The Rotten Drapes original new single “Pale Artifact” is now available for streaming on all major platforms. Friends don’t let friends live without The Rotten Drapes music. Share freely with those you love and remember, smile while you can……. it’s a pale artifact.

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Written by Michael Vallez

Michael Vallez- Vocals, Strings, Acoustic Guitar, and Piano

Anonymous- Electric Guitars

Steve Bearsley- Drums

Mixed and mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios

Pale Artifact

Introduction: I know that you’re searching for a king amongst thieves, and there’s nothing, I repeat nothing for miles but reprieve, but don’t you blow yourself to smithereens

Verse 1/2: Everything dies but life never stops, and in between are the years that we’ve got, and don’t you pause to give it thought. I knew you’d never leave this town, cause you were too busy having fun, but ain’t that the way it goes in love. (but don’t you run off and tell someone)

Chorus: And you know, we’re so lucky to live at all, so smile while you can, it’s a pale artifact.

Verse 3/4: Down the street at the end of the block, there’s a faded home with an empty lot (rusty dodge), it was in that place I learned to walk. This earth’s a prison and a giant grave, but there’s pickup trucks with stickers that say “God bless the good ole USA”.

Chorus: And you know, we’re so lucky to live at all, so smile while you can, it’s a pale after-thought.

Bridge: I know that you’re searching for a king amongst thieves, and there’s nothing, I repeat nothing for miles but reprieve, but don’t you go tearing at your seams

Verse 5/6: Every day I pass bums on the street, cloaked gods that are testing me, so give your change to those in need. I’ve been a victim of thinking to deep, all these riddles won’t buy me sleep, so I’ll sum it up and make it brief.

Chorus: And you know, we’re so lucky to live at all, so smile while you can, it’s a pale artifact. And you know, we’re so lucky to live at all, so smile while you can, and don’t ever look back!

The Rotten Drapes tailored Spotify playlist

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She Was the Only One is now available for streaming or purchase

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Written by Michael Vallez

Michael Vallez- Vocals, Strings, and Piano

Darius Morgan- Electric Guitar

Steve Bearsley- Drums and engineering

Mixed and mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios

Drums and guitars recorded at the now defunct Legis Studios in Sterling, Illinois

She Was the Only One

Verse 1: Dreams are a lot like magic, imagine you’re in love and it will happen. I took the train to Manhattan and met a lonely girl named Catherine. She took my heart without asking if you asked me now, I’d say we met in passing.

Chorus: I know she was the only one that made me feel this way

Verse 2: She told me I was her master, her smile was full of joy and high-pitched laughter. She spoke to me of sweet disaster and the benefits of knowing what you’re after. Her urgency cut me close and thoughts of her still haunt me like a ghost.

Chorus: I know she was the only one that made me feel this way

Bridge: Everyday that she’s away, my heart fills in with blacks and grays, and she’s the only one holding the key, come back to me, come back to me, come back to me

Verse 3: The last time that we met, she was running late and seemed quite upset. If my memory is correct, she told me she was dying of neglect. She warned me and said goodbye, on my darkest days you can still hear me cry

Chorus: I know she was the only one that made me feel this way

Shine On

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Shine On

Verse 1: I know you’ve been losing sleep and your minds a mess. I know you’ve been trying to keep, what you can’t request. And I still don’t know the reasons that you went out of style. But you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful, it’s just the worlds a tad behind. You’re beautiful, you’re beautiful, don’t let the world steal your smile, and shine on for me.

Chorus: Shine on for me in the dark when you’re feeling down, shine on for me. Shine on for me in the darkest loneliest hour, shine on for me.

Verse 2: I know you feel broken inside, like you got nothing left. I know you got to give it sometime, for your heart to rest. And I still don’t know the reasons that you went out of style. But you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful, it’s just the worlds a little mad. You’re beautiful, you’re beautiful, don’t let the world steal your smile, and shine on for me

Chorus: Shine on for me when you’re broke and you want to give up, shine on for me. Shine on for me in the dark loneliest hour, shine on for me

Bridge: Shine so bright that the whole world sees. Shine like a torch in your darkest dream. Shine so bright that the whole worlds’ free. Shine like a star before it hits the sea.

Pre-chorus: And I still don’t know the reasons that you went out of style. But you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful, it’s just the worlds a little mad. You’re beautiful, you’re beautiful, don’t let the world steal your smile, and shine on for me.

Chorus: Shine on for me when you’re down and you want to give up, shine on for me. Shine on for me in the dark loneliest hour, shine on for me…. I said shine on for me.

Lady Liberty is available for streaming or purchase

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Written and performed by Michael Vallez

Mixed and mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios

Lady Liberty

Verse 1: In New York there is a statue with a torch and bronze skin And the flame in her right hand would guide the weary in

Chorus: Lately it’s Dark at sea, You’re a beacon to the tired and free Baby baby, come back to me, LADY LIBERTY

Verse 2: She came across the ocean, all the way from Paris, France And they pieced her back together, sparing no expense

Chorus: Lately it’s Dark at sea, You’re an ember of what you used to be. Baby baby, come back to me, LADY LIBERTY

Verse 3: For years you’ve been the symbol for the masses who can’t breathe. But now your futures not so certain and nothings guaranteed

Chorus: Lately it’s dark at sea, You’re a figment of what you used to be. Baby baby, come back to me, LADY LIBERTY.

Tales of Regret is available for streaming or purchase. Pull up a stool.

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Written by Michael Vallez©2015

Tales of Regret

Verse 1:

I was drinking alone, lost in my thoughts, the static was deafening like a million raindrops. The game was on TV, I stared at the screen, I can’t even recall the score or the teams. A door opened slowly, the sun filled up the room, in walked the lonely, she took a seat at the stool beside me. She ordered a shot, she ordered a beer, then she cleared her throat violently and said listen to me dear. I lived a long life, and as I reflect, I’ve made some poor choices, but my deepest regret, Is I always wanted children, it’s my greatest omission, the doctors once told me, it was a crazy condition and I missed the baby

Chorus: But I’ve seen the world and made many friends, I’ve had lovers and actors but as the road ends, I miss my baby…..

Verse 2:

I was stranded in Nashville, in a rundown hotel, I was working the front desk, in the evenings for a spell. When a stranger came in, to get out of the rain, he told me his story, I’ll try to tell it the same. Mike my father is dying, in a hospital bed and we haven’t spoken words since I was a kid. Would you give me a dollar, or let me use the phone, it won’t take that long, he just needs to know…. I love him dearly

Chorus: And he rang him up, and said his goodbyes, his eyes watered up and he slowly cried, I love you Daddy

Verse 3:

I was stuck in an airport, on a cold snowy night, I sat in a chair, hoping to catch the next flight. When the women beside me, gave into a yawn, then she looked at me slowly, and said, can I sing you a song about the lonely. The she picked up her guitar, and sang me a verse, I’ve forgotten the melody, but I remember her words. There’s a chapel up in heaven, where my late lover waits, and soon will be united, at St. Peters gate. I’m taking the red eye, back to South Bend, So I can say my goodbyes, to family and friends. And I’m gambling with Jehovah, and my chips are all in, I’m wagering that my love is greater than my sin and I miss my baby

Chorus: I’ve lived my life, with a beautiful man, and why God cut it short, I’ll just never understand, and I miss my baby

And as I conclude, these three tales of regrets, I hope I’ve honored their stories so you never forget…………………………………………………………………………..the lonely. The lonely, The Lonely.

“Love Without The Pain” is a modern day pop-jazz standard written by Michael Vallez and performed by The Rotten Drapes. Additional accompaniment performed by Jonathan Rarick (Trumpet) and Steve Catron (Bass). Steven Bearsley on drums and Darius Morgan on guitar. Hope you enjoy the show. Stay healthy. “Love Without The Pain” is available today for streaming or purchase. Mixed and mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios.

Love Without the Pain

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Love Without the Pain

Verse 1:

I don’t care if the moneys good cause all the cash in the world can’t stop me from missing you. You’re everything I could ever need, You’re everything don’t ever leave, you’re in my dreams, to lose you now would kill my scene.

Chorus 1: You’re a warm breeze in the shade, the good seats at the game, a storm without the rain, a love without the pain. You’re the Sunshine through the trees, the lilacs in the breeze a laugh you can’t contain, a love without the pain

Bridge: Baby, baby, baby, you’re the reason that I’m living, and I swear I’m losing my mind. Baby, Baby, Baby, you give meaning to this living, and I’m almost out of time.

Verse 2: I don’t care if the moneys good cause all the cash in the world can’t stop me from missing you. You’re everything I could ever need, You’re everything don’t ever leave, you’re in my dreams, to lose you now would kill my scene.

Chorus 2: You’re the loose change in the seats, the crisp sounds of a stream, a dream you can’t explain, a love without the pain. You’re a good song on repeat, young children fast asleep, sin without the shame, love without the pain.

Bridge: Baby, baby, baby, you’re the reason that I’m living, and I swear I’m losing my mind. Baby, Baby, Baby, you give meaning to this living, and I’m almost out of time

Chorus 3: Your everything to me, the forest for the trees, a storm without the rain, a love without the pain You’re a warm breeze in the shade, the good seats at the game a laugh you can’t contain, a love without the pain

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends, and patients affected by Covid-19.

A few pages from my old notebook. An early draft of “Love Without the Pain”.

Pale Artifact. The Rotten Drapes 4th studio album.

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All songs written by Michael Vallez

A Bearsley-Vallez Production

Tracked and mixed at Straightaway Productions

Mastered at Gravity Studios by Doug McBride

Album artwork created by Michael Vallez

She Makes Me Feel Like Somebody Else

Michael Vallez- Classical guitar introduction, bass, vocals, lead and rhythm guitar
Athan Mireles-Drums

They Don’t Write Them Like This Anymore

Michael Vallez-Vocals, bass, lead and rhythm guitar
Athan Mireles-Drums

Last Goodbye

Michael Vallez- Vocals, bass, harmonica, midi tracks, guitars
Steven Bearsley-Drums

Tonight

Michael Vallez-Vocals, acoustic guitar, Midi tracks
Darius Morgan-Lead and rhythm guitar
Jason Griffis-Bass
Steven Bearsley-Drums, backup vocals

Wonder About You

Michael Vallez- Vocals and acoustic guitar
Darius Morgan-Lead guitars
Steven Bearsley- Bass, Drums, back up vocals

Promised Land

Michael Vallez- Vocals and MIDI tracks
Steven Bearsley-Drums

Dissolve

Michael Vallez-Vocals, all guitars, and midi tracks
Athan Mireles-Drums

Slow Rewind

Michael Vallez-Vocals, acoustic guitar, Midi tracks, bass
Darius Morgan-Lead and rhythm guitar
Steven Bearsley-Drums

Shine On

Michael Vallez- Vocals, MIDI tracks, bass
Steven Bearsley-Drums

Dissolve

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Dissolve

Verse 1: Then you say that I’m not the same at all but I can change just like the leaves of fall. Then I laugh and thank you for your call and your veiled attempts to stall but I really must dissolve.

Verse 2: I used to hold her tight like Sunday night. The chickens grilling and the neighbors stop by with their wives. The evenings young and then the thought of work comes and it leaves me feeling small, yeah I really must dissolve.

Verse 3: I don’t care if you never see my name in the stars, cause I’ve been writing these songs before the radio chart. Trapped in this skin, then I pause and think that I rather be absolved, cause I really must dissolve.

Bridge: I know that I’m ascending to a higher state and I know that I’m the ashes and the tidal waves, and I know, I’m finally going to let it go, the final act in a tragic show, my spirits packed, I’m leaving apropos.

Verse 4: This world doesn’t care what you think of it, it’s a fact of life most men won’t admit. It’ll leave you flat and flawed like a dream you can’t recall, cause I really must dissolve.

Verse 5: The whole weight of the world seems a little to much and all the fools in this place couldn’t dream this shit up. All these selfish thoughts leave me lost like Jesus on the cross, Yeah I really must dissolve.

Promised Land

Black Lives Matter

New names, faces, towns, spaces, fathers, brothers, mothers, daughters, friends, lovers, and countless others; the struggle for progress continues.

I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways; I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice.

Exterminate All The Brutes Documentary

Promised Land

Verse 1:

All of this hate and retaliation, won’t heal this divided nation
What we need is a little compassion, a little bit of love and understanding
More blood on the streets won’t ease the pain, it’s just more of the past, more of the same
So many families branded with grief, with so much injustice it’s hard to believe

Chorus: We’ve come a long hard way, but we still have a ways to go, but the Promised Land is just down the road

Bridge:
Seems to me that this whole world is slowly going mad and I’m just trying to make it safe back to you
Seems to me that this whole world is slowly going mad and I’m just trying to make it safe back to you
The promised land is nearly at hand please be patient
The promised land could be all that we’ve planned please believe me
Let freedom ring and the angels sing from the highest mountains to the deepest sea, dream with me.
Verse 2:
With shots in the night and sirens that scream, with so much noise it gets hard to dream.
The flags at half staff and covered with blood, how many deaths until we’ve had enough.
When a knock at the door can fill you with fear, and the voice of logic gets harder to hear.
When the tears of our mothers fill up the streets, with all of this pain it’s hard to believe.
Chorus:
We’ve come a long hard way, but we still have a ways to go, but the promised land is just down the road

Steve Bearsley

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Last Goodbye

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Last Goodbye

Verse 1: I hate to leave you this way, lord I wish I could stay. Please consider this, our one last true embrace, one last kiss before we have to face, this world all alone this is our last goodbye.

Verse 2: There’s not a job in this town, you know I can’t stick around Please sit with me and speak forgotten words, feeling left unsaid or never heard, but darling don’t be shy this is our last goodbye.

Chorus: And I know, that you’re leaving here with some tears, streaming down your cheeks, and still your heart retreats to the night where we said goodbye. In a worn out car full of empty lies, be free, go live your dreams without me

Verse 3: The city could be our world, why won’t you come with me girl. Please indulge me and walk with me once more, past the oak tree that we both adore, and kiss me as you cry this is our last goodbye.

Verse 4: Sometimes I see you so clear and I can still taste your tears. Please remember me in the tenderest of ways. Before all my dreams took me far away and left me high and dry before our last goodbye.

Demo version

Slow Rewind Spotify Apple Music Youtube

Slow Rewind

Verse 1:
Memories are all that’s left, and they play on repeat, while the drummers keep their beat in time with heaven.
I can hear your voice, I can see your smile, and your cologne is still strong but you haven’t put it on, in forever.
Chorus:
And yet I find, when I slow rewind, the pictures of that place.
Come back to me, so easily, I can almost touch your face.
The past is gone, and it’s been so long, but it feels like yesterday.
Your memories live on in me, and crash against the bay.

Verse 2:
Wish that we had tomorrow, but all I’ve got is the past, and a tattered photograph, that I borrowed.
I rummage through your old wallet, the leathers worn thin, and the stitches are barely in, and you’re in heaven.
Chorus: And yet I find, when I slow rewind, the pictures of that place, come back to me in black and white, I can almost sketch your face. The past is gone, and it’s been so long, but it feels like yesterday. Your memories live on in me, and crash against the bay.

Bridge: I know you’re in a better place, a home for angels and kings, I’ve got god on the phone, I’m never alone, I’ve got sixteen saints. I fear nothing in life, a chariot will carry me home, I said leave the light on, just until we near dawn, for the lonely and faint of heart. I said yeah. This is for everyone on a SLOW REWIND.

Verse 3
I almost cry but I fight through it, cause I have to write this song, so the world can sing along to you in heaven.
I drink from your old cup, and it’s cracked and stained with beer, but it makes you feel near, while your in heaven.
Chorus: And yet I find, when I slow rewind, the pictures of that place, Come back to me in black and white, I can almost touch your face. The past is gone, and it’s been so long, but it feels like yesterday Your memories live on in me, and crash against the bay.

Just a few tokens….

Shine On

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Shine On

Chorus: Shine on for me in the dark when you’re feeling down, shine on for me. Shine on for me in the darkest loneliest hour, shine on for me.

Chorus: Shine on for me when you’re broke and you want to give up, shine on for me. Shine on for me in the dark loneliest hour, shine on for me

Bridge: Shine so bright that the whole world sees. Shine like a torch in your darkest dream. Shine so bright that the whole worlds’ free. Shine like a star before it hits the sea.

Chorus: Shine on for me when you’re down and you want to give up, shine on for me. Shine on for me in the dark loneliest hour, shine on for me…. I said shine on for me.

The candle demo was released on July 8th, 2016

Dedicated to Sydni Loftus and the memory of Jason W Griffis.

Jason Griffis

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Wonder About You Spotify Apple Music Youtube

Wonder About You

Verse 1: In the middle of the night, she sleeps next to him. My alarm clock mind, wakes me up and makes me wonder wonder bout you

Chorus: And who’s keeping you warm tonight, yeah I’m wondering who’s filling my void

Verse 2: In the middle of the day, my thoughts slip away. They wander through time, to a place where you used to be mine and I wonder.

Chorus: Who’s keeping you warm tonight, yeah I’m wondering who filling my shoes

Bridge: Cause I know, I know, I know, I know, it’s not me. Cause I know, I know, I know, I know, it’s not me

Verse 3: In the middle of my heart, swings a bird in a cage. So lost and estranged, and when it sing, it makes me wonder bout you

Chorus: And who’s keeping you warm tonight, yeah I’m wondering who filling my shoes

Bridge: Cause I know, I know, I know, I know, it’s not me

They Don’t Write Them Like This Anymore Spotify Apple Music Youtube

They Don’t Write Them Like This Anymore

Verse 1: No one calls me collect anymore, they don’t write me with love anymore. And I know, it goes by so fast, so hold on tight, let’s make it last. There ain’t nobody like you anymore, all my friends are with you good lord. And I know, the world has changed, but I’m still the same, got debts to pay.

Verse 2: They don’t make them like this anymore, she don’t treat me with love anymore. And I know, it’s in the past, it can’t be changed, the dye is cast. I always seem to be holding the line, everyone here’s doing time. And that’s why, I’ve come to terms, with heaven and earth, in this empty dirge

Verse 3: They don’t write them like this anymore, it’s almost like a lost art form. And that’s all, I have to say, bout the state of music, and the songs they play. I was looking for the words to express, everything is a delicate mess. And I know, I’m old news, I’m all washed up, can’t sing these blues

Verse 4: I’ve been reaching for you in the night, I’ve been looking for the joy in spite of myself, we all need help, so take my hand and share the wealth. I don’t think of you anymore, it’s almost like I drifted a shore and those thoughts, were all erased, lost to the nothing, that we all must face.

ALT:*(And it’s all a magic trick, a sleight of the hand, the game is fixed). *(That’s true, so enjoy the view, a storm is brewing, lets sing the blues)

Create your own album cover. Just print out the following 4 photos and use the Pale Artifact album cover as an example. You can click on each image for the print option. Cut out the appropriate area and glue it to picture three. Add more trees if you like.

When you’re done, it should look like this. Don’t forget to add the text, with a marker of your choice.

The Rotten Drapes third album, “Love Songs For The Dope Sick” is available on

Spotify Apple Music Amazon

Front cover3

Advocating for compassionate, empathetic care for those suffering from opioid withdrawal and addiction. Ahead of its time in scope and philosophy, the original timeless classic continues to influence the underground and the mainstream.

TRD back sleeve1

All songs written by Michael Vallez

Michael Vallez- Vocals, Midi, Guitar

Darius Morgan- lead and rhythm guitar

Steven Bearsley- Drums

Jason Griffis- Bass

Winter’s Night

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Winter’s Night

Verse: I saw you standing there last night. In the devil’s shadow you seemed bright. White flakes of snow caress the streets. The crystal silence cuts me deep.

Chorus: I really must explain, all I’ve only known is pain, and the joy you bring seems strange, I need to change.

Verse 2: I trace my steps back through the snow. The street lights buzz with a yellow glow. My mind it wanders on its own. Before I know it I’m back home.

Chorus: I really must sleep, this contrast hits me deep, and before she falls she needs to know, it’s a hard road.

Verse 3: An arctic wind freezes all sound. The midnight stars are quite profound. I catch my breath and exhale slow. In that moment I let go.

Chorus: I really must explain, all I’ve only known is pain, and the joy you bring seems strange, I need to change.

The Bismarck

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The Bismarck

Then you say that you’re lost but you haven’t had a home, since you were young, since the English set their sights on war and sung, rah rah rah, lah-di-dah. Then you say that the wind, slowly swept away our fleeting flags, upon the atlas maps and coldly wept and prayed for yesterday, it slowly fades.

and it seems to me that our dreams are all lost, and it seems to me that our screams are lost on the setting sun.

Cause I don’t mind if the sun don’t shine, if the ships come in or the Mexicans, if you burn your flag, if you dress in drag, if you’re against the war or you want five more.

Then you say that our maps quickly aged and cracked, like machine guns roar, as the airplanes soared and ushered in our debt, to the nations west, to the eagles nest. Then you say that our ants, kindly killed our queen, with Gandhi’s dreams and his peaceful scheme and whispered in his death, the white flags breath, there’s nothing left.

and it seems seems to me that our dreams are all lost, and it seems to me that our screams are lost on the setting sun.

Cause I don’t mind if the sun don’t shine, if the ships come in or the Irish sin, if you burn your dags, if you dress in drag, if you’re against the war or you want five more.

and it seems to me that our dreams are all lost, and it seems to me that our screams are lost on the setting sun.

The Bismarcks’ lyrics primarily focus on the history of the English Empire. Social norms, public opinions, and anti-immigrant sentiments are analyzed in the bridge and chorus. The sun never sets on the English Empire.

Too Damn Easy to Lose

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We’ll Never Feel the Same Spotify Apple Music

We’ll Never Feel the Same

Verse 1: Something bout that sunlit cardinal, sitting on a white wooden cross. As I float in the stars of tomorrow, all the signal of you gets lost. The satellites that orbit my soul, spin off on a path of their own. Something bout that star gazer’s view, that makes we want to call it my home

Chorus: I know that you, you know me, we’ll never feel the same. But I know that you and me we’ll never change

Verse 2: I surf the cosmic rays of space and forget about this world for a while. The solar light house shows me its face, while the silence of its strength makes me smile. My warm bed is sick and euphoric, and my heartbeat is the only sound. I know the clouds in the sky are historic but right now I don’t want to come down.

Chorus: I know that you, you know me, we’ll never feel this good. But I know that you and me we always should

Bridge: It’s dark and lonely when the moon hits the beach. There’s children laughing but it’s all out of reach. I try to run but the sand retreats cause I’m lost for weeks. The silent planes in the sky blink bye. The wind howls and the mermaids cry. The city echoes but I pay no mind, cause I’m lost, goodbye

Chorus: I know that you, you know me, we’ll never feel this good. But I know that you and me we always should

You’re Mine Spotify Apple Music Youtube

You’re Mine

Verse 1: Your lips, against mine, they slow down time. You’re all, that I need, fuck gold, fuck greed. When you’re near, it’s clear, this whole world disappears. When you spin, in my arms, I know no harm.

Chorus: And I still don’t know why we’re here, and I still don’t know why we’re here….. but I know, you’re mine.

Verse 2: And I swear, to never break your heart, but this world, will try to tear us a part. The cannibals sit and wait, for our love to dissipate. But I’ll fight this war, if you stand by me, from L.A. to old Paris. If you’re shot down, over enemy ground, I’ll cross the line, before you’re found

Chorus: And I still don’t know why we’re here and I still don’t know why we’re……but I know, you’re mine.

Verse 3: And if I die first, don’t live your life, like a widow cursed. Cry your tears as you must, don’t dwell long, life’s a bust. And if this world ever gets you down, just remember I’m all around. And if these words, ring true, just remember that I loved you.

Chorus: And I still don’t know why we’re here, And I still don’t know why we’re here……but I know, you’re mine.

I Used to Know a Girl Spotify Apple Music Youtube

I Used to Know a Girl

Verse 1: I used to know a girl but I haven’t seen her face in a million years, turn the car around. Cause I can’t go back, and she can’t go back, so on and on it goes, in the streetlights of Chicago, at least for now, because I can’t go back now.

Chorus: I could stay here forever if I thought it would make a change, and I could pray here in heaven if I thought it would make a change, but you and I are meant just for today, yeah, you and I are were meant just for today.

Bridge: I’ll stand with you, if you’ll stand with me, and we’ll stand strong, we’ll find a way.

Verse 2: I used to have a friend, and we would talk the whole night about making things rights, trying to change the world. But I lost my way, and she felt betrayed, so on and on it goes, in the streetlights of Mexico, at least for now, because I can’t go back now.

Bridge: And if I see you in the streets, don’t you stare down at your feet. I’ll stand with you, if you’ll stand with me, and we’ll stand strong, we’ll find a way. I’ll stand with you, if you’ll stand with me, and we’ll stand strong, we’ll find a way.

Verse 3: I used to know a girl but I haven’t seen her face in a million years, turn the car around. Cause I can’t go back, and she can’t go back, so on and on it goes, in the streetlights of Chicago, at least for now, because I can’t go back now.

Deepest Hurt Spotify Apple Music

Deepest Hurt

Verse 1: Sunday morning seems to pass him by, like the clouds in the sky. Bells are ringing as the traffic dies, but he pays no mind, he remembers times.

Chorus: When he was young and she was lost, he picked her up and dust her off. She grew wings and caught the wind and chose a life without him. He broke down and lost all hope, began to drink just to cope. He filled his hole, with pain and dirt, went through life with the deepest hurt.

Verse 2: Took him years to finally let her go, but it took a toll on his soul. His hairs were gray, his hands as hard as stone, from the factories and the years alone. He went to church and spent his nights alone or at the bar drunk and stoned. He’d sit and play those old country songs and reminisce, about love gone wrong.

Chorus: When he was young and she was lost, he picked her up and dust her off. She grew wings and caught the wind and chose a life without him. He broke down and lost all hope, started to drink just to cope. He filled his hole, with pain and dirt, went through life with the deepest hurt.

Bridge: She skipped out the back door of his heart. He slipped on the black ice of her heart. She skipped out the back door of his heart. He slipped on the black ice of her heart.

Verse 3: He’d often wake up in a strangers’ bed, but it went unsaid, his heart was dead. He’d grab his boots and smokes at first dawn; before she woke he was gone. Dusty trails behind his pickup truck, but the trail was rough and he ran out of luck. Struck a tree and quickly broke his neck, before he crashed his whole life flashed.

Staring at the Sun

No use staring at the sun, the question won’t be undone and even if the riddle is your vision will be gone. Like a sunspot in your mind, the chaos won’t be defined, you sit in thought about the evening loss and how nothing can be done.

Pre-Chorus: Make me question, did I lead a good life, makes me question, did I treat people right.

Verse 2: Like a cancer of the soul, the December grip takes hold and it drapes the rooms with its early moons and keeps me in my home. And I don’t mean to get so down, but the endless nights make ground, and they flank the view and lead me to the questions that you found.

Pre-Chorus: Makes me question an honest mans work, makes me question about anythings worth. Chorus: And In your innocence you spoke and it seemed to breath much hope, but I don’t know, how do you know if anything really matters.

Verse 3: And I was staring at the dirt, comparing my self worth, this endless stone verse broken bone never knows its birth. Like a pebble on the beach, the elements quite discrete, you divide the grain but can’t sustain the questions that you seek.

Pre-Chorus: Makes me question the souls that search, makes me question the heavens worth. Chorus: In your ignorance you spoke and it seemed to suggest hope, but I don’t know, how do you know if anything really matters.

Verse 4: I was pondering our loss, shared among us all, the lives we spend quite depend on what you think of fall. And if you pray to god or not, your life will be forgot, my honesty it clings to me and brings me to this thought.

Pre-Chorus: Makes me question the value of our lives, makes me mention the shadows in our minds. . Chorus: Those syllables you speak, they makes my knees go weak, but I don’t know how can anyone be certain. Those images you invoke, they seem to suggest hope, but I don’t know, how can anyone ever be certain.

“He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.” -Friedrich Nietzsche.

Michael Vallez

All photographs of Michael Vallez are credited to Yazmin Vallez