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The Best of Bill Metts

by Bill Metts

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1.
Get Off the Wheel Refrain Gonna get off the wheel. Don’t want to let myself feel These tired old emotions again. Verse Running around in circles in my head again. All it took was a phone call from you. Then I find my serenity slipping away from me. It’s time to try something different. Find something new. Head out my door, find something better to do. Find me a lover or maybe just a friend to help me get off the wheel so I won’t have to feel these tired old emotions again. Bridge Someday I’ll look back at this and smile even now the weight is much less than before. And maybe, just maybe I’ll open my eyes and realize That it doesn’t have to be this way anymore. Verse When that day arrives I’ll fling open doors and windows and let fresh air and light come streaming in. And go outside running wild Like when I was a child. This is not a new beginning. Just a fresh start. I look down inside, still see those scars on my heart. But I won’t feel the pain and I won’t lose my way. And I won’t Get on the wheel. I won’t let myself feel these tired old emotions again.
2.
A Conversation with Death-by William Metts © 2016 It was a hot summer day on a long dusty road, I was on the way to see my daddy. He’s lived all alone on Purgatory Road since the day that my momma passed away. Something seems amiss. Can’t tell what it is but the chill in the hot summer air don’t seem right So I turn around to see what the trouble might be and I find myself staring Death right in the eye. Her eyes burned like fire, voice was like a cool mountain stream. The air smelled of sweet fertile ground. I fell down on my knees…gave out a primal scream ‘cause I know that’s where my body’s bound There was no place to hide. Why me! Why Now I cried I want to say “I love you” to my children one time more. Let me do one more good deed or just plant a seed 'fore you leave me all alone at that door She said I know that you think that I am evil. And you don’t understand the things I do But of this have no doubt it’s not me you need worry about. it’s Time and it's Fate coming to get you. Then she said, "Don’t you worry son your time here is not yet done Can’t say more than that but this I will confide" Then that woman death leaned in close I could feel her breath She said, "Fear is your enemy. Let Love be your guide. Let Love be your guide" Then she touched me. It was not cold like I thought it would be. but filled me with a peace of mind that I couldn't believe. Closed my eyes took in the feeling. My whole world took to reeling. When I opened my eyes it was a cool summers eve. My mind was all hazy. Thought I was going crazy. Ran to my daddy’s house filled with an unexplainable joy There he was, standing at the door, He said "Boy what you so late for?" I cried on Daddy’s shoulder like a little boy. (Short Instrumental Break) Don’t know how or why. Lord knows I don’t know when I will find myself naked and alone at that door. But this I can say since my talk with Death that day I’m not afraid any more. I’m not afraid any more. I’m not afraid any more. With love as my guide, Good Lord at my side, I am not afraid anymore.
3.
The Ballad of the Paper Umbrella © 2014 Words and Music by William Metts When I was just a boy I remember that my daddy had a very unusual habit He’d always put a paper umbrella in his beer I had to find out why dag nabbit You see the boys at school found out that my daddy would do such an unusual thing and I’d get teased from the time I got to school till the time the final bell ring. So I gathered up my courage, went down to my daddy sittin in his easy chair asked why on earth would a man of his stature put a paper umbrella in his beer! Here’s what he told me…He said When I was in Nam there was a fella in our company who liked women less than he liked men. You know, that’s tolerated more today than it ever was back then. His name was Louis, we called him Louise. We made him sit alone when we were eating. And I’m ashamed to tell you my son we gave him more than one undeserved beating When we got the chance to get out to the bars to have beers and shots with the other fellows he would order those sweet girly drinks you know the kind with a little umbrellas. One day we found ourselves in a firestorm bullets flying all around. We all frozen in fear when the grenade bounced on the ground. That’s except for Lewis, he jumped on it to shield the rest of us from the blast, and because of him I’m here looking at you my son and Lewis, he’s in the past. Then my daddy stood up and he looked down at me and said son I hope that we are finished here. I nodded, took the umbrella out of his drink and put it behind my left ear, and I went to school. I said go ahead knock it off, I dare you. I double dog dare you.
4.
I'm Lost 03:00
I'm Lost Lyrics and music composition by William Metts I'm lost. I'm Lost. The train was gonna crash so I jumped off. Didn't seem to matter how much I whined, cried, railed and scoffed. This damned ol' planet just kept on spinning like the Dervish whirl. So I got lost. Sooo Lost. Lost in this crazy ol' world. I can tell you where the sun comes up and point to where it goes down Still sometimes I get so lost walking round this little ol' town. When I get stopped by some poor soul asking which way to go The best I can do is give a blank stare and say "Hell if I know." CHORUS I know the way to Betty Lou's house, I know the number on her telephone Her favorite perfume, the color of her eyes and why I'm sitting here all alone. When it comes to knowing what a woman needs, I just ain't so smart. I get afraid of the dark and run home scared when I try to find the way to her heart CHORUS I put my bed with the head against the wall so when I go to sleep at night wake up in the morning, depending how I feel, I can roll left or I can roll right. Either way I may lose but whatever I choose at least it's mine and I'm free. Please don’t ask for advice on the path I'll say..."Don't ask me." CHORUS
5.
Stay Away from the Blues by William Metts 7/28/2013 Start with yellow. Add a little blue. Now you’re green with envy, that's not good for you. Take some red. Add a little blue. Now you’re purple with rage might could even hurt you. Rainbows are wonderful things Foretell of brighter days to be. But who knows what the future may bring. I hope you’re listening to me. Take some black. Add a little blue. That’s what you feel like when it gets hold of you. Let this be a cautionary tale. Be careful what you do. Use all the colors of the rainbow darling, but stay away from the blues.
6.
The River 03:41
7.
Taxman Blues I got a call from my uncle just the other day. My Uncle Sam you know him. Here’s what he had to say. You got nowhere to run son. You got nowhere to hide. And I won’t stop hounding your ass until I be satisfied Just fill out those checks. Sign on the line Everything you think you own is really mine. He said you in trouble son. Yeah you in deep. There ain’t nothing that you can beg buy or borrow That I’m gonna let you keep. So sell your house and your car. Then he said with a smile. Billy I don’t care if you gotta sell your first born child. Just fill out those checks. Sign on the line Do what I tell you and everything will be fine. I gave out a wail, a cry and a moan All that he gave to me was an evil laugh Then he hung up the phone. So all I do is work you know. I toil night and day Then I shuffle on down to that mean boss man And beg for my pay. He says that check is all made out you just sign right here. And I’ll send it on down to your Uncle Sam to pay tax For last year Or was it the year before? Maybe it was the year before that!
8.
Molly Baker 01:45
Molly Baker Molly Baker was a chorus line girl. When she was dancing she would twitch and she’d twirl. I want to tell you she was the best by far And all the fellers at the bar would say Oh My My! OOO La La! Big Jim Walker was a trucker big and bold. No one more handsome in this world I’ve been told. He had the ladies all stand in line. But he wouldn’t waste his time. He had Molly on his mind. Bridge He said come on Molly OOO you look fine. I’ll do anything to make you mine. Come on sugar babe don’t you say no. You know I’m gonna love you for a long long time. Now molly Baker runs a trucking company. And Big Jim Walker gets his dancing lessons free. They got three kids two dogs a cat they dance and laugh. They’ve each found their better half. And they live happily ever af…ter.
9.
Off the Beaten Path © Where I'm hiding you won't find me ‘cause I'm staying off the beaten path. I'm not lonely just alone. Won't answer the door or the phone. This peace of mind…I'm gonna make it last. Don't wanna hear from nobody, watch TV or read the news. Everything I hear or just gives me the blues. Where I'm hiding you won't find me ‘cause I'm staying off the beaten path. Ain’t got no lover…no dog to walk. Nobody to invade my privacy I ain't asking for your time. Do me a favor, don’t ask for mine. gonna spend some precious moments just on me. It ain’t that bad playing solitaire got no worries. got no cares. Ain't got no plans. Ain’t going nowhere. Where I'm hiding you can't find me ‘cause I'm staying off the beaten path.
10.
The Ballad of Maggie Brown© by Bill Metts Here’s a song about a girl I know name a Maggie Brown. Spent all her days since she’s born in a backwoods country town. Misfortune came one day you know she fell for a city man. Packed her bags got on that train left ol’ Lu’sianne. Willy Jones weren’t that bad, he just weren’t too smart. Never understood the mysteries of a woman’s heart. Should'a turned that girl around put her right back on that train. What that fool done instead caused a lot of pain. CHORUS Poor Maggie wouldn’t want to be in her shoes Empty pockets and a long way from home. He helped her find a place to stay, work to make some dough. She slipped into his back pocket wouldn’t let him go. Tried to make him jealous hanging with some other guy. Didn’t work out the way she thought. Ol’ Willie didn’t bat an eye. Played that game a bit too long got knocked up one day. Went looking for that baby’s dad he’s long gone away. Oh Lordy… CHORUS Wonder how she’s gonna deal with all the stress and strife. She's all alone, with an Empty heart, and a belly full of life. Some say it was a Dr.’s knife some say a sorrow thief. Most folks say that Maggie’s heart just could not find relief. Sometimes life just hits you hard makes no sense to blame. In the end she lost that child ain’t never been the same. CHORUS That Girl finally got some sense caught that train back home Planted roots in her hometown never more to roam Got a lot kids now. Got a good ol’ country man Got herself a real nice life back in Lu’sianne Last CHORUS Go on Maggie! Everything’s turned out alright. Got lost along that winding road but found your way back home.
11.
Hollow Reed 01:33
Oh God, Make of me a hollow reed from which the pith of self has been blown. That I may become a clear channel through which Thy love may flow unto others
12.
Celebrate Life © William Metts Down from the mountains, up from the hollers rolling along on the plains, I hear voices, Sirens and Muses. They are calling my name. Saying Sing with me, Play with me Dance along with me too. Use fingers and strings, sticks and skins Don’t matter. We’ll celebrate life with you Floating on the ocean or drifting on the jet stream, echoing deep from within the forest, or bubbling in a cool mountain stream. They say Sing with me. Play with me. Dance along with me too. Use hollowed out reeds. Shake gourds with beads. Don’t matter, we’ll celebrate life with you INSTRUMENTAL BRIDGE I heard those voices long ago when I was just a boy I listened, let my fingers dance opened my heart and mouth and was consumed by joy From the country front porch, or the juke joint on the delta or the street corner in the city the Spirit of song is calling my name saying sing loud, or soft and pretty but just Sing with me. Play with me. Dance along with me too. Young or old, bring heart and soul. Don’t matter we’ll celebrate life with you. Young or old, bring heart and soul. Don’t matter we’ll celebrate life with you
13.
Music is the Boat © Bill Metts 2021 Late at night when I can't sleep My brain won't quit working digging way down deep Thinking 'bout the things I tried to do right that turn out all wrong Today’s News on loop inside my head So I give up trying, get out of bed Grab this old thing here, and pick out a song When life becomes a storm on this ocean of time Music is the boat of melody and rhyme that takes me home. Thinking ‘bout things I saw out in the world today. About what needed said that I didn’t say and Wondering why the hell can’t we all just get along. Eyes wide open long after nightfall. So I take this thing down from its place on the wall And give my poor tired soul some rest with a song. CHORUS: It salves the burns, puts out the fires With a little bent wood and some steel wires. Emotions set free to fly on breath and sound. Fingers dancing on top of chords, Lips and tongue stumbling all over words ‘till the Storm has passed and the wind has died down. CHORUS
14.
Why I Like it Here© by Bill Metts It’s all been said before. It’s all being said again. Times I wonder if a hundred years from now will it make a difference even then? I feel like the earth would be better off if all the humans would just disappear. Then I listen to a John Prine song and I remember why I like it here. I remember why I like it here People dying from the water they been drinking Air so foul we can’t catch a breath. While the Man’s tap dancing for the all mighty dollar he’s asking us to waltz with death. Wind and rain blowing out a warning. Earth signaling the end is near. Then I look up at the early morning sky and I remember why I like it here I remember why I like it here I Spent yesterday waiting for tomorrow. And found everything the same today. Ain’t nobody listening to nobody and everybody’s got so much to say. There’s a great big propaganda machine spitting out doubt and fear. Then I look into my children’s eyes and I remember why I like it here I remember why I like it here I remember why I like it here
15.
The Miracle 03:18
There’s nothing like the sound of a mist brushing the shore of the pond on October Mountain when Mother Earth’s calling leaves back to their source. The Great Oaks children are leaving home but they’re all dying. All things succumb to time’s unrelenting force. I just wanted to follow that course. Confused by the mist, on a precipice, Lost and alone, led safely home by some miracle. There’s nothing like the sound of the sunrise early morn while fishing from the banks of the great Green River watching the new day born. The Great Blue Heron and little stoats, trout jumping at the flies. I fell on my knees there a time or two, thanked God for my ears and for my eyes. Why I had to go I don’t know. I said something about getting old, couldn’t stand the cold, but I think I lied. BRIDGE Nothing so simple could make a man leave his home. There’s nothing like the sound of a whippoorwill at night when the woods are bathed in black and the tiniest bit of starlight comes shining through. Some say it’s a lonely sound I say that’s just not so. It’s the sound of faith and hope when the night is dark but you know someone’s out there listening for you. I’ve been there a time or two. On the edge of a lonely ledge. A frightened man I reached out my hand and touched the miracle… of You.
16.
My Bait’s Gone CHORUS My bait’s gone but there ain’t no fish My bait’s gone but there ain’t no fish My bait’s gone but there ain’t no fish There ain’t nothing but potatoes on my dish. I went to the fishing hole with a worm on my line. Corn bread and catfish was on my mind. My table was already set, fork knife and dish. I figure I’d catch me a cute little fish. CHORUS Believe me when I tell you that it ain’t no fun. When you’re still hungry but dinner’s all done. So eat when you can and don’t come to dinner late. And do what your mamma told you And eat everything on you plate CHORUS Oh lordy I am so hungry. I would go down to the meat market but I ain’t got no money. Guess I’m gonna have to tighten the belt in my pants. I should’a eaten when I had the chance
17.
Sail Away 03:14
Sail Away Chorus Sail down to the Islands Singing a happy song. Sunny all day nothing to do but play. Don’t you want to come along? I ain’t never been but sure would like to go Hop on a boat sail down to Kokomo singing Hey la la, hey la la, hey la hey la ti da Verse You’ll be my woman I’ll be your man Spend all our time making love in the sand. Sipping on Pina Colada loving me Bahama Mama. Oh baby say that we can. Sail Away. Sail Away. Sail Away yeah. Sail Away. Sail Away. Sa……il Away CHORUS Verse2 Leave the baby with your momma, papa, sister or your brother. Anybody you know I don’t care. Telephone every day blow a kiss and then we say, “We love you but we’re glad you’re not here” Sail Away. Sail Away. Sail Away yeah. Sail Away. Sail Away. Sa……il Away Chorus Sail Away. Sail Away. Sail Away. Sail Away yeah. Sail Away. Sail Away. Sa……il Away
18.
19.
Animal Lover 02:08
Animal Lover © Bill Metts Don’t fall in love with a Robin though he sings a lovely song When winter comes and it gets cold you’ll turn around he’ll be gone. Don’t get friendly with no snakes. Don’t ever look in their eyes. When they speak they never blink and you end up believing their lies Chorus I’m not an animal lover they belong in the woods or the zoo I wasn’t surprised when I realized that we’re all animals too. Don’t hang around no Jack-Ass. I’m telling you true Mule rubs off and before long you’ll be Jack-Ass too. Don’t make a skunk your leader. What the hell are you thinking? When things get rough and he’s had enough you’re the one who’ll end up stinking. Chorus Don’t hide your head in a hole in the ground like the ostrich do Hyenas from the hood will come along and eat your ass up too. Don’t pick a porcupine for a pal find another way to get your kicks When you feel the love and you give a hug you’ll find they’re all just pricks.
20.
Shine 03:48
Shine © Bill Metts 2015 Key – B (capo 4) I'm just some guy sittin' in some cafe Got no false hopes of going very far One thing I know is that I have a good time When I come here and play my guitar My friends said Billy, you need to write yourself a song I didn't know it'd be so hard and take so darn long So when I finally sat down to put melody and rhyme To things inside that I need to share The melodies came easy but not so the words So my friends will have to settle for my heart and this prayer Chorus: Give me a song to sing that they'll remember With words that will make our voices one A melody to make everyone smile And get stuck in their head in the morning and stay until day is done Let my voice ring true with the soul that you gave me Let my fingers do your dance on the guitar strings You sing harmony in my mind for me Lord Let me shine with the joy that singing for you brings Verse 2 I met some gal while I was sittin' outside, Pickin and singing with my friends I must have done something to upset the poor girl She wouldn't even let my song end. She said you know that a black man should sing the blues but you don't I said to that lady I ain't got em so I won't She said you got a nice voice and you can play your guitar But son you just don't look the part I said listen here lady, you got it all wrong It's all about making a joyful noise from the heart CHORUS Let me shine with the joy that singing for you brings (Shine with the joy…that singing for you brings...REPEAT....
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22.
More Light 02:42
More Light© Bill Metts © 2023 CHORUS More light, less darkness on the paths that I now Tread. More joy, less sorrow, when my spirit has flown, and this tired old body lay dead. More giving less taking, More faith than fear More trust than doubt O God More light less darkness on the paths where my feet have trod. I do not know if when I pass, that I’ll be able to look back on this life that I’m living here on earth. To see the fruits from the seeds that I have sown here and there since the day of my Birth. Or ripples from the stones that I have thrown without thinking into the eternal sea. But if I could, I know exactly what I would hope and pray to see CHORUS Standing at the gate or walking through a tunnel toward a light on that fateful day. Or meeting some great winged spiritual being to guide me on my way. Or floating along on some ethereal wind carrying me to who the hell knows where. But when my life flashes before my eyes there is but one thing I want to see there. CHORUS …Repeat last line
23.
Two Typical American Kids by Bill Metts 9/24/2023 Once upon a time there were two little boys. The typical American kind. Search the whole country over, every city or town, two more typical kids could not be found. Their names were James and Willy they were friends of mine. They were good little boys never got into trouble just a little bit of mischief at night. They liked baseball comic books, ice cream swirls, they weren’t yet sure about little girls. The only difference between 'um really was James was black and Willie was white. The boys were doing some work for their 5th grade teacher after school one day to make some money. When the job was done James held out his hand for the dough, she looked at him shook her head no. She walked around James went to Willy and said, "Here. Better safe than sorry honey". This wasn't the first time Willy saw prejudice like that but he couldn't let It go today. He stood up tall with anger in his eyes he knew his friend's worth he saw through those lies. The bond that those boys shared between 'em blew his fear away. CHORUS Us old ones don’t give them young ‘uns near enough credit as they be de serving. We go on teaching them things that ain’t been working. Maybe we’re the ones who should be watching, listing and learning. Willy wasn't gonna let nobody treat his best friend that way. He was stomping on the ground, shaking and crying. There were angry words and spittle flying. He looked at the money, spit on the ground, turned and walked away. That boy had no idea that what he'd just done made the whole world a little bit brighter. His friend James held his head up a whole lot higher and because she'd gotten caught in Willy's line of fire, the things that were wrong in that teacher's head and heart got a little bit righter. CHORUS
24.
Age With Grace © Words and Music by William Metts 2014 My boy and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking one night You know…just having a little chat. The subject changed to getting old. That’s a topic I am familiar with so I told him that it was a drag watching my hair fall out and watching my body get soft and round. I said sometimes I get so tired I feel like I’m adrift at sea just waiting for my ship to run aground. He got up from the table shaking his head, took a step or two, turned around and said “I’m so sorry Dad” I said “Hold on now. Please come back. Sit down. Ain’t no need for you to feel bad.” When he did come back he had a guitar in hand and said “Dad I appreciate this bonding thing.” So if you don’t mind I hope you’ll be so kind as to listen to this song I wrote for you, and he began to sing… When you get up and walk into another room may you always remember why. And wherever you go in the whole wide world may there be a rest room near by. May your Depends never bunch and all your farts be dry. But have another pair around just in case just in case. You know that’s just a joke, ain’t no need to have a stroke. May you age with grace. May you always be able to find your glasses Remember too first look on your head. When the family’s sitting around the kitchen table talking, I hope that you can hear everything that’s said. When you talk may your dentures stay in place. May the mirrors be kind and hide the wrinkles covering your face May all photos be taken before the wrinkles cover your face. All kidding aside, that you’re my dad brings me pride and may you age with grace. I can tell by what you do that when I am as old as you there will still be some fun to be had. I hope when I’m your age turning the last page that my kids don’t tease like I’m teasing you Dad May you be able to keep Mama in a happy place but have Viagra by the bedside just in case. You know I’m just playing and it goes without saying, May you age with grace. Dad I’m just toying. Don’t know about you but I’m enjoying watching you Age…..with grace
25.
Mighty Sea 01:33
Mighty Sea…Rumi Oh Thou whose grace fulfills every need. To mention aught before thee would be sin indeed. Allow this mote of knowledge hidden in my soul to free itself of lowly clay and reach its goal. And grant this drop of wisdom that thou hast given me to be at last united with thy might sea. To be at last united with thy might sea.

credits

released November 1, 2019

All songs were written composed and performed William Metts with these exceptions...
"The River" which was written by Tommy Powell and is used here by permission.
Moriah Metts added vocals on A Conversation With Death.
Caleb Hawkins played mandolin on "Animal Lover"
Kenneth A. Crosby and Bruce Gallant collaborated with me lyrically on "Off the Beaten Path"
The Album cover photo was shot by Jane Feldman www.janefeldman.com

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Bill Metts Cape Coral, Florida

I have been playing guitar and singing for nearly fifty years now. I Started with American Folk and Blues tunes and finger- style guitar. Had a run in with a Classic Rock band for 6 years or so and I sure was glad when that ended. I spent 15 years playing in nursing homes doing standards from the 30’s and 40’s. Now I mostly write. You will see a bit of all the above in my songs. I hope you like. ... more

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