let you believe that you love him
As y ou lay there and dream that you’re his
Then he’ll slip out of y our stable and he’ll leave you
For that’s the kind of cowboy he is

… but I’m not the kind of cowboy he is.



I Can't Believe Your Leaving Him Fore Me
By Steven A Zanetis & Lee Rector

I met you on a park bench
You were there with your kids
It was in the springtime
And we talked about simple things we did

You spoke of your husband
In Washington, DC
Now it is mid-winter
And I can’t believe you leaving him for me.



I Don't Want the Pain
By Lee Rector

The feelin’ just got up and walked away
And no, I didn’t want it to
Oh, how I wanted this to work
I didn’t want he hurt
No I didn’t want it to.

Oh the heartaches and the pain are hard to take
I didn’t want for them to be
I didn’t want the rain
No I didn’t want the pain
No I didn’t want the grief

(repeat)


What's Done Is Done
By Lee Rector

When I woke up this mornin’ 
With the hope that I could pray
The things that I did last night
Would just up and walk away

Is ehn I looked out the window
And the daylight I saw
Is when I knew what’s done is done
And that is all

When I called you up to tell you
How sorry that I am
When you cursed me and disowned me
And cancelled all our plans

When you closed the door on me
And put up that brick wall
Is when I knew what’s done is done
And that is all

Is life so cold and hollow
That no one can forget
Is there nothing left to live for
When there’s nothing but regret

When I think about my living
Another day like this
When I can’t escape the memory
Of what I’m about to miss

When I think of me without you
Not to ever hear you call
Is when I know what’s done is done
And that is all

Is when I know what’s done is done
And that is all.


Someone Like You
By Lee Rector

(G)
Someone like you
That’s all it took
To put it together for me
Someone like you

(Am D7 bar) (Em C)
I was lost in a maze
Confused by all the faces
And what they had to say
I looked in all the wrong places
Till I saw inside your heart
And heard the notes 
And the melody
Of someone like you

Someone like you
Everything came clear
The fog lifted from view
Someone like you

And there I was standing
In the sweet dawn of morning
Looking at the horizon
Of love unfolding
(And I saw inside a heart
And heard the notes
And melody)
Of someone like you

It wasn’t you
It’s sad to say
That took me away from despair
It wasn’t you

Still I can stand here
And I can thank you
Like having a vision
For opening awareness
To the goodness of you ….

The Way She Used to Say, “I Love You”
By Lee Rector

She’d lay there like a fawn
Smile and then she’d yawn
Say, “Good Morning honey
How are you?”

And it would feel so sweet
When she would repeat
The way she used to say,
“I love you.”



Rose Is In The Rain
By Lee Rector & Don Smith

The heavy mist of morning
Gives way to a new dawning
As it urges us to rise and face the day

The raining on the window
Sings a song of guilt and sorrow
Of the pleasures we shared yesterday

So rise my lovely rose
And draw your coat about you
Kiss me goodbye before you go away

Rose is in the rain again
Bearin’all the pain again
Wearin’ all the shame again
Rose is in the rain.

Rose you’re like a flower
Standin’ in the summer shower
With it’s petals closed to keep the storm away

Don’t shield my memory from you
Just remember that I love you
We’re not two children at a game of play

You will see a lot of faces
You will see a lot of places
But in the end you’ll come back to stay

Rose is in the rain again
Bearin’ all the pain again
Wearin’ all the shame again
Rose is in the rain.


I Love My Cowboy Shirt
By Lee Rector

I love my cowboy shirt
I love the buttons and the snaps
I love the little arrows
That point up to my hat

I love my cowboy boots
I love the pointed toes and the straps
And I love the fringe that’s on my chaps

Hey I’m a rip tootin’ 
Hard shootin’
Cowboy son-of-a gun

Ridin’ Ropin.
Drinkin’, smokin’
Boys, I’m havin’ some fun

See, I love my wranglers
I love the tight way that they zip
I love the way they hang low down on my hips

I love my leather belt
With the silver buckle and the coin
And I love to shoot my shiny gun

… cause I’m a rip tootin’
(etc)


Standin' Here Without You
By Lee Rector

I played at being sorry
And acted out the part
False smiles most always
Upstage a broken heart

I kept my feelings hidden
With no on to cry to
When you turned and you left me
Standin’ here without you

When you realize that your busted
And the game is played for keeps
All of them hard times seem 
Just like a memory

Now the curtain’s standin’ open
With no one to play to
You turned and you left me
Standin’ here without you.


Mother Pickin' Fool
By Lee Rector


A beer from last night
Sat on the table
Invitin’ my tongue to get wet

I couldn’t fight
The urge to pour
That stale beer down my gullet

I guess I’m just makin’
My initiation
To a bad situation I face

But if I had my druthers
I’d tell all you mothers
That payin’ my dues is a waste

So all you cowboys
Don’t look at me
I’m drunk and I’ve done blown my cool

I’m just another
Old stale beer stained mother
Guitar Pickin Fool.



Feelin' Our Love Grow
By Lee Rector

Music sets a mellow mood on our table tonight
Steak and wine and coffee in the evening light
After we talk together in the candle’s glow
We go to pull the covers down, feelin’ our love grow

You take my heart inside and love me to sleep
I’m feelin’ my pride to know it’s so deep
And as the tenderness of love starts to flow
Once again we’re together feeling our love grow

Sun peaks through the window, your eyes open wide
I put my arms around you and pull you to my side
As the morning traffic winds through the streets below
You put your warm red lips to mine feelin’ our love grow

You take my heart inside to love me awake
And we come alive to a new day
And as the tenderness of love starts to flow
Once again, we’re together feelin’ our love grow
Once again, we’re together feelin’ our love grow.



It Wouldn't Work
By Lee Rector

It wouldn’t work, you and me, as lovers
Somehow I knew when it began
Too far apart are we to ever
Think that we could love and win

It wouldn’t work, you and me, as lovers
We learned all of this before
Yet crazy fools let the urge take over
And to the flames run back for more.

The spark of lust sets fires of passion burning
And just like us, the flames so hot are yearning
To light, to ignite, to delight, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
You’re holding me tight
It wouldn’t work
But somehow it worked out right.

It wouldn’t work, you and me, as lovers
Still I believe that in the end
With so much good between two souls to be discovered
Some we could not leave off as friends

The spark of lust … etc.


I Have Been Know to go Cray
By Lee Rector

I have been known to go crazy
I have been known to get blue
I have been known to go crazy
Now that I’ve gone crazy for you

I have been known to go crazy
And I have been known to get blue
I have been known to go crazy
Now I’ve gone crazy for you.



There Ain't No Hell
By Lee Rector

What you scarin’ people for’
Tellin’ them your age old lies
There ain’t no hell can’t you see
Open up your eyes

I hear you hollerin’ advice
Then turn around as cold as ice
And leave your people wide-eyed shakin’ Fearin’ all that you advise

Did you ever stop to think
If God is Love, If God creates
How could there be
Such a place?

Hel is of your own makin’
Not of God, so quit mistakin’
Your horror stories of olden times
For the gospel, divine.



Time Is All We Had
By Lee Rector

Sometimes love comes easy
When you don’t have to choose
Time is all we had baby
All we had to loose

Sometimes love comes easy
When you want to give
Time is all we had baby
All we had to live

Sometimes it seems kinda funny
They life turns around
I give to you, you give to me
It’s as easy as it sounds

Sometimes love comes easy
When you don’t hide the pain
Time is all we have baby
All we have to gain


The Summer Sun
By Lee Rector

Our love came like a cool breeze in the desert air
I’ve been searching for you everywhere
And there you were before me, I knew you were the one
Glistening like a diamond in the summer sun

When we come together I never felt so free
Your touch as liberation, and it gave new life to me
When you walked beside me, I knew my time had come
As I drew close to  you, in the summer sun

And our love was so complete
But it brought me to my knees
You were loving hard and living fast
And life had just begun
I swear we were blinded by the summer sun

So when the sun is shining straight into your eyes
Turn and look the other way and don’t believe the lies
You can’t love when your blinded by illusion and the fun
It’s like to build snowmen in the summer sun.


Hi Mom!
By Lee Rector

Sitting in the audience the camera turned his way
And as it zoomed in you could clearly see him wave
And hear him say, 
“Hi Mom. Hi Mom.”

The young man went to Hollywood to seek fortune and fame
And each day on the set of  “The Waiting Game”
He came
To wave, “Hi Mom.”

At night he’d walk the beach with the breeze in his hair
With dreams of driving sports cars through the streets of Bel Aire
But with despair
He turned to the ocean and into to the waves did say,
“Bye, Mom.”

Are we but lost in images of what life should be
Searching in the shadows have we lost reality
The right to see
Oh, Mama, won’t you turn off your TV?



Sunday Mornin' Cold In San Diego
By Lee Rector

I woke up with a foggy aching feeling in my head
In a paper thin motel after hard words had been said
Now baby’s on a bus headin’ back to Mexico
And it’s Sunday mornin’ cold in San Diego.

It’s Sunday mornin’ cold
It’s Sunday mornin’ old
That old fog hangs heavy on the bay
I came down here just to warmmy soul
But it’s Sunday mornin’ cold
In San Diego.

If I’d have kept my promise she would not be leaving now
Yes alcohol controlled my mind and made my heart go wild
How I wish it was just two days ago
But it’s Sunday Mornin cold in San Diego

If I could catch that next bus I would see her before three
And she might take me back if I get down on bended knee
So I must grab my bag and humble myself so
There’s no more Sunday mornin’ cold in San Diego.

It’s Sunday mornin’ cold … (etc.)


AT&T Made It Easy
By Lee Rector

Rang that old familiar number
I know so well by heart
To talk to my sweet lady on the phone

But the ringin’ I could hear
3,000 miles away
Was tellin’ me that no one was to home

Takes a looser of a man
Whose lonely on the road
To call the number of his home

To hear that old bell ring
But when it comes to answering
A strange man’s voice says hello

AT&T made it easy for me
To find out when your not at home
AT&T made it easy for me
To find out when you’re not alone

Have the lights all gone out
In my warm corner of the world
Can there be no more turnin’ round

Is there nothing to be said
Is she out, Lord, is love dead
AT&T’s done let me down

AT&T made it easy for me
To learn what I didn’t want to know
AT&T made a wreck out of me
And I’ve got one more dine to go.



Am I Wastin' My Time
By Lee Rector

There’s just one thing
That I want to know
And I won’t linger
If you ask me to go

But I won’t be coming 
Around here anymore
If I’m wasting my time
I can’t wait anymore

You say you love me
Then push me away
Say goodnight at the doorstep
Watch me drive away

You’re warm when I call you
You talk as if you’re sure
Am I wasting my time
I can’t wait anymore.

I would be such a love
If you would love me
I would linger and I would be your man

I would shelter your life
If you would love me
But I’m not going to play out this hand

What do you say
The time’s drawing near
When I go down these steps
The answer will be clear

Why won’t you love me
I  must know the score
And I wasting my time
I can’t wait anymore.


When I Get the Chance
By Lee Rector

I’m beginning to like it here
It’s made me want to stay
But that’s not my nature girl
I just don’t work that way

I stand on my own two feet
I pay the piper when I dance
And I always move along
When I get the chance

Your love has been good to me
But you knew when it began
That you’d wake up some day
And find that I had went

Your love has felt so fine to me
That it has put me in a trance
But you know I’ll move along
When I get the chance

When I get the chance
I’ll put my traveling boots on
When I get the chance
I’ll move along

 Now, I don’t want to hurt your girl
You’re not driving me away
There’s nothing out there I’m goin’ to
So maybe I’ll just stay

I’m getting a little slower now
But life’s still got romance
And I’ll be moving on
If you give me the chance

Yes, I’ll be moving on
If you give me the chance.



There's Something About You
By Lee Rector

There’s something about you
Like a walk in the park
Let me lead the way
And “ll show you
I’m not afraid of the dark

Pretty Lady
Stand here by me
Now let me touch you
How sweet it’ll be

There’s something about you
I can feel it grow
The first time I saw you
I knew that you know

There’s something about you
Just look and see
Open up your eyes
See what you’re doin’ to me



If You Love Me
By Lee Rector

If you back me in a corner girl
I’ll bite like a dog to get back out
There’s a lots of ways to do me gal
But then I can do without

And if you hand goes in my pocket
Just to take me for a ride
You’ll come up empty handed girl
With no one at your side, but …

If you love me
I’ll love you easy
I’ll touch your tinder
If you love me
(repeat)

(Alternate chorus)
If you love me
I’ll touch you tinder
Go down on my knees
I’ll be your defender
I’ll hold you forever
Close here inside me
I’ll never waiver
If you love me

I’m a mad man when I’m with you girl
And I’m a mad man if I’m without
I need you to love me girl
And that’s what you’ll hear me shout

I want you to hold me
And keep me by your side
Everything I say is true
‘Cause I ain’t never lied … and

(Chorus)

I got my hands where they belong, girl
And I’m up against the wall
I don’t know if I can wait
As long as you want to stall

I tell you little woman
You’ve got me in a stew
I don’t know where I’m goin’ girl
But I know what I want with you

(Chorus)

Well I’d like to take you home with me
And put you in my bed
There we could work this out
And there’s a lot to be said

Little gal, don’t you know
I want to be your man
And I want you to be my woman
Now don’t you understand … and

(Chorus)


It Won't Be Long
By Lee Rector

The day has come for us to reach for the sun
And the time is commin’ on
And the hour has arrived so open up your eyes
‘Cause you know, it won’t be long

Yes you know when you see
That old standby me
You know, it won’t belong
Head up now my friend
It’s time for us to begin
And you know it won’t be long

Just reach for the day
Brothers give it a try
‘Cuase you know, it won’t be long
Hold on and live
Give up and forgive
Yes you know, it won’t be long

(Chorus)

The time has come
For the meek to be strong
You know, it won’t be long
Just give love a try
You’ll be flying high
And you know it won’t be long

(Chorus)



A Soft Love Song
By Lee Rector

I’ll sing you a soft love song
Before I go away
Soon I will be back with you’
And I’ll be here to stay

Your touch is so tinder
Your arms cling true to me
You’re the only thing I’ve ever loved
You’re a part of me

Now darling please go to sleep
I’ll be back as soon as I can
Don’t fear for me while I’m gone
I’m your faithful man

So I’ll sing you a soft love song
Before I go away
Soon I will be back with you
And I’ll be home to stay.


This City Life
By Lee Rector

I sat down on a  bench at the bus stop and this boy asked for a cigarette
He was about 15, I guess, but I gave him one I had already lit
He pushed back his dirty bangs and drew in a long hot draw of it
Looked at me and nodded then sat down and started to talk a bit

But I wasn’t listening ‘cause I was thinkin’ back on what I used to be
And wonderin’ what happened to all those Boys Club t-shirts that I used to see
And I can’t get over thinkin’ what this city life has done to you and me
No I can’t get over thinkin’ what this city life has done to you and me
The bus came I got on, paid my fare, saw lonely faces staring
Sat down, third row I guess, and leaned my head against the glass remembering
I saw a boy at a bus stop in a small town years ago a waiting
And though of him going through a meadow with a friend of his running
I saw him get on the bus and ride to the city to make his fortune
And looked down at his dirty hands callused and rough for years of working
And I can’t get over thinking what this city life has done to you and me
No I can’t get over thinking what this city life has done to you and me

That boy and all his dreams of riches has longtime now been shattered
And images of costly things have long since been scattered
That boy gets up every day and rides a bus down to the factory
And leans his head against the glass and taxes the remainder of his memory
To wake up the next morning’ and do it all over again
Oh I can’t get over thinking what this city life has done to you and me
Oh I can’t get over thinking what this city life has done to you and me



In The Mornin'
By Lee Rector

Lovelier than autumn being here with you
Fresher than springtime in the air
Greater than the mountains are the thoughts of you
For you can take me there

Lighter than a feather is the touch of your hand
As you hold me in your arms again
When we’re together we’re strong and we are free
How happy we can be

Now in the morning
Just as life began
I hold you in my arms
I’m a happy man

Now in the morning
Just as life began
I hold you in my arms
I’m a happy man



Downtown Bus Stations
By Lee Rector

Downtown bus stations
Tattoos on naked arms
Cigar buts in ash trays
Sirens and alarms
A paper cup of cola 
And a dollar candy bar
I ain’t gone so far

Grey clouds and thunder, Lord
MY spirit’s getting damp
Diesel smoke reminds me
Of my grandma’s coal oil lamp
Somehow I wish that I could go back there
But I can.

The air in the station is stale like yesterday
The taverns are all closed it’s a two-hour lay away
I guess I’ll sit here and snore til the break of day
On this public bench

The heat waves from the pavement make mirages in the rain
I loosen my belt and lean against the window pane
My mind can take me deeper than the gutters can drain
That’s where I’ve been



He Left You Standing Broke
By Lee Rector

He’s like a freight train passing
Through the valley where you stand
He’ll meet you at the station
He will kiss you like the wind

His smile and his approach
Will make circles in your mind
He’ll touch you and he’ll love you
But he’ll leave you there behind

If there were only something
I could do to ease the blow
He may give to you a treasure
But he’ll leave you standing broke.



Our Love Will Come
By Lee Rector
(First song I ever wrote at age 12 or 13)

Far away, past the moon
I’ll pass you in a dream
And clouds will fly by
And love will touch you and I

On a wind, on a breeze
Anywhere you may go
Our love will come
Our love will come

In my mind and on the street
I’ll pass you and I’ll see
That love has brushed by
And love will touch you and I

(Refrain)

I will feel the warmth of you
When you pass me by
When I finally catch up to you
I know what it will be

Yes far away, past the moon
I’ll catch you in a dream
And clouds will fly by
And love will touch you and I

On a wind, on a breeze
Anywhere you may go
Our love will come
Our love will come


Locked Behind My Selfish Door
By Lee Rector

Life was goin’ on
Then one day I awoke to discover
That I’d become a man
And time was movin’ on
One time I looked up to uncover
I hadn’t gone where I’d planned

Now I’m here, beside myself
Doin’ what I did before
Singing songs to no one else
Locked behind my selfish door
Locked behind my selfish door

Yes life goes on,
This world needs no help to keep on turnin’
And I keep dreaming on
No careful plans
Nothing really steady for tomorrow
Is this where I belong?

Yes I sit here, beside myself
Doin’ what I did before
Singin’ songs to no one else
Locked behind my selfish door
I’m locked behind my selfish door

Oh, I’m sittin’ here, beside myself
Doin’ what I did before
Singin’ songs to no one else
Locked behind my selfish door
I’m locked behind my selfish door.


Love Don't Treat Me Wrong
By Lee Rector

The curtains are drawn across the window
The night light is on, my head by your pillow
I lay near the phone
I hope you will call
To tell me how it went today

And though th3e evening is still early
I lie here alone and pray your thinking of me
I pull the blanket 
Up to my chin
My feet are cold when you’re away

Strange thoughts come to me in the night when you’re goine
But I know you well, and I wait for your call
Love don’t treat me wrong, Love don’t treat me wrong

As I listen for the bell to ring
I know that you will be calling
Then you open the door
And I feel your kiss
Hello my dear I say

Strange thoughts come to me in the night when you’re gone
But I know you well and I wait for your call
Love don’t treat me wrong
Love don’t treat me wrong




The First Time
By Lee Rector

When I met my lady, the first time
I felt this feeling for the first time
When I touched her gently for the first time
I know who se was

When I loved my lady for the first time
Everything in the world felt just like the fist time
On this lady is like the first time
Every time we touch

When I held my lady for the first time
It was like heaven for the first time
Now I have my lady for the first time
And every day
Every day
Every day 

*(Note here how impersonal. When I met YOU …)


After Today
By Lee Rector

I’ve been debatin’ 
‘Bout where I’m goin’
After today, after today

I must be leavin’
I know I’ll be goin
I just can’t stay, after today

I know she didn’t think, she was doin’ wrong
What she done to me
I deserved all along

Now I’m debatin’
‘Bout where I’ll be goin’
After today, after today

I’m told she’s goin’
Left with another
That’s what they say, that’s what they say

But I know her
Lord she would never
Do me this way, do me this ay

So I’m debatin’
‘Bout where I’ll be goin’
After today, after today.


On The Road Again
By Lee Rector

I’m on the road again, markin’ time again
Singing’ my rhyme again to whoever’s there
I’m on the road again kickin’ my heels again
Ridin’ the rails again, because of you

I’m on the road again, takin’ it back again
Out of the rack again, because of you
I’m on the road again, breakin’ down again
Just like a clown again, because of you

I’m on the road again, singin’ my song again
Right or wrong again, because of you
Right or wrong again, because of you.



Let Me Have That Feelin' One More Time
By Lee Rector

Honey, let me have that feelin’
One more time before you go
Let’s go roll in the hay for a while
Let’s mess around a play for a while
But honey let me have that feelin’ 
One more time before you go
Then if you want to walk away you can.

Honey, take me to the task
One more time before you go
Chase me ‘round with the rollin’ pin
Lock me up in the closet again
But honey take me to the task 
One more time before you go
Then leave me broken hearted
In the bed.

Chase me with your shoe
Around the house a time or two
Get me down on the floor and tickle my ribs
But honey let me have that feelin’
One more time before you go
Then leave me broken hearted
In the bed.



Makin' Heartaches
By Lee Rector

Makin’ heartaches, makin’ hearts break
‘Cause there’s not enough of me to go around

I love the women, Lord knows  love ‘me
And I want to keep ‘em happy as I can
‘Cause I want to love ‘em
To love all of ‘em
See I just can’t keep myself in hand

Makin’ heartaches, making hearts break
‘Cause there’s not enough of me to go around

When I start to love ‘em, I take in all of ‘em
And I know I love ‘em the best I know how
But oh, those women,
They get so human
When they see me start to leave town

Makin’ heartaches, making hearts break
‘Cause there’s not enough of me to go around.



The Question
By Lee Rector

Arms are reachin’ for my lady
Hands are shakin’ and empty
Lips are askin’ the question
Is love to be or not to be

Eyes are misty now and foggy
Memory lingers here with me
Heart is aching with the question
Is love to be or not to be

The question is my lady 
Bound to set me free
Is love to be or not to be

Whisky in the glass beside me
Dizzy, put my mind to sleep
Ears are ringin’ with the question
Is love to be or not to be

The question is my lady
Bound to set me free
Is love to be or not to be.



When You Tell Me You Don't Love Me
By Lee Rector

When you tell me you don’t love me
Break it to me softly
Say it easy
When you say you’ don’t care

When you tell me you don’t want me
Break it to me easy
‘Cause it’s gonna shame me
And  it’s gonna take me
To get down on my knees to understand

When you tell me you don’t need me
Break it to me kindly
When you tell me 
You don’t want me around

When you tell me you won’t have me
Say it to me smoothly
“Cause it’s gonna break me
And it’s gonna take me
To get down on my knees to understand

‘Cuase it’s gonna break me
And it’s gonna take me
To get down on my knees to say a prayer.



Jonesboro Girls
By Lee Rector & Jim Holaday

Jonesboro girls, Saturday night
Dance at the high school gym
He sits in the drive-in café getting’ tight
While she’s goin’ out with him

Jonesboro boys, drivin’ their cars
From Lover’s Lane down to main
Old men in the tavern raise glasses of beer
Drinkin’ away alltheir pain

Notes from the honky tonk drift down the street
It’s midnight rock’n roll
Down at the malt shop there gathers a crowd
Just out of the picture show

At 17 Elm Street a mom and a dad
Wait up for the kids to come home
Passin’ their time watching TV
Together, yet so all alone

Still the notes from the honky tonk drift down the street
The midnight rock’n roll
And up at the ball field they just passed a pipe
And the coach gets to take the last toke

Joensboro girls …


Your Cheatin' Lies
By Lee Rector

Can’t you see the real you
In the reflection of my eyes
Can’t you see that I can see
Through your cheatin’ lies

Can’t you tell that I can tell
It will be a surprise
When you tell me the truth
About your cheatin; lies.

Why pretend you’re true to me
When your cold and pull away
Don’t hide y our eyes for I can see
Through the hands on your face

Can’t you take the best of me
And what we can do with our lives
Face to face, open up your eyes
So you can see through all your cheatin’ lies.



Mary Ann
By Lee Rector

Mary Ann was famous
For the way she said, “Hello.”
She made her way through crowds
Where other people couldn’t go
She slid so skillfully
Through distinguished arms
A girl-next-door
Snake charmer

She held in her palm
The heart of every man
Who kissed the backside
Of her tinder hand
And she wouldn’t let go
Until she knew
She had won the soul
Of her new-found pawn.

Mary Ann turned 20
At the Governor’s ball
And the statesmen saw a flower
Budding sweet, standing tall
And she created lust
In every man who saw
That low cut dress
And the bust of Mary Ann

But May Ann, now you’ve grown older
Let your hair down to your shoulders
And cover up with makeup the wrinkles in your eyes
Girl you had a chance to love me
But you put yourself above me
No Mary Ann it’s your turn 
To cry
(To hear the word good bye?)


Is This Just An Illusion?
By Lee Rector

Is it just an illusion
Bein’ here with you?
Is it just an illusion
Or can it really be true?

Happiness, it is every day
Waking up with you by me in the bed
And I wander what it really means
To have such great feelings in my head

(Chor)

Happiness is havin’ someone to talk to
And someone to live in through the day
Happiness is havin’ someone who loves you
And who will sweep the night away

(Chor)

Happiness is holdin’ on to you
When I know I need someone to love
Happiness is seein’ everyone as bein’
You and me and in love

(Chor)



It's A Good Day
By Lee Rector

It’s a good day
With you here
Laughin’, playin’ singing’
Blowin’ in my ear
And it’s a good day with you here
Won’t you come along

‘Cause I like the way you hold me
And I like the way y u feel
It’s a good day havin’ you here
I can hardly believe that you are real.

(Repeat top)



Behind a Microphone
By Lee Rector

Oh Lord, what can I do with myself?
When I don’t want to train to work behind no desk
When I fear I’m to small do dig on the highway
And all I want to do is stand behind a microphone

Lord all I need is an audience
Someone to pay to be in attendance
To clap their hands and to smile when I sing
As I pick my guitar behind a microphone

Dear Lord, won’t you call on my name
Help me to make my lifetime claim
Let me tell all them folks how to live and be happy
As I pick my guitar behind a microphone.


Headin' Down the Wrong Highway
By Lee Rector

Racein’ for the salt mines (flats), baby
In my Chevrolet
Headin’ down the wrong highway

Busted with no spare time
Got to pump the brakes
Headin’ down the wrong highway

And there ain’t no reason to turn back now
Past the point of no return
I can’t go back there anyhow
This is something we have already learned

Gut string bass and guitar
Pickin’ every day
Got me headed down the wrong highway

Put no bait out on the trot line
Let the big fish get away
Headin’ down the wrong highway

(Chorus)

I’ve been makin’ like a fair child, Mama
Like a member of the race
Headin’ down the wrong highway

It ain’t got me in the money
But then who’s to say
That I’m headin’ down the wrong highway

Lord, am I headin’ down the wrong, highway?



Is The Doctor Out Today?
By Lee Rector

I feel the wine comin’ on
I feel the pain ease away
Is there a sickness in the cure
Or is the doctor out today?

I don’t have to feel the pain, if I don’t want to
Though it doesn’t change the fact that you are gone
But with the wine to settle in upon me
I might be able to sleep the whole night long

I feel the wine comin’ on
I feel the pain ease away
Is there a sickness in the cure
Or is the doctor out today?


All The Way To Memphis
By Lee Rector & Jim Holaday

It started down in Jackson
A sweet love and I
Just a couple of crazy kids
Ready and willin’ to fly

We headed up the Delta
Takin’ what would come
And we found it in each other
And we wanted some …

All the way to Memphis
We loved as best we could
All the way to Memphis
It was mighty good

We loved enough to make it stay
We took it all the way
All the way to Memphis
To Memphis all the way


I Must Go On Livin'
By Lee Rector

Darlin’ you told me
Our love would last forever
The way you left me
Yes, it was very clever

And how I’m feeling
Here all alone
Is a fact I must accept
And life must go on.

I must go on living
There’s nothing else to do
I must go on living
Living without you
I must go on living
There’s nothing else to say
I must go on living
Day after day

I know I can be happy
When the storm blows away
And it will end up better
Workin’ out this way

I get a little better
As each minute drags along
I just loved you girl to death
And now you’re gone

(Chorus)



When My Thoughts Return To You
By Lee Rector

At times I get down when days defeat me
I start to wonderin’ where it is that I go
And when my life mistreats me
I wonder what it is that I know

The weather might cloud the skies above
To make me wonder what I’m gonna do
But my senses all come back to me
I smile again when my thoughts return to you.

When my thoughts return to you
There’s no need to be cryin’
When my thoughts return to you
Soon I’m backup high again

Yeah the cloudy weather may get me down
But I don’t have to say that way too long
‘Cause all I need do is think of you
And I can hear you singing my song

When my thoughts return to you
There’s no need to be cryin’ 
When my thoughts return to you
Soon I’m back up high again.



South Is My Favorite Direction
By Lee Rector

South is my favorite direction
It’s the other end of the pole
But if I could make a correction
North ain’t so bad at all
And with a change in inflection
I will tip my hat to the east
Some say west is best
And it ain’t bad out west
But south’s the direction for me.



Twenty First Century Lover
By Lee Rector

I’m a 21st Century Lover
The world has grown so small
Though miles away I can give her
The comfort of a call
Well maybe I’m in L.A.
But Nashville ain’t far away
And I’ll be with my baby tonight.

Yeah, I’m a 21st Century Lover
And I don’t give a care
But I’ve got what it takes
To keep my baby there
So maybe I’m in  L.A.
But Nashville ain’t so far away
And I’ll be with my baby tonight.

Hey that silver bird’s gonna lift me
Way up high in the air
And I know she’ll be waitin’
When I get off over there
So what if I’m in L.A.
Nashville ain’t far these days
And I’ll be with my baby tonight.



Warm Me To The Bone
By Lee Rector

So baby, warm me to the bone with your lovin’
Hold me tight as you please all night long
Don’t let me be ‘a longin’ for you lovin’
Oh, baby won’t you warm me to the bone

I’ve been searching all my life for someone soft and warm
To hold me thought these long cold nights alone
And you came into my life like a hurricane one night
Now I want you to always tag along

(Chorus)

And if the urge should come to y ou to someday leave
Remember how much love you have at home
Oh someone else may want to try to take you away
But the cheatin’ kind won’t love you half as long

(Chorus)

Our love glows like the growing springtime flowers
That comes with every new done
Oh Baby won’t you warm me to the bone.



Good Things Comin'
By Lee Rector

Good things comin’ 
Happy’s on the way
Good things comin’ For you and for me.
Good things comin’ 
No more loney days
Good things comin’
For you and me today.

I woke up today and Lord I felt so find
I knew that good things were comin’ to my mind
I want to hold your hand and keep you by my side
Good thing’s commin’, what a wonderful surprise

(Chor)

When I heard you were coming home, I made up my mind
I’m gonna treat you like a king
The message came through loud and clear
When I read the sign
Good things comin’ for yours and for mine.

(Chor)



Reflections
By Lee Rector

Smiling in an ever grateful smile
I look at you, you look at me
Touching warm in love
Our souls have finally found their peace

Happy we can be
Like we never realized
Til this moment here with you
As I look into your eyes

And as evening comes to us
The sun sets out across the pond
In mere reflections of your beauty
And dear reflections of  our love

Tightly I hold on you you
For what I‘ve found I can’t let go
Had it not been for you
A happy life I’d never know

And as we hold on to love
The sun sets out across the pond
In mirror reflections of your beauty
And dear reflections of our love.



Grandma's Precious Dream
By Lee Rector

Grandma’s Precious Dream

She walked down the street very proudly
With her handbag in the bend of her arm
Dressed for Sunday mornin’ meeting 
In her Sunday mornin’ charm

Her eyes glared dimly through glasses
As her black heels clicked on the ground
She was headin’ for the meetin’
But her head was turnin’ round

Grandma she prayed to Jesus
Since she as just a teen
But the changin’ world it ain’t beatin’
Grandma’s precious dream

She stepped into the chapel
Lord, she always makes that turn
To light a candle for Grandpa
And to watch that candle burn

As she kneels at the alter she’s smiling’
At memories that dance around
Her lips send a blessing to Grandpa
As she glows in the comfort she’s found

Yes Grandma she ‘s talked to Jesus
Since she was just a teen
And the changin’ world it ain’t beatin’
Grandma’s precious dream

As she steps into the chapel
Lord she always makes that turn
To light a candle to Grandpa
And to watch that candle burn
Grandma’s precious dream.



Like The Way It Used To Be
By Lee Rector

Take my hand a little tighter
Like the way you used to do
Make my world a little brighter
Like the way you used to do

I came back to you
‘Cause out in the world I find
There’s no place but with you
That I have peace of mind

So Take my hand a little tighter
Like the way you used to do
Make my load, a little lighter
Just like the way, you used to do.



Take Time To Make Somebody Happy
By Lee Rector & Jim Beedle

Take time to make somebody happy
Take time to show someone you care
Take time to make somebody happy
That’s the only way you’ll ever get there, from here

Too many folks don’t care for others
Try to make a buck just to get ahead
Take time to make somebody happy
Just listen and remember what I said, my friend

And when the happies finally get you
They’ll make you feel groovy every where
Take time to make somebody happy
And you’re sure to get there.

They say it takes more effort when you’re frownin’
So why run yourself into the ground
Take time to make somebody happy
And you’ll be the happiest somebody around.

Oh, yeah.

Take time to make somebody happy
It’ll make you the happiest somebody around.



Hillbilly Singer
By Lee Rector

I’ll sing through my nose
I’m a hick a hillbilly
An Arkansas Traveler
Dressed up in disguise.
Wherever I’m goin’ 
I’m wild and I’m woolly
A barefoot ridge runner
With Lone Ranger eyes.

I bite off a mouth full
And if I can chew it
Makes me no difference
What’s on your mind
Winnin’ or loosin’
Wearin’ holes through it
Findin’ a way
To make up for lost time.

Oh buddies, oh my
Friends and compadres
Tip your hat high
To the ladies who pass
I done betrayed 
My pa and my madre
With hillbilly singing
And living too fast

With a wink of an eye’
I know I’ll be talkin
To that honey –haired lady
Who loves steel guitar
Every old charmer
Whose chalk line I’m walkin
Works all week long
To keep tabs at the bar

So buddies, oh my
Friends and compadres
Tip your hats high 
To the ladies who pass
I done betrayed
My pa and my madre
With hillbilly singing
And living too fast.


I Do!
By Lee Rector

You’ve got me skippin away
Dancin’ and a prancin’
Roll in the hay
Aints in my pants’n
Happy and gay
Hollywood romancin’
You do
You do.

And yes I just want to say
Let there be no mistake about it
Since you came my way
I can’t do without it
Every day
I just got to shout it
I do
I do

You’ve got me runnin to play
Laughin’ and a singin’
Swingin’ and swayin
You’ve got bells a ringin
Headin’ my way
You’ve got me singin’
You do
You do

And yes I just want to say
Let there be no mistake about it
Since you came my way
I can’t do without it
Every day
I just got to shout it
I do
I do


I Can't Believe the Lady Wants to Hurt Me
By Lee Rector

Here I am
In the dawn of early morning
She is gone
And my mind and soul are burning
Carefully I tried to make it work
I dolled her and I charmed her
But my loving care just harmed her

What to do?
I don’t know, I can’t think clearly
Will she return?
I’d do anything to relieve me
I would hang a new high for her
Oh, how could this happen
Am I just too blind to see
I just can’t believe the lady wants to hurt me.


Getting Over Loosing You
By Lee Rector

How many times must I get over
Getting over loosing you

Your lips were so tinder
The sweetest taste I ever knew
Your eyes so kind and warm
Matched a heart so strong and true

Your caresses were so inviting
They helped me to get through
But now my heart is empty
Getting over loosing you.

And how many times
Must I get over
Getting over loosing you.

Oh how many times 
Must I get over
Getting over loosing you?



There's No doubt
By Lee Rector

When it comes to love
She’ll say, I’m the best that there is.
Just ask her
And she’ll say, “I’m his.”
And when it comes to makin’ out
She’ll say she’s mine, there’s no doubt

And when it comes to her
I’ll say that she’s mine
Just ask me
I’ll say it any time
And when it comes to bein’ proud
I’ll show her off, there’s no doubt

She’s all the woman I need
She makes me complete
I don’t want nobody else
For she rings all of my bells

And when it comes to us
We’ll say that we are
Just tempt us
You won’t get very far
‘Cause when it comes to bein’ loud
We’ll shout our love
There’s no doubt.


Neon Invitation
By Lee Rector

Won’t you cheer up, I’m your neighborhood tavern
I‘ve got a jukebox and a cooler full of brew
I’ve got bright lights and a lot of friendly people
And a neon invitation just for you.

Turn the corner and you’ll see my greeting flashing
And relief is just a step or two
Don’t be lonely when you know that I’m here waitin’
With a neon invitation just for you.

Neon invitations, flashing welcome in the night
Come on in and enjoy the pretty view
Frosted mugs and rose colored glasses
And a neon invitation just for you.

Pull on over at my neon invitation
Step inside and say, “How do you do?”
Put a smile on, you don’t need an explanation
Cause there’s a neon invitation just for you.



Love Circle
By Lee Rector

I’ve got me a woman wild in love
She’s as sweet as she can be
Hello walls, I’ve got a roof up above
And I’m living in the circle of love

I’m living in love’s circle
Where all you do is good
Love’s circle like everybody should
I’m living in love’s circle
Thanks be to the Lord above
That I’m living in the circle of love

I got my Jesus to show me the way
To teach me how to be
I see the light that shines from above
And I’m living in the circle of love

I’m living in … (etc)


Handle Me With Care
By Lee Rector

I’m caught, I just said I love you
And you’ve said that you love me
We’ve both been hurt by love before

But when our eyes meet
You make me feel so complete’
It’s time to give love a try once more

I see the love light turning on
I feel advances coming on
Your hands are reaching out for me
You say you have a lot of love to share
And you can take me there
Darling, handle me with care.

Am I trapped, I just said I’d stay with you
And your lips are touching mine
We’re both so hungry in our embrace

As your arms reach ‘round me
It makes me feel so happy
Again I think that it can be

Yes that old love light’s shining bright
And I’m in love again tonight
And all the hurt has gone away
You say that you have love to share
And you can take me there
Darling handle me with care.


Everybody Wants to Be a Star
By Lee Rector

Everybody wants to be a star
Oh you don’t know how lucky you are
Not to have to wear that ugly scar
Still you want to be a star

Everybody wants to strike it rich
Get back at some old son of a bitch
People jumpin’ when you flip the switch
Everybody wants to strike it rich

Cause when you’re dreamin’ 
The days fly by
The same old scheme and the same old lies
It’s like rehearsing a familiar tune
Forward, reversing, shoot for the moon

Every dreamer goes to Hollywood
They say that you can make it there if you’re really good
And if you doin’ everyone you should
You might become a star in hollowood

Cause when you’re dreamin’ 
The days fly by
The same old thing and the same old lies
It’s like rehearsing a familiar tune
Forward reversing, shoot for the moon

Yeah everybody wants to be a star
You don’t know how lucky your really are
Not to have to wear that ugly scar
Still you want to be a star.



When You Fall In Love With Strangers
By Lee Rector

It always seems to happen
Least once or twice a day
While changing plans, in the car
Or at some dark café
My eyes behold a stranger
And my heart gives out a smile
Oh maybe she’s the one for me
I kind of like her smile

It begins with a gentle smile
And a kind word, I know
I’ve been watching from across the room
I just had to say hello
And don’t you see it in my eyes
I need a place to rest
Oh rock me on your bosom girl
Is all that I request

When you fall in love with strangers
You don’t know what’ you’ll get
You take your chances like the rest
And hope you an forget

Or you can fall in love with a stranger
And take anyone you meet
To ease your lonely burden
While you get back on your feet



I Never Forget a Feeling
By Lee Rector

I ain’t needing any cheatin’
To keep me satisfied
She’s a twice a day woman
And I’m a twice hungry man
The trouble with cheatin’ is – it’s fun
You need a transfusion of spirit



I Had a Falling Out With Baby
By Lee Rector

I had a falling out with baby
She cried and wet to sleep somewhere new
Lord, the thought is driving me crazy
Now Baby’s got me crying too

I miss her hangin’ on to my shoulder
Sleeping’ close to me all night long
Her sweet face smiling every morning
In the early light of dawn

She always did the things to make me happy
Bein’ friends with her made me feel tall
But she was the strong one who could carry
Now Baby’s left me with it all


The Finest Lovers
By Lee Rector

You just said goodbye to me
There’s something that will take some time to see
I’ll try not to resent what you did
But did you give away the finest lover you ever had?

Search through the valleys and the streets
For who knows who or what you’ll meet
Walk tall and remember what I did
For I gave away the finest lover I ever had

The sun will shine another day
I’ll get along you’ll find your way
But just remember what I said
Did we just give away the finest lovers, we’ll ever have?


Makin' Love to a Memory
By Lee Rector

I can feel your sweet love all over me
I can feel the way you’re touching me
And I feel strong again
The way it used to be
But I’m only making love to a memory.

Can’t you see when you left me here alone
You left a man as broken as our home
And I know this ain’t
The way that it should be
For I’m only making love to a memory.

I’ve got to get a hold of how I feel
For your leavin’ might turn me into a child
Into a child

My hand is reachin’ out for y ou
To touch a love so warm and true
But I can’t hold on to 
The image in a dream
And I can’t be making love to a memory.


Bogart
By Lee Rector

Bogart was a hobo
Who lived behind the bar
He slept out in the alley
In the back of some old car

And all he had to call his own
Were the clothes upon his back
And a pocket radio
He carried in a sack

A 20th Century hobo
In a day when hobos was
Who fed his hungry stomach
Sweeping sidewalks outside bars

Bogart always had a smile
Upon his friendly face
Said, “How ‘ya doin’ buddy”
To everyone who looked his way

He kept the local gossip
Down on West End Avenue
Down to a keen science
For all of those he knew

But Bogart couldn’t understand
The passing hands of time
He dreamed his dreams like any man
Who drinks yesterday’s wine

He never begged or borrowed
No one thought him a cheat
The only space that he took up
Was on the floor beneath his feet

But Bogart died this afternoon
And there’s a silence in this place
For an empty bar room corner
And a bill that has been paid.


He Comes Home to Me
By Lee Rector

You say he’s been seen with other women
And yes it makes a difference to me
But se, I love him and I need him
I clean house for him, I feed him
And I know that he comes home to me

And no sir, I don’t need to cheat on him
Though you say he’s cheating on me
You see I love him, and I need him
There is no man who can beat him
And I know that he comes home to me

For we have a love that’s not in danger
You say he’s weak, but I know he’s true to me
And the life he puts inside me
Will keep him close beside me
For I know that he comes home tome.


The Rain in Mississippi
By Lee Rector & Don Smith

Our words fell like raindrops on the windshield as we parked outside her door
Though the newness of each other lay uncovered in what was said before
When I reached out to touch her, she knew I had to leave her there alone
And the rain in Mississippi fell around her as her stairway led her home

And it’s raining in the pines in Mississippi
Like the teardrops falling from her eyes
Leaving sorrow on her mind in Mississippi
For the rain in Mississippi washed me away
And left a lonely girl behind

There wasn’t much to say to her, except, “Goodbye I’ll see you later on,”
I didn’t have the time to say the things I thought of when I’d gone
All it left me was the memory of a passing moment that had flown
And the rain in Mississippi fell around her as she stood there like a stone.


And it’s raining in the pines … (etc)


Marietta
By Lee Rector & Steven A Zanetis
Marietta me
Marietta my
Marietta’s done gone and turned it on high
Marietta .. Marietta … Marietta, Ohhh Marietta.

Marietta comes
Marietta goes
When Marietta’s hot good golly it shows

Marietta sugar
Marietta spice
Marietta sure do make it feel nice

Marietta peaches
Marietta cream
Marietta’s got me bursting that the seams

Marietta smiles
Marietta hears
Marie3tta’s done gone and stripped my gears

Marietta tight
Marietta loose
Marrietta’s done gone and cooked my goose

Marietta open
Marietta shut
Marietta really knows how to make love


Save Me From Myself
By Lee Rector

Save me from myself,
I’m falling’ in love with you again
Lord, I’m goin’ back 
To where I’ve always been

I can’t give up on you
You’re right you always win
So save me from myself
I’m falling in love with you again


One Time Too Many
By Lee Rector

I cried for you one time too many
My heart longed for you one time too many
I reached out for you one time too many
It took too many one times for me to touch you

I wrote for you one time too many
And I went broke for you one time to many
I spoke for you one time to many
It took too many one times for me to feel you

Too many times, one time too many
To many dreams I’ve left with you
Too many times I’ve been wounded
Yes it took too many one times for me to read you

You se, I fell in love with you one time too many
And I came back to you one time too many
Now I’ve said good bye to you one time to many
Still it’s been too many one times for me to forget you.



The Kind of Love (That Makes Me Strong)
By Lee Rector

In the morning when I walk and you’re beside me
That’s something I can always depend on
When I’m troubled you’re always here to guide me
You have the kind of love that makes me strong.

When I come home you’re always here to kiss me
And welcome me into the warmth of home
And when I’m gone you call an say you miss me
You give the kind of love that makes me strong

It’s not easy to let my eyes wander
When I find I’m walking with you
And all the friends that we know sit and ponder
And wonder if what they see it’s true.

In the evening when I’m lying close beside y ou
A new world every day starts to come on
Darling hold me and keep me close inside you
You give the kind of love that makes me strong.


We're Not That Far Removed
By Lee Rector

We’re not that far removed from each other
What made you think that time would make it be
Though we’re far apart, you still have my heart
Darling, we’re not that far removed

I’m still singing love songs to you
Up at night with you on my mind
And when I close my eyes, it comes as no surprise
Darling we’re not that far removed

Some day you may see
Just what you mean to me
And when you hear this song
I pray that you will call
For darling we’re not that far removed
No darling we’re not that far removed


Standing Out In The Rain
By Lee Rector

You hurt me again like you did once before
I don’t know if I can take it anymore
But I keep hangin’ on
In hopes you will change
Like a fool standing out in the rain.

You haunt me, when you’re gone and I’m here alone
In my dreams I pretend that you haven’t gone
I reach for you
Only to draw back in pain
Like a fool standing out in the rain

It’s not like I can’t go out and find someone new
‘ve just grown weak in my craving for you
And for better or worse I’m waiting here again
Like a fool standing out in the rain
Like a fool standing out in the rain …



Shine On Love
By Lee Rector

I sure like having coffee with you in the morning
I could look into your eyes forever
And I think I will
Yes I love you still
You take the night right out of my life
And you make the daylight shine on love.

I’m so glad you stopped by to see me
You sure made a lonely body happy
To think that you love me
Builds me up and sets me free
It takes the night right out of my life
And it makes the daylight shine on love

Shine on Love
Shine on me and the lady that I see
Shine on love
Shine on bringing her up with me, Lord
Shine on bringing her up with me

I’m sure glad you feel the way I feel for y ou
I love to smile and put our lips together
To think that we can grow
Sets my light aglow
It takes the light right out of my life
And it makes the daylight shine on love.

(Chorus)


Her Other Lover
By Lee Rector

In the arms of her other love
She tells me she’s not afraid
In the arms of her other lover
She tells me, she’s not ashamed

She tells me of her other lover
In words that turn my heart to fear
In those arms I held close
Everything to me that is dear

In the arms of her other lover
She tells me that she’s strong
In the arms of her other lover
She tells me, that’s where she belongs.



Ice Box Lovers
By Lee Rector

I was sittin’ there alone
With the lyrics to a song
And a she in her ice box apartment

They were selfish little lines
About selfish little minds
About me and my ice box existence

She was all entranced
As the sugar fairies danced
When she said in her ice box delivery

“Won’t you play for me the tune
I know I’ll be hearing soon
Blaring out of my ice box memory?”

So I played for her the song
I’ve been singing all along
Like I’m singing here in your ice box living room

Put my guitar in the case
I’ve got no time to waste
So let’s head for your ice box bedroom.


Waitin' For A Train That Never Comes
By Lee Rector

Standing at the station with a kiss upon her lips
Her smile fixed at the gate for a glimpse of happiness
Listening to the ticking of a heavy pendulum
Waiting for a train that never comes

She opens up the letter and reads the tinder lines
Sent from far away down the tacks between two minds
The chill of the wind turns rosy cheeks to numb
Waiting for a train that never comes

Back in her apartment the table’s cozy set
With flowers and red wine and candle light and yet
The clock just keeps ticking on and on and on
Waitin’ for a train that never comes

Sittin’ in the parlor looking through the fire
Knitting a sweater for an aunt in Deleware
Staring at a picture yellowed by the sun
Waiting for a train that never comes.


Keep Away
By Lee Rector

Since wee were little children
Learning how to play
Life has been to some degree
A game of keep away

First it was little things
Like paper dolls and toys
It wasn’t like the keep away
Played by grownup boys and girls

Then we fell deep in love
We knew that it would stay
We were only playing
A game of keep away

Soon we were keeping bigger things
That could make love grow
Locked away in closets 
Buried deep in side our souls

Things that seem so simple
Could be so hard to say
We were only playing
A game of keep away

Now the tables turn again
And we stand face to face
It seems that every corner
Leads us back to this old place

So as we meet each other
Let it come what may
We’re back together
We just can’t keep away.


Commin' On Together
By Lee Rector & Steven A Zanetis

It was a long, long way
From me to you
Evening fog
To the morning dew
I’m coming’

Such a long, long time
I was alone
Misty nights
And chilly dawns
I’m comin’
You’re comin’

The sunrise lights up a brand new day
And yesterday was a mistake
I’m forgettin’ how hearts can break
We’re comin’ .. We’re comin’ on together

Her I am
There you are
We’re both looking 
Past the morning’ star
I’m coming
You’re coming
We’re coming’ on together.



The Smile In Your eyes
By Lee Rector & Steven A Zanetis

The smile in your eyes brightens up my daay
The love in your heart, God put there to stay
Sometimes this old world turns cold and gray
But the smile in your eyes, never goes away

A million times I’ve wondered how much you care
A million times I’ve asked myself how much you bear
Through all the dreams I’ve dreamed
And all the tears I’ve cried
You’re always here unchanged
You’re always by my side

And the smile in your eyes (etc)


Every Living Day
By Lee Rector

The wounds of love are healed in time
AT least that’s what they say
But you still haunt my dreams and mind
Every living day

The pictures of your gentle face
Are tattooed into my brain
Oh darling can’t you see I need
To hold you once again

I ask for you to come back to me
Every night when I pray
Words fall like ashes to the floor
Every living day

Dn’t you know what you’ve done to me
Leaving me all alone
Darling I appeal to you
Please, my love, come home

I turn my face to the wall
I can’t go on this way
For my life was made to make love to you
Every living day.


Granny White's Tavern
By Lee Rector

Oh Granny White’s Tavern it stood to the north
Though Granny White she had died
We remembered her brandy and comfortable beds
As we stood by her grave site and cried

She fed all the hungry, brought joy to the men
Who traveled the Natchez Trace road
I remembered the days way back then
When Granny White’s Tavern was every man’s home.

The hearth at Granny White’s Tavern was warm
Her song rang loud in the night
And granny poured brandy for all of the men
From dusk to broad daylight

Oh, Granny White’s tavern saw many young man
On his way to barter and trade
And the pelts that they carried, the salt and the lead
Were all the money that Granny was paid.

So lift your pewter glasses high
To toast a dear girl and the word
For Granny6 White’s Tavern will never die
It will live in the hearts of the men that she served.

Oh the hearth at Granny White’s … (etc)

Oh Granny White’s Tavern it stood to the north
Of the grave where Granny was laid
The dogwood, the redbud will bloom in the spring
And the head and foot of Granny White’s grave

Oh the hearth at Granny Whtie’s … (etc.)


Ridin' In Luxury, Living In Hell
By Lee Rector

I built you a mansion up high on the hill
So you could be happy, girl, I pleased you so well
I worked my fingers down clean to the bone
And woke up this morning to find you were gone.

Now the streets are all empty, except just for me
And you’re with him saying that finally you’re free
And here I am drowning in a dark lonely well
Ridin’ in luxury, living in hell

The castle is cold when the sun sets at night
And echoes of ghosts scream out in the quiet
In the climb from the bottom to the bottom I fell
Lord, I’m riding in luxury, living in hell


I Got A Charge Card
By Lee Rector

Well I ain’t  no rich man, babe
But I like the looks of you
And I ain’t got no cash on hand
But I tell you what I’ll do
I’ll take you out to dinner
We’ll have steak and I’ll rent a car
Then we’ll drive downtown to drink
At the finest bar
Well I ain’t got no money gal,
But I got a charge card.

We’ll go out to see a movie
Long as I can pay on time
We’ll kick our heels up dancing
Everything will be fine
A cotton candy evening
With Master Card and you
We’ll dress up nice and have
The best night you ever knew
No I ain’t got no money gal
But I got a charge card.

And after all that splurgin’ 
We’ll rent a bridal suite
With a vibrator (pron. Viberator) bed
And a view that can’t be beat
We’ll have the best night 
Of our lives
Livin’ like rich folks do
With a private bath and plummin’
All night long with you
Well I ain’t got no money gal
But I got a charge card.

We’ve a million alleys open 
And if it sounds like fun
You just wink your eye
And it’s as good as done
I promise you the best night
That you ever knew
We’ll live like king and queen
And that ain’t no dream
Hey I ain’t got no money gal,
But I got a charge card.



If You Want To Get Ahead
By Lee Rector

If you want to get ahead in this world, world, world
You gotta work, work, work, work, work.
And if you want to be content in this world, world, world,
You gotta, play, play, play, play, play.
And if you want to be happy in this world, world, world
You got to love, love, love, love, love
And if you want to get to heaven in this big wide world
You got to look to the Father above.

Standin' In the Middle (Of Everything I Own)
By Lee Rector

I reach out my hand to touch you dear
Close my eyes, pretend you’re not gone
I close my hand over a dream and I say
I’m holdin’ on to everything I own.

I kiss your lips and open my eyes
And I see I’m standing alone
Ant’s no surprise that dreams deceive my eyes

And I’m so tired of writing those sad songs
Standing in the middle of everything I own.



It's All Returnin'
By Lee Rector

I’ve had time enough to put my house in order
I’ve had the pleasure of knowin’ your love
But your leavin’ when you did
Turned me back into a kid
Now I see it’s all returnin’

I’ve had reason to make myself ready
Takin’ over where I left off
And now I feel
Like a broken newsreel
And I see it all returnin’

Returin’ back to where we began
In a new way I see how happy we once were
I can see a lovely memory
But I can’t see you returning.


In The Rapture
By Lee Rector

In the rapture of your arms
You hold the key to my heart
In the rapture of your arms
I share my love
You keep me warm.

In the rapture of your arms
You hold the key to my heart
In the rapture of your arms
I pledge my love
You keep me warm

Heaven is with you in the rapture
And the rapture is with you in my arms
I find you are my past and my future
We share our love forever and beyond

In the rapture of your arms
You hold the key to my heart
In the rapture of your arms
I pledge my love
You keep me warm


Felt But Never Touched
By Lee Rector

I was out of my mind with envy on the day she said her vow
I couldn’t stand to see her go
Now her mind’s at peace
My hell my never cease
Knowing she loved him more than me

I played an evil game with cards and shameful things
But I did not know so much
While gambling for a way 
To buy her clothes and fancy things
She waited felt but never touched

Felt but never touched by human hands
Felt but never loved by any man
I wanted it easy when I came to claim her love
And she waited felt but never touched 

When I returned in hand with a golden wedding band
She told me I was too late
For she had pledged her life
To the church and Jesus Christ
Never more to have to wait.

I was out of my mind with envy on the day she said her vows.


The Woman of My Mind
By Lee Rector

Hey Brother look at her
As she goes steppin’ down the street
Did you know that she’s the type of gal I’d like to meet
She looks so healthy
She looks so fine
That there’s the woman of my mind

Can you look at her 
Without poppin’ out your eyes
Have you ever seen
Such a sweetie pie
She looks so healthy
She looks so fine
That’ there’s the woman of my mind

Listen and I’ll tell you a secret
If you won’t let it out
I’m gonna get that gal
I’m gonna jump and shot
She looks so healthy
She looks so fine
That there’s the woman of my mind.



A Better Man
By Lee Rector

I’m not listening’ to you anymore
I’m not perfect, I well understand
But I‘m followin’ what’s right to me
And that proves me to be a bigger man

So long I trusted in you
I let you lead me by the hand
But I won’t step down that wrong road with you again
And that proves me to be a bigggr man

The time I spent aching for all of my wrongs
Scared me in a way I couldn’t stand
I’m puttin’ right a means to an end
And that proves me to be a bigger man

One day at a time I’ll walk through this world
Meet each day as best as I can’
Workin’ for goodness and taking a stand
Will prove me to be a better man

It will prove me to be a better man. 


What Does It Matter
By Lee Rector


What does it matter if it’s all over
There’s no reason to carry on
When we see that old memory
It’s just time to be alone

What does it matter, if it’s all gone now
Why hold on with empty hands
When we weight right or \wrong now
The balance bends

It’s all over
But this time it means to tend
So hold back your tears and smile once again
Let’s make this as easy as we can

What does it matter, were both crying
Just look into our eyes
What does it matter if we’re both dying
It won’t free us from our lies.

It Ain't as Bad as It Seems
By Lee Rector & Steven A. Zanetis

We ain’t got no money in the bank
We just got ourselves to thank
We ain’t got no plans ain’t got no dreams
But we got love and it ain’t as bad as it seems

We ain’t got no Rembrants on the wall
And we don’t read no Shakespeare at all
We don’t live like king and queen
But we got love and it ain’t as bad as it seems


‘Cause every night when the sun goes down
You slip into that cotton (sexy) gown
Love, It don’t pay the bills
But it sure do give you and me the thrills

We ain’t got no gas in that old car
It looks like we’re not goin’ very far
Some folks ride in fancy limousines 
But we got love and it ain’t as bad as it seems

(Chorus)

We ain’t never been to gay Parie
WE like watching wrestling on TV
Some folks go to all kinds of extremes
But we got love and it ain’t as bad as it seems.


We're Almost There
By Lee Rector

We’re almost there
We almost made it
We tried so hard
And here we are

We’re almost there
And I can feel it
Baby,
We’re almost there

There were days when we were lonely
And there were times when we were scared
But we’re most there
We almost made it
Baby,
We’re almost there



The Wolf and the Wild
By Lee Rector

Barkin’ at the pale midnight moon
I was hungry, but babe so were you
And I need what only you can do
The wolf is wild but then so are you

You came up and touch my hungry hand
And I felt the stirrings of a man
And I took you home with me so soon
Now baby look how long I’ve been with you

And I don’t care what other people say
You and I’ve made something really great
Out of two hungry souls stretching’ for room
To open up and see what love could do.


Dark and Checkered Past
By Lee Rector

I can tell you’re not listenin’ 
As you stare off in space
And I know when you feel like it
You’ll join me in this place
If there was something I could do
You know I’d step in fast
To save you from reliving
All your dark and checkered past.

Oh babe can’t you see
That the past is dead and gone
There ain’t no use rememberin’
All the things you saw go wrong
Today is where you’re living
And tomorrows come to pass
If you will just step out of
Your dark and checkered past.

Yesterday’s sorrows shouldn’t cloud up your today’s
Look forward to tomorrows , throw bad memories away
If all you do is dwell on bad hat is all you’ll l see
And what a way to waste all of your good memories

So smile and just remember 
The good things that went by
And clear up your vision
Wipe the tears from your eyes
The sun will rise tomorrow
And with it’s dawn will cast
A new light on your vision
And your bright and checkered past.


Lord, Help Me Off of This Rusty Old Saddle
By Lee Rector

Lord help me off of this rusty saddle
I’ve been in the rain much too long
Help me dry off my boots, help me shelter my cattle
And when I get the strength  won’t you ride along

He rode into town to go down to the temple
The trail, it was dusty, the highway was old
The message he carried with him was so simple
But few would heed the story he told

Their swords were unsheathed they called him a stranger
Said they were told he’d be coming to town
They took him and threw him In a dungeon of danger
Tomorrow they’ll lay him like a thief in the ground

(Refrain)

As I’d have done to me, help me do unto others
Help me lift eyes up to see heavenwards
If by chance I can teach by revealing your wisdom
Let me live by example and speak with your words
  
(Refrain)


One Way Ticket to Paradise
By Lee Rector

I got no fear of growing old
I got no feelings that I can’t control
And thought I don’t say life is all sugar and spice
I got a one way ticket to paradise.

I’ve pointed my nose down a one-way street
I’ve got one direction, I accept no defeat
And I’ll carry you along if you want to come for a ride
On my one way ticket to paradise

The Lord is my direction and I can’t understand
How any one could listen to some other man
I got all I can handle just holding it in
I ain’t got no time to step off and sin

So let me tell you fair brothers and sisters
It ain’t gonna get ‘ya if you don’t give in
Keep the faith baby and won’t it be nice
With your one way ticket to paradise

I say keep the faith brothers open up your eyes
To your one way ticket to paradise


I Want You Near
By Lee Rector & Larry Stein

Many’s the night shadows and darkness held me
Then came the light you brought life back into me

And I needed you
I held you, I held you close to me
And yes it was true
I had you, I had you next to me

And now I want you near
I want you near to me
I want you near to me

We lie face to face and as you touch me
In our embrace we hold our hearts together

And I needed you
I hold you, I hold you close to me
And yes it is true
I have you, I have you next to me

And now I want you near
I want you near to me
I want you near to me

I want you near
I want you near to me
I want you near
I want you near to me
I want you near
I want you near to me

(etc)

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