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"Reflections Of Color"


Chapter 1
I May Never Tell You

By Brett Matthew West

I May Never Tell You

I know she's here in this bedroom
When we turn out the light
No more will I wonder
Where you are tonight

Once upon forever
You couldn't get me off your mind
Now lately all you wanna do
Is leave my love behind

You'd rather hold on to something
You lost so long ago
Than be here in the middle
Of a love you'll never know

I could give you tomorrow
Like a thousand yesterdays
But I can't stand no more of
The love you threw away

You never reach out to touch me
When I'm laying here with you
And it don't even matter
What I try to do

So tell me if it's over
And I won't say no more
Cause when I start to walking
I'll be walking out the door

Go on back to the memory
You can't get off your mind
Tangled sheets tell the story
Of the love you'll never find

No, I may never tell you
'bout these tears that I cried
But that don't mean I don't love you
Somewhere deep inside

I know she's here in this bedroom
When we turn out the light
No more will I wonder
Where you are tonight




Author Notes






Thanks bd shutterspeed for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my little poem.


Chapter 1
Matt Connors and the HeeBee JeeBees

By Brett Matthew West

Introduction:

Meet 12 year old Matt Connors Boy Investigator, or so he fancies himself to be. Winsome, with the softest cornsilk blonde hair that ever set on top of the human head and dancing diamond blue eyes, Matt Connors was indeed the spitting image of the "boy next door" to everyone that knew him. Wearing bluejeans, a wide variety of colorful tee shirts, most of which displayed animals, usually wolves or dogs, the Saint Bernard being his most favorite breed of all canines, Matt Connors one major fashion flaw, to some people, was his constant penchant to always run around barefooted, except of course, when he was forced to have to wear shoes like to school or something, but even then, they more times than not were kicked off as quickly as they could possibly be removed.

(NOTE):

I am going to write this story one little piece at a time over a span of time and our darling towheaded little youngster Matt Connors is subject to experiencing just exactly what I am feeling that day...the good, the bad, and all the other emotions life can present and throw at him. So, where this story goes, the twists and turns it may take, and the end result are all up in the air.

(NOTE):

If you, the reader would like to contribute possible scenarios for Matt Connors to experience send them to me..he very well may.

Case One: Matt Connors and the HeeBee JeeBees

Matt Connors sat excitedly on the dugout bench. He knew all he had to do was have one more crack at bat and his mighty unheralded Little League baseball team from the dot on a state road map known as Blue Lake would win the championship. After all, the boy was the very best player on not only his team, but, on the field that day.

Matt Connors watched as his teammate Nathaniel Browne, their third baseman, and a school acquaintance of his, struck out on three pitches wildly chasing a fastball from the opposing pitcher that was a mile over his head.

Slowly, Matt Connors grabbed his Louisville Slugger and waited by the side of the fence that stood in front of their dugout at Cofflin Field. With one out in the bottom of the last inning Tommy Johnson, perhaps the team's lightest hitter, was up to bat. Tommy Johnson softly lined the first pitch he saw right into the glove of the first baseman and Matt Connors confidently strode up to the plate with a sly little grin on his sun tanned face.

As his name was announced to a round of cheers Matt Connors waved over to his father, who was the team's manager, and mouthed the words "We Win!"

The pitcher's first curve ball sailed outside the plate and Matt Connors watched it go by, stepped out of the batter's box, took a couple hard practice swings with his bat, settled himself back up to the plate in a very comfortable stance, and smacked the pitcher's next offering, a fastball Matt Connors had anticipated him to throw, solidly in the gap between the center fielder and the right fielder and was off to the races. He easily rounded first base and then second base. A quick glance over his shoulder to locate where the baseball was and he was off to third base.

Matt Connors heard the local hometown crowd cheering wildly and knew where victory was found. He cut his tag around third base sharply and dashed for home. He saw his father on the other side of home plate throw down a slide sign and he hit the dirt sliding face down across home plate as the catcher applied the tag solidly to the seat of his white pants.

Matt Connors had once again delivered in the clutch and the wild celebration from the town of Blue Lake, who all of its citizens had turned out for this once in a lifetime event, began with Matt Connors leaping up off the ground into his father's outstretched waiting arms and the boy felt real good. The smallest player on the team was once again the proven star, but, for Matt Connors the moment was only a fleeting one. He had something else pressing on his young mind. Something that definitely did not include baseball.


Chapter 2
Motel Matches

By Brett Matthew West

Motel Matches


It's so hard to tell the story
of this new love that you found
Leavin' me to wonder
why my feet have never left the ground

I can see that dress I bought you
fallin' slowly to the floor
Neon lights and heartaches
can't hide what you're doin' any more

Is he the one you wanted
when I gave myself to you
Lately all I hear you say
is you and I are through

There's a time that I remember
Help me to understand
You couldn't wait to be my woman
Now I can't be your man

Our show down scene is over
I know where you have been
Love that lasts forever
is gone now with the wind

You think that I don't notice
I never have you home
While you're out there ridin' rainbows
I spend all my time alone

Don't tell me you still love me
I can't hear you any more
Love you took for granted
walked right out the door

Your memory surrounds me
Cryin' time will soon begin
I need you here beside me
and you're still on the town with him

Well, you can take these motel matches
and strike'em in the wind
One by one they prove to me
you won't be comin' back again

The flame of love between us
has never burned so bright
These motel matches that I hold here
are the only love I have with me tonight





Author Notes




Thanks BRUCEORIO for the use of your picture. It goes so well with my poem.


Chapter 3
Big Yellow Ball

By Brett Matthew West

Big Yellow Ball


Big yellow ball shining in the sky
Tell me what you see when you pass by
Is it the anguish of the poor lost soul
or the mountains majestic and bold

Starving children. Impoverished lands
Waiting for someone to lend a hand
Or fairy tale castles built on the beach
Shimmering lights with a far distant reach

Wars and pestilence sure seem the plight
As mankind goes racing out of sight
Can you help us to cease and desist
From this turbulence we can not resist

Big yellow ball shine celestial light
Illuminate the Earth through the night
You rise and fall with each new day
Your guiding light will show us the way





Author Notes






Thanks montana_denny for the use of your picture. Goes very nicely with my poem.


Chapter 4
Wandering Minstrel

By Brett Matthew West

Wandering Minstrel

I played my guitar on Saturday night
at a Package Show in Atlanta
and the crowd was right
I was barely into song Number Three
when a pretty little filly walked up to me

She was there by the stage and all alone
Man I was thinking I'd like to take
that little girl home
When I noticed her staring back at me
smiling as sweetly as she could possibly be

She told me "You know the show must go on
These are your people and, you are
right where you belong
I see they all really do love you so
but, was it worth losing my love? I'd like to know"

Stevie started banging his drums so loud
Played them a song called "Wipe Out!" and he
excited that crowd
When Matt on the keyboards jumped right on in
I knew that crying time for me would soon begin

Song Number Seven sure tears me apart
My mind starts its wandering and that's
when my teardrops start
Makes me believe I can't do this no more
With no other words she walked right out the door

By song Number Ten I want to go home
but no one waits, and what is the use
when you live alone
So I told the band continue to play
and for those wonderful people we stayed all day

When the show was over I wanted to die
there is a river of pain from her
telling me goodbye
And "Fare thee well" was all that she had said
Just some pretty words from her pretty head

Back on the bus heading out of the town
stared out the window. Was the one who
made the deal go down
I knew I had lost the girl of my dreams
but, had another one waiting in New Orleans



Author Notes

Thanks Alveria for the use of your picture. Fits my poem so well.


Chapter 5
American Highway

By Brett Matthew West

American Highway

The American highway is not a road
It's a place where the weary drop their load
Her shores open far and wide
to let those oppressed come inside

This land of opportunity has its flaws tis true
but her colors will always be red, white, and blue
While her freedom may not be so free
there's no other place I'd rather be

Red is for the blood of her patriot men
shed on foreign battlefields once again
Army, Navy, Marines serve
Their recognition well deserved

A miracle of love this country will be
a mighty fortress blessed and winning liberty
The tears of a mother when day is done
cried in the heartland for a long lost son

White's for purity for those who are right
led by dignity, honor-God's guiding light
Fifty states forever she'll be
a beacon. She shines for the world to see

Alone, and so weak, and in need of someone to care
millions are bid by a lady in a harbor come here
She's mocked and scorned by her enemies
but to her welcome shores they always flee

Blue is for the open skies up over her head
and for the farmers that keep her well fed
Fac'try workers. Those in mills
A proud peoples determined wills

They sing her praises from "sea to shining sea"
from New York to California, wherever they may be
She stands real proud and she walks so tall
There's no way this country will ever fall.

Those "amber waves of grain" burn so bright
as they carry her through a "Star-Spangled" night
Her rampart's glare is so red
and dreams come true as it is said

With alabaster cities glistening in the sun
this flag will never from the less fortunate run
nor shun the naked light of the day
traveling the American highway


Author Notes


Thanks cleo85 for the use of your amazing picture.


Chapter 6
Don't Get Me Started

By Brett Matthew West

Don't Get Me Started

You were mine for a long long time
Now, I am the one that's left behind
It is enough to make me lose my mind
So, if you don't wanna hear how you left me brokenhearted
then don't get me started

Because I don't know when to stop
I took a hard fall off the mountaintop
It's a pain I can't kill with a double shot
So, if you don't wanna hear how you left me brokenhearted
then don't get me started

You're the one I will always love
I could never ever get enough
Now I have lost your love and that's real tough
So, if you don't wanna hear how you left me brokenhearted
then don't get me started

Because I don't know when to stop
I took a hard fall off the mountaintop
It's a pain I can't kill with a double shot
So, if you don't wanna hear how you left me brokenhearted
then don't get me started

You left me and you went away
I need your love right back here to stay
It is a game I do not want to play
So, if you don't wanna hear how you left me brokenhearted
then don't get me started

Because I don't know when to stop
I took a hard fall off the mountaintop
It's a pain I can't kill with a double shot
So, if you don't wanna hear how you left me brokenhearted
then don't get me started

No, don't get me started talking about you and me
or how you left me this aching misery
If you don't wanna hear how you left me brokenhearted
then don't get me started



Author Notes




Thanks Sorin Fota for the use of your picture. Goes so well with my poem.


Chapter 7
You Won't Meet Me In The Middle

By Brett Matthew West

You Won't Meet Me In The Middle

You won't meet me in the middle
You won't love me in the end
We can't go back to the beginning
and start our love again
We're caught up in a place
where our love should never be
Before this night is over
I know you're leaving me

You can't run away from my love
There is just no place to hide
I will be there in your memories
and in the tears you cried
When you wake up in the morning
and you find your new love gone
Remember that I love you
and that you're not alone

You've been chasing love forever
It is time to make you see
My love will be here waiting for you
When you come back home to me
I see you found a new love
The latest flame that turns your head
So tell me why you're crying
Lying in his bed

Upon a silver platter
I would give the world to you
There are just no other lovers
who can do the things you do
I need you here beside me
I can't go on this way
In the arms of love you'll find me
And I can't wait another day




Author Notes



Thanks Stik551 for the use of your picture. It goes rel well with my poem.


Chapter 8
One Night Stand

By Brett Matthew West

One Night Stand

In our room you left
Your little one night stand
It was there I found on a note
The name of another man

Just someone you say you knew
A long, long time ago
Well, I'm not sure if all that's true
I don't think I want to know

The grass ain't always greener
On the wrong side of the hill
You know how much I love you
And I always will

I thought we'd be together
You seemed to understand
I need more to hold me
Than a one night stand

Don't look to me to be the one
To forgive and forget
Cheatin' gets you everything
Except the love you need from me

I never would imagine
This is what I get from you
I don't think you realize
What you put me through

You couldn't wait to be my woman
Now I can't be your man
You tore apart our happy home
With your little one night stand

So, if you're gonna cheat on me
Don't tell me you still care
Go and get yourself a room
And sell your love in there

What we had is over
It don't matter any more
You even have a little sign
To hang upon your door

Pillows tell the story
of the love you'll never find
No matter what you try to do
You won't get me off your mind

I gave you everything I could
Inside a golden band
You wanted more so you left me
For a one night stand






Author Notes






Thanks trailblazer101 for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my little poem.


Chapter 9
I Can't Do This Anymore

By Brett Matthew West

I Can't Do This Anymore

Baby close that suitcase you've been packing
Where have I heard those words before
Must have been the last time that you left me
All alone with the slamming of a door

Well, if you leave me I'll go crazy
Cause I can't make it without you
And, leaving me should be so easy
After all that I have put you through

What's he got that he can give you
Tell me what it is that you need
I know that I can not have you
But my heart don't wanna set you free

Like a fool I thought that I could lose you
Without your love I'm not me
How can I wrap my love around you
When you're holding on to some old used-to-be

Now, these ain't tears that I'm crying
And, my heart ain't broken over you
You're right here beside me
And, love will find a way to see us through

Too late I know how much I need you
So many times I wasn't there
Even though I lost your love forever
You'll never know how much I care

I watch you as you're leaving
And, my back's against the wall
Up here on this mountain
My heart's about to take a fall

Loving you to me came so easy
Losing you will be the end of me
You're everything I ever wanted
How can I be a memory

I can't do this anymore
Since you walked out my door
It's tearing me apart
The pain has gotta stop

No, I can't do this anymore

Author Notes






Thanks Danigirl021 for the use of your picture.


Chapter 10
A Diamond A Day

By Brett Matthew West

A Diamond A Day

His mansion calls you up yonder
To a place where you'd rather not be
The tears that you're crying tonight, Dear
Aren't the tears that you're crying for me

I can hear the rain falling so gently
While your love lingers on my mind
Tonight down here in the valley
I'm the one you left so far behind

His money can't buy you my loving
Nor can his silver and gold
You need more than four walls to hold you
When you're alone and the night is so long

Why do you let him hurt you
When sorrow is all you can see
When night time falls on his mansion
I wonder do you still think of me

Love is a diamond a day, Dear
This is the one thing I know
I'll be waiting to hold you
So come on down to the valley below

His mansion calls you up yonder
To a place where you'd rather not be
The tears that you're crying tonight, Dear
Aren't the tears that you're crying for me


Author Notes







Thanks refman for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my little poem.


Chapter 11
Takes One To Know One

By Brett Matthew West

Takes One To Know One

Right from the start she was the one for me
One night in her arms and it had to be
I planned to love her till time was no more
But, there was someone at home who evened the score

She stood beside me each step of the way
She was the sunlight that lit up my day
Together forever to have and to hold
These were the lies that she had been told

So many nights she sat home alone
Crying her heart out on a telephone
She needed someone to call her own
I should have been there and she would not be gone

Somehow we managed to fall apart
Needing each other and a brand new start
Love has a way of blinding your sight
Till you can no longer tell the wrong from the right

I can not blame her for finding someone new
A woman needs her good loving too
I'll let her go, of that, there is no doubt
Too late, at long last, I figured her out

It takes one to know one was all she had to say
It takes one to know one, so, that's the game you play
It takes one to know one have it your way
It takes one to know one. I'm leaving today


Author Notes






Thanks supergold for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my little poem.


Chapter 12
Daddy When You Coming Home

By Brett Matthew West

Daddy When You Coming Home

(SON): You said you'd never leave me, well, here I am alone
The only time I hear from you is when you call me on the phone
I know that they all need you, but, where does that leave me
Daddy, when you coming home to spend some time with me

(DADDY): And, then, you said...

(SON): Is there somehow something I somehow didn't do

(Daddy) It broke my heart to hear these words tonight I heard from you
No matter where I'm going, how can I make you see
there's nothing in this world Son
that could keep your love from me

(SON): Every time I need you I know that you'll be gone
Still, I gotta find a way to somehow carry on
Living life without you ain't no easy thing to do
Daddy, I remember the days of me and you
All I'm asking of you is for you to come back home
Much too late I understand what I've known all along
How can I make it Daddy in this world with you gone
Daddy you're the reason I have for holding on

(SON): Mommy sits here crying and I don't know what to do
She said she heard someone say you found somebody new
Is she there to hold you when you come home at night
Daddy what was it that you said two wrongs don't make it right

(SON): So, come tell me your story when you put me in to bed
You know I hold on tight to every word you said
Did you find your new love to be all that she can be
Well, don't worry 'bout me Daddy you already set me free

(DADDY): And, then, you said...

(SON): Is there somehow something I somehow didn't do

(DADDY): It broke my heart to hear these words tonight I heard from you
No matter where I'm going, how can I make you see
there's nothing in this world Son
that could keep your love from me


@Copyrighted December 22, 2011 by Brett Matthew West
All Rights Reserved
No portion of these lyrics may be reproduced in any manner without the written approval of the copyright holder

(SON): Every time I need you I know that you'll be gone.
Still, I gotta find a way to somehow carry on.
Living life without you ain't no easy thing to do.
Daddy I remember the days of me and you.
All I'm asking of you is for you to come back home.
Much too late I understand what I've known all along.
How can I make it Daddy in this world with you gone?
Daddy you're the reason I have for holding on.

(SON): You said you'd never leave me, well, here I am alone.
The only time I hear from you is when you call me on the phone.
I know that they all need you, but, where does that leave me?
Daddy when you coming home to spend some time with me?

(SON): Is there somehow something I somehow didn't do?

Author Notes Thank you artdreamer for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 13
There's A Bar

By Brett Matthew West

There's A Bar

There's a bar down on the corner
That tells the story of a love that's died
Nothing fancy about this place
But, oh, the tales told inside

Once again she's not here
And, so, I down another beer
I can't drink away this pain
Of a heart that's torn in two again

There she is out on the floor
Dancing the night away once more
She used to be mine all mine
But, that was once upon a time

Music plays Long and Loud
Above the noise of the crowd
As I watch him hold her tight
I fight the tears with all my might

If I could get her back
I'd run right home and that's a fact
The love we'd make would be brand new
And I could tell her about you

But, there's a bar down on the corner
That tells the story of a love that's died
Nothing fancy about this place
But, oh, the tales told inside



Author Notes










Thanks Liilia for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 14
A Mother's Love

By Brett Matthew West

I was somehow able to perform this song at my Mother's funeral on January 3, 2007 and I will never forget that honor.

Fortunately, this song was Demoed in Nashville, and presented to her shortly before she died from cancer on December 26, 2006, and the way she loved it is a memory I will always treasure.

This is the true story of my growing up years.

I share it with you now on this most special of days to once again honor the very best Mother that ever lived...Mine.

Mother, I miss you every single day that passes by but I know that we will one day be reunited in Heaven. (Just another lesson this incredible woman taught all of her children, including her most stubborn, mule-headed, not-wanting-to-listen-to-anything, thought-I-knew-it-all-one, me.)


**********************************************************************************



A Mother's Love

Raising kids all alone ain't no easy thing to do
All of us are here right now knowing what we put you through
The man who promised you the moon took off and ran away
If not for you, and your sweet love, we wouldn't be standing here today

Wild as Hell, and crazy too, we all put you to shame
So many times you could have walked away leaving only us to blame
You stayed right there, and stood your ground, alone with your family
Common dirt was all we were. Truer love could not be found

The little home that we had is a memory from our past
What you gave to each of us is a love that's gonna last
We never had much money but we were kept in love by you
As I look back through the years I run right home to you

Now you're getting older and your hair has found some grey
Retirement don't fit your plans you'll be a Mother till your dying day
Is there anything we can do to show our love for you
A telephone keeps us in touch when we're miles away from you

There is no other person we can turn to every day
You understand what we're going through and you know just what to say
Here we are together laying you down to rest
As the angels carry you far away we know that we've been blessed

A Mother's love is honest and a Mother's love is true
It'll get you through the hardest times like nothing else can do
It'll take you by the hand, and lead you all the way
and you can't get enough of a Mother's love

No, you can't get enough of a Mother's love


Author Notes For my dear, sweet, Guardian Angel. My beloved Mother.

The significance of the yellow rose is that it is the only type of flower I ever gave my Mother.

I would give her one at a time when I told her how much I loved her.









eileen0204, thanks for the use of your wonderful picture called Yellow Rose.

I have chosen to use your picture with my Mother's song and that makes it very special indeed!


Chapter 15
Eau De Toilette

By Brett Matthew West

Eau De Toilette

You stand there alone
just waiting for me
however, your affection
can never be

Many a time I have
hugged you all night
when the booze and the moon
didn't set so right

I scrub you down
to an illustrious gleam
when you beckon to me
I want you clean

No other friend
have I ever found
true to the cause
you never let me down

You flush every time
I leave you behind
without a whine or whimper
there's no better piece of mind

Dedicated to the cause
you haven't failed me yet
so I had to write this ode
to you my little toilet

Author Notes






Thanks suenethery for the use of your picture. It goes very nicely with my little poem.


Chapter 16
Fat Ass

By Brett Matthew West

Fat Ass

Fat Ass. Fat Ass
Eating all the time
They could land a jet plane on your behind

You waddle down the hallway
But can't squeeze through the door
You don't care
You'll eat food right off the floor

Fat Ass. Fat Ass
Feeding your fat face
Once had a lover but she needed space

Far away from the danger
You always were to her
A knife in one hand
Fork in the other

Fat Ass. Fat Ass
Why can't you see
Your girth ain't never gonna set you free

Not when feeding your fat face
Remains your only fear
Diet's a word
You never want to hear

Fat Ass. Fat Ass
Eating three square meals
just for breakfast and it ain't cereal

Ravenously feasting all day long
Packing on the pounds
Ten a minute will make you nice and round

Fat Ass. Fat Ass
Don't you sit on me
Should be two hundred
Not a thousand-three

A piano will be your coffin
There is no doubt.
unless of course you eat your way out.

Fat Ass. Fat Ass
Eating all the time
They could land a jet plane
On your behind

Author Notes









Thanks pattigirl for the use of your picture. Goes so well with my poem.


Chapter 17
Celebrate Your Leaving

By Brett Matthew West

Celebrate Your Leaving

It's cold, and it's raining, and once again you're not here
I pour myself another favorite ice cold beer
I bet you never dreamed I could make it on my own
but since the day you left me I don't notice that you're gone

I toast another lonely night out here on the town
It kills the pain and helps shoot your memory down
What a fool I was to ever let you get away
but as long as I've got whiskey I can make it through another day

And, when they give the last call I won't have far to crawl
I'll be waiting for you when you come to call
I'll be here tomorrow, and each day down the road
drowning in my sorrow and carrying this load

Let's celebrate your leaving. Really tear the town up right
I'll get over you one bottle at a time
Music plays around me. The night goes on and on
Set 'em up, slam 'em back, and forget you once again

Set 'em up, slam 'em back, and forget you once again



Author Notes Thanks mikart for the use of your picture. It goes well with my poem.


Chapter 18
The Mirror Has Two Faces

By Brett Matthew West

The Mirror Has Two Faces

You have got the body to make the world stand still
But, you can not make him love you, and, you know you never will
You're a notch upon his handle. Another love casualty
Well, the mirror has two faces. Come and give yourself to me
Yes the mirror has two faces like the clock upon the wall
And our love has been in places it should never been at all

I don't have to wonder where you are tonight
Cause I know that he will hold you till the dawn's early light
And, when you wake up in the morning
and he brushes back your hair
do you ever get the feeling that my love is still there
Well, the mirror has two faces like the clock upon the wall
And our love has been in places it should never been at all

There's a storm on the horizon every time that we make love
And, this bottle on the table never seems to be enough
Our love is dying slowly like the setting of the sun
And, in my heart you're always gonna be my only one
Well, the mirror has two faces like the clock upon the wall
And our love has been in places it should never been at all

I can't believe that it's over and that you're gone for good
I lost your love forever the way I never thought I would
I have seen all your heartaches and I have felt your pain
You come running to me, Baby, when you need my love again
Well, the mirror has two faces, like the clock upon the wall
And our love has been in places it should never been at all


Author Notes Thank you marlack25 for the use of your picture. It fits my poem very nicely indeed.


Chapter 19
A Heart As Cold As Stone

By Brett Matthew West

A Heart As Cold As Stone

There's a bag that I've been packing full of all my memories
I gave my heart and soul to you but you wanted to be free
It's not that I don't love you, God knows how much I do
but, I can't stand no more of what you put me through

You are the one I needed to get me through another day
but, candlelight and roses just got in your way
So, tonight I'm gonna leave you and I'll try not to cry
Losing you and your sweet love ain't how I wanna say goodbye

Saw a story in the paper and the news it wasn't good
They say you found somebody who can love you like they should
I guess that means you won't be coming back again
One more time let's show the world the fool I've always been

Now I lay me down to sleep and I have sweet dreams of you
This is still the hardest thing I'll ever have to do
No matter how the wind blows I never get it right
There's a full moon that is shining on our sea of love tonight

You can't burn both ends of a candle any more than you can stop the rain
When you give your heart away you better watch out for the pain
So many times it happens we let love pass us by
Those brand new wings you're wearing won't help you to fly

High above the heartaches you left here behind
The day that you walked out on me is the day I lost my mind
I know that she is waiting with a heart as cold as stone
but, some day soon you'll wake up and find your new love gone

Well, don't come crying to me when she tears your world in two
Remember that you told me there ain't a thing I do for you


Author Notes


Thanks photobeat for the use of your picture. It goes very nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 20
Eggs Over Easy

By Brett Matthew West

Eggs Over Easy

I found the letter you left me this morning
The one that told me you tried
You got tired of the lies that I told you
and you needed new wings to fly
My mind kept on aching, my heart kept on breaking
and teardrops fell from my eyes
but, I've got eggs over easy, black coffee to warm me
and the note that tells me goodbye

That woman you saw me with last night was only
an old flame I can not forget
The love that she gives me helps me remember
I'm not over her yet
I promised to love you now and forever
but, she seems to be in the way
Well, I've got eggs over easy, black coffee to warm me
and the note that tells me goodbye

How many memories can one man remember
when his world has just come to an end
There on the table your picture reminds me
I don't even know where to begin
Your leaving has left me with nowhere to turn to
and, once again I break down and cry
But, I've got eggs over easy, black coffee to warm me
and the note that tells me goodbye

I see in the mirror the man who still loves you
and I know that I've got to go on
How can I hold you the way that I want to
when your love for me has already gone
I'd give you the world right now tomorrow
if it'd bring your love back to me
But, I've got eggs over easy, black coffee to warm me
and the note that tells me goodbye

Yes, I've got eggs over easy, black coffee to warm me
and the note that tells me goodbye


Author Notes Added note after winning this contest:




Thank you Voncille C. Smith for the use of your picture. It goes so very well with my lyrics.


Chapter 21
Seven Little letters

By Brett Matthew West

Seven Little Letters

Well, I know I should be going to the one who waits for me
Another day is over and she loves me I can see
Maybe it's tomorrow, or a thousand years ago
you got your arms around me and I'm not strong enough for no

I can hear her heart is breaking as you lead me to the door
Suddenly, I'm in a place I ain't never been before
Maybe it's the longing that's got me by your side
Tonight I found a feeling I thought long ago had died

Pillows tell the story of tangled sheets upon the bed
The love that we are making explodes inside my head
Right or wrong it's over we got no place left to go
How am I gonna tell her what she should never know

Before too long you'll call me when you're tired of being alone
I know that you'll be waiting in our home away from home
I never meant to hurt her she's been so good to me
but, the love that you can give me makes me wild and free

Somewhere a heart is breaking with the slamming of a door
I can see her teardrops falling as she says to me "No more!"
Another silent night surrounds me and I'm alone as I can be
She didn't wanna hear my story she just turned away from me

Now here I am without her learning how to cry
Seven little letters how she told me goodbye
Nothing much about 'em, but, they sure brought me to my knees
Seven little letters that made a fool of me



Author Notes Thanks Loyd C. Taylor, Senior for the use of your picture. It goes very well with my poem.


Chapter 22
Scarlet Letter

By Brett Matthew West

Scarlet Letter

I came home late last night. Slowly I walked in
My life was changed forever. It would never be the same again
Over on the table I found a little note
I knew I had to read it. This is what she wrote

You ask me if I love you? You know I really do
but, there's something I must tell you that'll be the end of me and you
You mustn't think you failed me when you hear the words I have to say
My poor heart will fall apart when you turn and walk away
You've always been there for me, so, there's no one else to blame
but, you don't need no scarlet letter hanging on your name

Take away these teardrops from this letter that I read
I can't believe she told me a stranger turned her head
I'd trade away tomorrow for one single yesterday
There's so much I need to tell her. So much I need to say
Nights alone without me when I wasn't there to hold
made love that lasts forever bitter, dark, and cold
There's no way I can be there, and now she's made me see
a woman lives for loving and I don't wanna be set free

So, here I am without her and I don't know what to do
Gone away forever she tore my world in two
You can pick up smaller pieces scattered on the ground
but, you can't put together love that can't be found
It's that same ole lost love story, every one is still the same
but, you don't need no scarlet letter hanging on your name

No, you don't need no scarlet letter hanging on your name




Author Notes




Thanks photobeat for the use of your picture. It goes very well with my poem.


Chapter 23
Strong Enough To Bend

By Brett Matthew West

On 9-11-2001 the United States was attacked at four different locations on our own soil. These events have permanently changed the world and our way of living. This was my response to those events.

I originally wrote these lyrics during the height of my freelance writer days. I post them yearly somewhere.

They have been published in the New York Times, the USA Today, several Nashville publications, and other places.

I repost them today lest we never forget even though it has been 21 years.


********************************************************************************
********************************************************************************



Strong Enough To Bend

It's eight in the morning here in the Land of the Free
Another day is dawning with all our liberty
I came to New York City from those amber waves of grain
How could I know I'd never see my home again
Suddenly, from nowhere, there's a plane up in the sky
Working in this tower I see it flying by
There's an awful loud explosion and panic fills the halls
I see the dying people and then the tower falls

You changed our way of living by lighting up our skies
but, now we see the danger through the teardrops in our eyes
We're a peaceful, loving, nation but you called us out to war
Well, it's time that we all rally round our flag once more
We will never let the mem'ries of lost ones fade away
Forever they'll be in our hearts silently to stay
You've woken up the spirit here in the home of the brave
Where once again with honor Old Glory proudly waves

We're standing here together in the streets of our home town
There ain't no way you'll ever run this Country in the ground
No matter where you're hiding, or, what you try to do
Before too long you know that we'll be coming after you
We're fighting here for freedom and the lives you stole away
This ain't no game that you've been wanting us to play
Once again united from sea to shining sea
We're standing here together to keep our Country free

The Star-Spangled Banner flies high above it all
There ain't no way this Country for you will ever fall
Your days of all this darkness will never come again
America is ready and she's strong enough to bend



Author Notes These Notes are a year old. I left them there by choice.

Somebody here on FanStory recently asked me if I would repost a particular set of my song lyrics.

Today being 9-11, 20 years later, I still believe these lyrics are relevant to our world today. Maybe even more so.

I could not think of a better time to repost them here on FanStory.

These are events we MUST never forget!

Enjoy them!!!

This contest has come and is long gone.

Again, these lyric are reposted on FanStory for the simple fact 9-11 is a day we, as a Country, must never forget, and because a fellow FanStorian asked me to repost them.

(I originally wrote these lyrics on 9-12-2001. Not too hard to tell. Was it?)

Thank you Alakapat for your incredible picture known as Happy Independence Day. It goes so well with my lyrics.


Chapter 24
Tonight You Had To Call Me

By Brett Matthew West

Tonight You Had To Call Me


She didn't lock her door. She just blew out of the house like a tornado. I mean, it was like something I ain't never seen before. Now here it is about 2 o' clock the next morning and the telephone's ringing long and loud. You got it. It was her. I listened to her story and this is all I had to say.

Tonight you had to call me cause you don't know what to do
The love you left me for, Girl, just walked out on you
I can hear your hesitation ringing through the line
You tell me that you're lonely, and, you wanna know my mind

Do I take you back, Girl, after what you did to me
There's no easy way to say this you made a memory out of me
Let me think this over. Make sure I understand
Do you really think you're talking to a crazy, lonely man

Well, I got over you, Girl, after I cried all my tears
Losing you, and your sweet love, was once my biggest fear
I gave you my tomorrows like a thousand yesterdays
You wanted more than I could give so we went our separate ways

You never seemed to notice how much I really care
Every time I need you I know you won't be there
Love should be so easy. It's not a hard thing to do
Can you please tell me why I lost the love I had with you

(Then bold and brazen I told her):

Go on and find somebody who can do the things I do
You said that you could live without the love I gave to you
but, don't come crying to me when he breaks your heart again
So many times it happens we let love come to an end

You never thought I'd find a way to tell you goodbye
With these new wings you gave me I need some room to fly
High above the heartaches you left here behind
Before this day is over you'll be the last thing on my mind.

(And then I said):

Night time falls around me, and, I know that I'm alone
The only sound I'm hearing is you still on the phone
You can't believe I told you the words I had to say
Well, it wasn't me, Sweet Baby, who walked out on me today

(And, I hung up the phone saying):

So, remember when you're lonely, and, you got no place to go
love is still the sweetest place you're ever gonna know
Forget about the good times they're all gone with the wind
I feel no obligation to let your love back in

(No, she didn't lock her door, but, I sure did)


Author Notes



Thanks Don Fofo for the use of your picture. It goes very nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 25
The Buckle

By Brett Matthew West

The Buckle

Out there in Wyoming he was putting on a show
He won that silver buckle at the Cheyenne Rodeo
He left them people yelling, screaming out for more
While down in Amarillo his love walked out the door

He took that silver buckle and he gave it a fling
across the lonely backroads of his recent broken dreams
So many times he's been there in someone else's bed
The words of wisdom that she told him pounding in his head

Down in Albequerque he stopped to make a call
She knew just what he wanted and his back's against the wall
A love with no beginning can never have no end
Alone with all her sorrow she said goodbye again

Now he still rides the circuit and probably always will
There ain't a bull that he ain't busted looking for her still
Her memory surrounds him and it's closing in
Somewhere in the distance he hears her words again

In Phoenix, Arizona he was torn all apart
He didn't make the short round and he had a broken heart
That bottle on the table couldn't kill the pain
With no further explanation he had to ride again

Suddenly, from nowhere, she was standing by his side
His last eight seconds would be his final ride
So many times it happens we let love pass us by
Reaching out to hold him she watched her man die

She said it ain't the size of the buckle that makes a man a man
From Maine to California and all around this land
Are the words I'm saying too hard to understand
She said it ain't the size of the buckle. It's the size of the man




Author Notes






Thanks Lilybug6 for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 26
The Snake

By Brett Matthew West

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

The Snake

Psychotic. Hypnotic. And always on the make
The whole town knew he was nothing but a snake
A son would soon be born to this lout
He spent his whole life knocking him about

Battered and bruised from head to toe
The boy kept quiet so no one would know
Hellbent on the whiskey that was always there
He ran the whole house with deep despair

His wife was no stranger to being beat
Her shattered heart lay dying at his feet
There was no hope only deep fear
If water in her eyes should appear

A two by four and a bullwhip
If the boy made a sound he was sure to get hit
His only friends were sorrow and strife
What a way to live such a young life

Then one night when the moon was black
The snake took a bullet in his back
As he lay bleeding on the ground
He watched his world come crashing down.

The son that shot him did not care
There were no feelings left anywhere
To the town he was no hero just an outlaw
A noose and the gallows was all he saw







Author Notes








Thanks benhar for the use of this incredible picture that so wonderfully fits my lyrics.


Chapter 27
Board Of Education

By Brett Matthew West

Board Of Education:

Somewhere in my childhood there's a scene that I recall
I must have been eleven and I thought I knew it all
I never liked to study it just got in my way
When I brought that paper home there wasn't much to say

Three long days I'd be there with no place left to go
I knew what I had comin' cause my Daddy told me so
The lesson that he taught me is one I won't forget
I remember how he told me "I'm not through with you just yet!"

Then he applied the board of education to the seat of my learning
It didn't take no genius to get a hold of me
Been all around this country and I've seen some bridges burn
but the board of education is the only way I learn

Got a little older and my friends taught me to drive
When I had that top down man I really felt alive
I could hear the music playin' cause I'd drown out the whole crowd
Racin' through the streets of town I'd turn it way up loud

I never heard the siren. A cloud of dust was all that I could see
The ticket that he wrote me said I was ninety-three
When Daddy took my car keys there was no smile upon his face
He said "I thought you learned your lesson," then he put me in my place

And he applied the board of education to the seat of my learning
It didn't take no genius to get a hold of me
Been all around this country and I've seen some bridges burn
but the board of education is the only way I learn

I know you're gonna leave me. Tonight we'll say goodbye
That old familiar story is gonna make me cry
The last time that I held her I lost your love along the way
Nothin' that I say to you is gonna make you stay

Here I am surrounded by mem'ries from the past
All I'm takin' with me are my days of livin' fast
You must have known my Daddy cause you're an awful lot like him
I can see the board of education is about to be applied again

Yes he applied the board of education to the seat of my learning
It didn't take no genius to get a hold of me
Been all around this country and I've seen some bridges burn
but, the board of education is the only way I learn




Author Notes






Thanks VMarguarite for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 28
South On Sixty-Five

By Brett Matthew West

South On Sixty-Five


Headin' South on Sixty-Five
Can't believe I'm still alive
Gotta find a way to get you off my mind

I've been up and down these roads
Where I'm goin' I don't know
I see your face on every highway sign

Said goodbye in Tennessee
You made a mem'ry out of me
but, we can't leave not well enough alone

Mile after mile that passes by
all I do is wonder why
These eighteen wheels are takin' me back home

The call came in at half past ten
There you are alone again
with nothin' but the TV set turned on

I know just what you have in mind
It's the same ole story all the time
You need a man when the man you love is gone

Loneliness is a two-way street
Don't think that I'll fall at your feet
I still recall the words you had to say

It wasn't all that long ago
Why you left me I don't know
but, far from you is where I wanna stay

The game you play is way too rough
Do believe I've had enough
You don't ever wanna do me right

Fare thee well is all you said
Pretty words from your pretty head
but, pretty words can't keep me warm at night

You're a danger to this heart of mine
There's that city limit sign
tellin' me I got ten more miles to go

Diesel smoke on a sky of blue
You don't know what you put me through
All I want is the love we used to know

Drivin' on all through the night
You'll be gone by the morning light
There's nothin' much that I can take along

You're a memory from my lonesome past
A part of me that's gonna last
Can you please tell me where our love went wrong

These four walls are closin' in
I won't be comin' back again
now that you found somebody new

When loneliness takes hold of you
and, there's nothin' else that you can do
pick up the phone and let me hear from you


Author Notes Thanks Sam S. for the use of your beautiful picture. It goes so very well with my lyrics.


Chapter 29
The Old Man

By Brett Matthew West

The Old Man

He was just an old man
and I never knew his name
but way down deep inside me
I knew I'd never be the same

I was just a young boy
and I didn't understand
so I'd listen close to Mama
when she spoke about the old man

She kept his picture on the mantle
and hanging on the wall
though her world was devastated
the night she got the call

He left his wife and family
when his orders came that day
Another time. A different place
In a land so far away

Fighting in a battle
that he knew was right
so folks back home could sleep in peace
through the Star Spangled night

Our days were dark and lonely
and we saw some falling rains
but, he left us his memories
of those amber waves of grain

I heard all the stories
every time I turned on my tv
but, parties, booze, and women
were the chosen life for me

Now we'll hit the beach running
where you died that day
War is Hell on the home front too
and this is all I've got to say

Old Man I want to thank you
for the life you gave to me
America is beautiful
and I'm proud to keep her free

He was just an old man
and I never knew his name
but, way down deep inside me
I knew I'd never be the same


Author Notes








Thanks Loyd C. Taylor, Senior for the use of another one of your marvelous photographs. It fits my lyrics so very well.


Chapter 30
Keep Your Eyes On Calvary

By Brett Matthew West

Keep Your Eyes On Calvary

Cast your vote for Jesus
Do not hesitate
There is no guarantee
Tomorrow may be too late
He purchased our salvation
hanging on a tree
So, cast your vote for Jesus
Keep your eyes on Calvary

While troubles can be many
and friends they may be few
no matter what your lot may be
Jesus still loves you
With the faith of a mustard seed
blessed and winning you will be
So, cast your vote for Jesus
Keep your eyes on Calvary

This world all around us
is dangerous at best
Just keep looking upward
and you will find your rest
The King of Glory's calling
His arms open wide you see
Cast your vote for Jesus
Keep your eyes on Calvary

Two thousand years ago
God's love flowed from there
The sins of a lost world
our Saviour, He did bear
He died to open Heaven's door
He reigns eternally
So, cast your vote for Jesus
Keep your eyes on Calvary




Author Notes







Thanks Loyd C. Taylor, Senior for allowing me to use your artwork. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.






Chapter 31
No Such Thing As Angels

By Brett Matthew West

No Such Thing As Angels

She was over in the corner when I came home tonight.
Once again Jack Daniels helped me see the light.
She didn't have to wonder. She knew where I had been.
So many times I've headed down the road to Hell again.
I don't know why I go there it ain't the place I want to be.
She's been holding on to what she found in me,
but, how long can that woman stay here by my side?
This bottle that I cling to must break her heart inside.

They say there's no such thing as angels, well, my woman's wearing wings.
She's the rock that I still lean on. The gold inside our wedding rings.
The only peace I find here in the valley is when she gives herself to me.
There may be no such thing as angels but I got one here with me.

Every time I feel these walls start closing in on me
I run right to the bottle the only place I'm ever free.
I know that I have got to be right out of my mind.
My woman sits home waiting while I'm drinking myself blind.
I don't know what I'd ever do if she should go away.
I'd get down on my bended knees begging her to stay.
No matter what life does to me I can make it to the end.
She is more than just my lover she is still my best friend.

They say there's no such thing as angels, well, my woman's wearing wings.
She's the rock that I still lean on. The gold inside our wedding rings.
The only peace I find here in the valley is when she gives herself to me.
There may be no such thing as angels but I got one here with me.


Author Notes I have always considered these lyrics to be my ultimate pride and joy, as well as my penultimate set of song lyrics I have ever written.

Hope you enjoy them one more time.









Thanks MKFlood for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 32
Bad Wine

By Brett Matthew West

Bad Wine

Life is too short to drink bad wine
I heard my bartender say to me.
So, I ordered another sloe gin fizz,
and a shot of his best whiskey,
but, I would not touch that glass of wine
he sat there in front of me.
When he asked me why I said listen friend
tonight you're gonna hear my story.

Her name was Kate and she belonged to me,
at least, she did for a little while.
I loved the way she held me tight,
and the sweet way that she'd smile,
but, I lost her love one stormy night
down around New Orleans.
By the time they put that fire out
our love was dead there at the scene.

In Baltimore I had it all
when Diane would come to call.
But, the ride that woman took me on
was a long, hard way to fall.
Somewhere beneath the grapes of wrath
is where she always stood.
No other love could touch my soul
the way that Diane could.

He just stood there and he looked at me
not knowing what to say.
Then he poured me another glass of wine
and he slowly walked away.
Suddenly, I got this urge
to let Susan cross my mind.
She was the one who said goodbye to me
down around that Oklahoma line.

When I turned around the crowd was gone
and I knew it was 2 am.
Me and him and that glass of wine
he held there in his hand.
He said you know you're not the first
but you really gotta let it go.
Like the grapes that grow on the vine
you're gonna find true love you know.

Life is too short to drink bad wine.


Author Notes Thanks Cammy Cards for the use of your picture. It goes so well with my lyrics.


Chapter 33
The Stranger

By Brett Matthew West

The Stranger

There's a stranger on the back roads driving slowly into town.
He's a hundred miles from nowhere and the sun is going down.
You'd better run for cover. Stay out of his way.
He's a danger to you darling, and, he's wanting you today.

You fancy him a hero in a troubled sort of way.
You'll give your heart and soul to him, but, you can't make him stay.
He'll leave you in the shadows somewhere down the line.
When you wake up in the morning you'll be the last thing on his mind.

Like notches on his pistol you're a love casualty.
Don't think that you're the only one he's made a memory.
There's a lot of other women who have fallen by his side.
He's just the latest reason for the tears that you cried.

He's a gambler, and a loser, and he's bet it all before.
He's dealing off the bottom and he's looking for a score.
The cards are stacked against him and he's gonna have to draw.
Before this night is over another heart will fall.

There's a stranger on the back roads driving slowly into town.
He's a hundred miles from nowhere and the sun is going down.

Author Notes Thanks willie for the use of your picture. It goes so well with my poem.


Chapter 34
Whole Lotta Man

By Brett Matthew West

Whole Lotta Man

Somebody hit him on a dark lonely highway.
They left him for dead on the side of the road.
When you're 10, and, you're my size, you don't understand.
The burdens of life can be a heavy load.
Daddy looked at me and right away I knew.
It wouldn't be easy but it was the right thing to do.
So, with tears in my blues eyes I put away my play toy.
I remember Daddy saying "There's a whole lotta man in that little boy".

There at the ballgame in our little town.
I was the one who watched it all go down.
That glove in the window looked lonely to me.
It called out my name and I thought it was free.
Daddy told me I would always be his son,
but, I couldn't face him for the bad thing I done.
When they blamed it all on Billy, Bobby, and Roy,
I remember Daddy saying "There's a whole lotta man in that little boy".

Trapped on a hillside the battle goes on.
You dream about living and wish you were gone.
You see the flying bullets. The bodies scattered around.
What makes you hold on to this piece of ground?
A sudden explosion and your best friend lays dead.
Somebody stop these voices inside of my head.
A break in the action and you can run to Hanoi,
but, I remember Daddy saying "There's a whole lotta man in that little boy".

Now here we are together and it's the last thing we'll do.
Tomorrow when I wake up I'll be without you.
For the first time in a long time since I can't remember when
something keeps saying we gotta try again.
If it was only you and me maybe we could walk away.
We really don't have much left to say,
but, what about that baby we call our pride and joy?
There's a whole lotta man in that little boy.

From the cradle to the table and some times nothing at all.
You watch him growing with each step and each fall.
He may not be perfect and you won't get along,
but, I'm here to tell you he knows right from wrong.
You can dress him up proper, buy him every new toy,
but, there's a whole lotta man in that little boy.

Yes, there's a whole lotta man in that little boy.

Author Notes Thanks lilibug6 for the use of your photo. Fits my lyrics really well.


Chapter 35
Don't Lie

By Brett Matthew West

Don't Lie


It had been so long
Since I even tried
You can count the hundred
Million tears I cried

Love for me was something
Over, dead, and gone
I never knew somebody
Like you would come along

You said we'd take it easy
See where our love goes
Why we're still together
Heaven only knows

But, you've been here beside me
For such a long long time
Little things you do to me
Drive me right out of my mind

I've got friends who tell me
That their love's turned cold
How can something so special
Suddenly get old

I tell them what you told me
When I thought love can not work out
They look at me and wonder
What I'm talking about

No amount of money
Will make me give you up
I'm gonna spend forever
Drinking from your loving cup

I found my El Dorado
In the shelter of your charms
All the treasures of this world
Aren't worth one night in your arms

Don't lie and you can always
Look her in the eye
Tell her that you need her
And she won't ever say goodbye

A woman lives for loving
Every single day
Little things you do for her
Make a woman stay


Author Notes








Thanks susanlen for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 36
Me And The Greyhound

By Brett Matthew West

Me And The Greyhound

I'm sitting in the station looking everywhere
Something keeps saying you just don't care
There's two ways to do this. You tell me which one
Bring back my baby or take it on the run

We were having problems. Of that there ain't no doubt
She was tired of my lying and always stepping out
She saw them wheels rolling, calling out her name
Gone away forever and I'm the one to blame

Nothing that I ever did put a smile upon her face
Ain't too hard to notice another took my place
Call me a fool but I can't let her go
Greyhound don't tell me I even told you so

Last time I saw her she had a suitcase in her hand
Destination nowhere but broken promise land
I'll give you a little while to make up your mind
If she's not back by morning gonna leave this love behind

Me and the Greyhound are gonna have a fight
Two in the morning and you're not here tonight
Did you really think I was gonna stand for that this long
Greyhound, I need her. Now my baby's gone

Author Notes









Thanks Liilia for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 37
Turn The Lights Down Low

By Brett Matthew West

Turn The Lights Down Low

The clock up there on the wall
Tells me the sun is going down
And, we've both heard the latest news
In this little one horse town

We shouldn't be here tonight
But, what we're feeling feels so right
And, I don't care how hard we fall
Turn the lights down low. I don't want to talk at all

Midnight and you're in my arms
No, I don't want to be alone
Say the words I want to hear
Give me reason to go on

When it's over, said, and done
I know you're still my only one
I don't wonder where you've been
Turn the lights down low. I can't wait to love you again

No reason to turn back now
And, it's only three a.m.
Give me all the love you can
Show me why I don't need him

Tomorrow I'll be wanting you
And, there's nothing I can do
Don't ever tell me go away
Turn the lights down low. I can't wait another day

On and on and on we go
Love's a flame burning bright
Where it stops no one knows
Help me make it through the night

Surrender to my gentle hand
Maybe then you'll understand
Your touch is what I'm living for
Turn the lights down low. Slowly close the bedroom door

Turn the lights down low
Close the bedroom door
I've been waiting here for you
Slowly walk across the floor

Come and tell me where you've been
Then let loving time begin
He knows he'll never be my man
And she knows about me too

But, turn the lights down low
Tonight I give myself to you
Yes, turn the lights down low
Tonight I give myself to you

Author Notes









Thanks Dubach for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 38
I Can't Set You Free

By Brett Matthew West

I Can't Set You Free

We said goodbye again last night
To the sound of a slamming door
Words were said, and teardrops fell
Like a thousand times before

All alone at a table for two
Just me and your memory
I know that I should let you go
But I can't set you free

Looking back at where we've been
And slowly going out of my mind
Wanting you all the while
And knowing love's not blind

Every day that passes by
You mean more than I can say
I had you here close to me
But that was yesterday

Go on and leave me here alone
You do it all the time
I can't believe you went away
And left my love behind

Memories of days gone by
Remind me that you're gone
Much too late I understand
What I've known all along

There ain't no way we can work this out
And start our love anew
I played around so many times
Now I'm losing you

That new man that you found
Sure takes up all your time
He don't know I need you here
And that you should be mine

We said goodbye again last night
To the sound of a slamming door
Words were said, and teardrops fell
Like a thousand times before

All alone at a table for two
Just me and your memory
I know that I should let you go
But I can't set you free

Author Notes









Thanks Curly Girly for the use of this incredible picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 39
Spilled Perfume

By Brett Matthew West

Spilled Perfume

I know that you're in love with him
I saw it when you came back in
He's the reason that your perfume spilled tonight

We've been down this road before
Our love's been shattered by a slamming door
And spilled perfume can't make a bad love right

You'd rather let him hold you tight
Than be with me in the broad daylight
The perfume that you spilled will set you free

What happened to the love we knew
This is the hardest thing I'll ever do
And spilled perfume makes me a memory

Spilled perfume in the neon light
You'll be gone in the broad daylight
Spilled perfume says all there is to say

I'm going right out of my mind
How can I leave your love behind
Spilled perfume is taking you away

What happened to the love we knew
This is the hardest thing I'll ever do
Spilled perfume says all there is to say

You'd rather let him hold you tight
Than be with me in the broad daylight
And spilled perfume is taking you away.

Yes, spilled perfume is taking you away

Author Notes









Thanks cory.still for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 40
Gasoline And Matches

By Brett Matthew West

Gasoline And Matches:

The Warden said these words I never will forget.
After all these years I've been here I remember them still yet.
I guess I'll take 'em with me when they lay me down today.
"Gasoline and matches and you are here to stay".

My Daddy was a Preacher and the love of God was felt.
He raised me with a strict hand in the heart of the Bible Belt.
No way can I tell you I don't know right from wrong.
How else can I put it in the words of this here song?

The people they all knew him and he was a real good man.
But, there's a deep dark secret no one would understand.
Nobody heard me crying in the silence of our home.
When the moon was right on certain nights and we were all alone.

I don't wanna paint a picture. You know the story all too well.
What he did to me back then I could never tell.
Nobody in his right mind would stand for it for long.
There was nothing left between us. The feelings were all gone.

The Judge was sympathetic and he put me in this cell.
He looked at me and told me "You can go to Hell!"
I set the night on fire and it chilled me to the bone.
How else could I make him leave me alone?

I've been caned and beaten to help me make it through.
Some times to get away from life you do what you must do.
"Don't ever play with fire," my Daddy said to me.
I see the burning embers and the flames that set me free.

Time is always hard time when you're living on this Row.
Nobody comes to see you and you got no place to go.
I hear they are coming to carry me away.
Gasoline and matches and you are here to stay.

Author Notes






Thank you MoonWillow for the use of this incredible picture that fits my lyrics so well.


Chapter 41
Even The Roses Are Crying

By Brett Matthew West

Even The Roses Are Crying


I took your love for granted
And you along the way
What I'd give if we could
Go back to yesterday

I never heard you leaving
Though you said goodbye to me
Now, I'm the one who's lonely
And I don't want to be

Over on the table
For all the world to see
This 8 X 10 between us
is all that's left of you and me

I can hang it in the hallway
Or burn the roadhouse down
I can show it to a stranger
And wonder why love can't be found

But, when I look into the mirror
I see the reason that you're gone
Your memory surrounds me
And I cry all night long

It's a sad day here in Paradise
The sun refused to shine
It wasn't all that long ago
You left my love behind

It may be made of silver
And it may be made of gold
Nothing that I know of is worse
Than watching good love turn cold

Now, I can't fight this feeling
You're always on my mind
Love that lasts forever
Is so hard to find

You told me not to call you
Help me to understand
I need you here beside me
What's this phone doing in my hand

The roses in the back yard
Turn away in shame
Every time they hear me
Calling out your name

I can't reach out and touch them
And they won't let me hold them tight
Nothing I can ever do
Will ever make things right

It breaks my heart but still I know
I gotta keep on trying
Cause even the roses are crying
Yes, even the roses are crying

Author Notes








Thanks ROZELLA for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 42
A Bridge That Just Won't Burn

By Brett Matthew West

A Bridge That Just Won't Burn

You promise that you're leaving by the dawn's early light
So, tell me why you're lying in his arms again tonight
I never meant a thing to you, I'm a page you can not turn
Well, tonight I'm crossing over a bridge that just won't burn

I forgot more about you the day you went away
Than any foolish man will know about you today
For so long you were the one to make my world go around
Now look at all these broken hearts in pieces on the ground

Tonight I'm crossing over a bridge that just won't burn
I'm looking back in anger at a page I can not turn
No matter what you do to me I can't get you off my mind
Is there any reason to think I will this time

Now I lay me down to sleep and have sweet dreams of you
This is still the hardest thing I'll ever have to do
Like notches on his handle you're a love casualty
Don't think that you're the only one he's made a memory

You don't know about a heartache till its chiseled out in stone
There's nothing that I know of worse than being alone
And, crying time for me begins when you walk out the door
I can hear you softly saying you won't be back no more

Tonight I'm crossing over a bridge that just won't burn
I'm looking back in anger at a page I can not turn
No matter what you do to me I can't get you off my mind
Is there any reason to think I will this time

Standing in the shadows of our lost love affair
Without the love you gave to me our love can not be there
And, every time I go away you're all I want to do
This bridge that I am burning leads me back to you

Tonight I'm crossing over a bridge that just won't burn
I'm looking back in anger at a page I can not turn
No matter what you do to me I can't get you off my mind
Is there any reason to think I will this time

Author Notes








Thanks suenethery for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 43
You Ain't Got Far To Go

By Brett Matthew West

You Ain't Got Far To Go


Mama used to tell me be careful what you do
But, Mama never told me about no one like you
Out all night and running wild where the neon's burning bright
Leaving me to wonder where you are tonight

And, if you wanna hurt my feelings you ain't got far to go
If you wanna see me crying keep putting on your show
Every time I need you all you say is no
And, if you wanna hurt my feelings you ain't got far to go

Someone else will hold you looking for a brand new start
The more I learn to care for you the more we fall apart
To them it's just another game, but, for me, it's quite a show
And, if you want to hurt my feelings you ain't got far to go

There's a line I can't cross over and goodbye is on the way
You were mine forever that's what the stories say
Blinded by a feeling I can't get over you
Chained here to a memory of things you put me through

And, if you wanna hurt my feelings you ain't got far to go
If you wanna see me crying keep putting on your show
Every time I need you all you say is no
And, if you wanna hurt my feelings you ain't got far to go

How am I gonna tell them it's time to go away
Loneliness is all I see and tomorrow's another day
We were such a perfect pair everybody told me so
And, if you wanna hurt my feelings you ain't got far to go

If you wanna hurt my feelings you ain't got far to go
If you wanna see me crying keep putting on your show
Every time I need you all you say is no
And, if you wanna hurt my feelings you ain't got far to go

Author Notes








Thanks avmurray for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 44
The Other Man

By Brett Matthew West

The Other Man


She came to me late last night crying
With a sad story of woe she knew I wasn't buying
No, she didn't wanna tear my world in two
She's still in love with you. That ain't nothing new
I'm the other man

So, I stood back and let her walk away
Cause I knew she'd be back in just another day
The vows that she made, and her wedding band
Don't mean a thing to her now that
I'm the other man

You don't know who I am I understand
So, I'm gonna help you out the best I can
Ten long years I've watched her waste on you
Waiting for you to do the things a man should do

Every fight you've ever had I know about
All the tears she's cried each time you walked out
Now, I'm gonna make my stand
Just because I know I can
I'm here to take her off your hand
I'm the other man

Love was never meant to be this way at all
And, you can bet you're about to take a fall
It don't matter what you do
You and her are through. I'm telling you
I'm the other man

This has been coming on for quite some time
Now, I'm gonna get you off her worried mind
I'll have her here with me. You just wait and see
I'm the other man

If you'd been there for her like you should have been
Putting out the fires at home that rage within
I wouldn't be standing here today
stealing her from you
You've got a lot to learn it's true
I'm the other man

A little love, and a hug, and a kiss or two
These are the facts of life I'm telling you
I've seen it all before.
Been down there on the floor
That's what pain is for
I'm the other man

Author Notes








Thanks Angelheart for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 45
Hold On

By Brett Matthew West

Hold On



I never had much reason to hold on
Everything I had in life is gone
Is there any wonder I spend all my time alone
No, I never had much reason to hold on

You took it all when you walked out the door
Now Holdin' On ain't holding on no more
Many times I've been there and many times I've lied
There's nothing worse than watching good love die

When you can't hold yours you hold anything you can
And, love to me was another one night stand
How am I gonna tell her the words I have to say
She knows too soon that I will go away

Giving up is an easy thing to do
And, I gave up when you told me we were through
I had you here to hold me when the night's get long and cold
But, the flame of love between us has gotten old

No, I never had much reason to hold on
Everything I had in life is gone
Is there any wonder I spend all my time alone
No, I never had much reason to hold on




Author Notes










Thanks cory.still for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 46
This Is Where You Walk Away

By Brett Matthew West

This Is Where You Walk Away


You came home and found me in the arms of someone new
Now you say it's over, and that you and I are through
I have never been in this position, and I don't know what to do
I wouldn't want to live, girl, if I knew that to be true

I don't know what I saw in her I did not have in you
Maybe it was nothing more than holding someone new
She did not mean a thing to me, how do I make you see
Your love is what I live for, I need you here with me

There's a storm on the horizon, I can see it moving in
You left me with my fire burning, where I have never been
I'll be here if you need me. I just wanted you to know
Love is like a candle we can warm up in its glow

But, it's too late to say I'm sorry
It's too much to ask you to stay
I can see the dark clouds forming
This is where you walk away







Author Notes








Thanks stevemax10 for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 47
You Went Away

By Brett Matthew West

You Went Away


So why should I care less what people say
I'm gonna love you though you went away

You took my poor heart
Dragged it right down the street
Broke it in pieces
Swept it under your feet
All I ever did
was love you before
A long, long time ago
But, Baby, no more

This bottle of whiskey
says all that needs to be said
It tells our love story
Now, it's time to put you to bed
Your memory still lingers
There's so much to recall
I stumble with my feelings
Right through the wall

The sun's shining brightly
It's a brand new day
Misery loves company
And, you're here to stay
A broken down bar stool
Just ain't what I need
But, it's a paradise mansion
For a lonely ole fool

So, why should I care less
What people say
I'm gonna love you
Though you went away





Author Notes



Catching the Wind, by MoonWillow, was selected to compliment my lyrics. So, thanks MoonWillow for allowing me to use them. They go so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 48
Riding Rainbows

By Brett Matthew West

Riding Rainbows


Tonight I'm riding rainbows that always go away
Looking for tomorrow in every yesterday
Once upon forever I used to be your man
But, that was many years ago, and, it's so hard to understand

Why do I always have to do the things I do
The hardest fall I ever had was the day that I lost you
When that old familiar feeling starts to come around
Nothing that I know of keeps my feet here on the ground

This bottle on the table can't drown your memory
Loneliness is all I know of, and, it won't let me be
No matter where I run to I see our love die
Shot down by the lie I told you the night I made you cry

It's not easy to admit it, but, I wanted you to know
I keep holding on to something I lost so long ago
There's no way we can get back to where our love has been
You told me that you're leaving, and, you won't be back again

Now, I'm out here riding rainbows that always go away
Looking for tomorrow in every yesterday
Nobody seems to notice, and, no one seems to care
Is there any wonder I never get nowhere

Many times you led me down the path of no return
Till all that's left behind me are bridges that you burn
Help me find a new love that I can call my own
One who wants to be with me then I won't be alone

I'm not looking back in anger at places that we've been
You gave your heart and soul to me, and, I gave them back again
Tonight I'm riding rainbows that always go away
Looking for tomorrow in every yesterday






Author Notes










Chasing rainbows, by Dodgy23, chosen to compliment my lyrics.

Thanks Dodgy23 for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 49
Untitled

By Brett Matthew West

Untitled


She was there the night Atlanta burned down to the ground
Neon lights and whiskey her love could not be found
A sweet young thing he never knew turned his body on
Say goodbye to her memory. Her love is dead and gone

Arkansas ain't all that far when you're traveling down the road
But, in his mind he's carrying a mighty heavy load
How is he gonna tell her he's been stepping out again
Mile after mile that passes by she wonders where he's been

Them city lights were burning bright in that big West Texas sky
He's spread his wings, said some things, now he needs room to fly
They laugh and sing, do anything, to get them through the night
Morning comes, he's all alone, he's lost another fight

California called his name and he knew he had to go
One last time he left behind the love he used to know
She won't be waiting for him when he comes back around
She's busted loose from this ball and chain and is out to paint the town





Author Notes

Bear, by crystal clear, was selected to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks crystal clear, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.



SPECIAL NOTE:

Reflections Of Color

Coming soon!

A collection of 60 of my FanStory All Time Best lyrics.

Complied into a book format.

Reflections Of Color will ONLY be made available to FanStory members.

Be on the lookout for this project.

More details to follow.


Chapter 50
Texas And Teardrops

By Brett Matthew West

Texas And Teardrops


That Old Bluebonnet Highway stole your love from me
Midnight in Austin and I'm just a memory
Twin fiddles play our old love song
These wide open spaces go on and on

Dallas is calling' so loud and so clear
Can you please tell me why you are not here
Where is the love you left behind
How can I get you off of my mind

No, this ain't the place where I wanna be
I need the love that you gave to me
Texas and teardrops and neon light
I lost your love on a Lone Star night

That ole Lone Star waves so proud in the air
Without your love it's not even there
We fell apart on Galveston Bay
Now I'm packin' up and gonna leave you today

Texas and teardrops and neon light
Amarillo by morning. Laredo at night
You're holding him in San Antone
And, I'm in El Paso here all alone

No, this ain't the place where I wanna be
I need the love that you gave to me
Texas and teardrops and neon light
I lost your love on a Lone Star night.

No, this ain't the place where I wanna be
I need the love that you gave to me
Texas and teardrops and neon light
I lost your love on a Lone Star night

I lost your love on a Lone Star night




Author Notes








Young Texas Longhorns, by NancyJTubb, was selected to compliment my lyrics.

Thanks NancyJTubb for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 51
Good Time Man

By Brett Matthew West

Good Time Man


Girl, you just don't understand
I'm your good time loving man
I made a bad mistake it's true
Now I got this heartache from you

I took your love and did you wrong
Now you tell me that you're gone
I need your love here close to me
But, that's one place you may never be

A good time that's all I be
A good time man living wild and free
You gave your heart to a fool like me
A good time man could never set you free

None of this makes any sense
Why'd I have to jump that fence
She did not mean a thing at all
Now my back is against the wall

Love has got to be set free
It's only good when it's you and me
My poor heart breaks right in two
This is more than I can take from you

A good time man is all I be
A good time man living wild and free
You gave your heart to a fool like me
A good time man could never set you free

Now I watch you walk away
I'm on my knees begging you to stay
And, I know when you slam that door
You won't be coming back no more

I've thrown away my everything
How I feel the burning sting
You make me live that's a fact
How I want your sweet love back

A good time man is all I be
A good time man living wild and free
You gave your heart to a fool like me
A good time man could never set you free

What can I do to make things right
Cause I can't stand another lonely night
So, after I go to Hell
Then can we kiss and tell

Go ahead and have your fun
Just remember I'm the one
You'll never find no one like me
I could never be a memory

A good time man that's all I be
A good time man living wild and free
You gave your heart to a fool like me
A good time man could never set you free




Author Notes











The Lizard wore a Black Hat, by cleo85, was chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks cleo85 for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 52
If Drinking Will Kill Me

By Brett Matthew West

If Drinking Will Kill Me


Came into this barroom what did I see
You're with another. You're not here with me
Been watching the floor, babe, while you put on your show
And, if drinking will kill me I ain't got far to go

Pour me another shot of your love
These ten rounds with Jose are never enough
Why do you wanna do me this way
Take back your memory it's with me each day

And, if drinking will kill me I ain't got far to go
Down here on the bottom it gets lonely I know
Yesterday's gone now. Tomorrow can't be
You're in love with another so you set me free
This battle is over. I know that you won
They never should bet me it couldn't be done
Where do I go now? How should I know
And, if drinking will kill me I ain't got far to go

Don't wanna dance on the table, or get in a fight
The last man who's standing can shoot out the light
This bottle I hold here in my hand
Can't make love to me, girl, the way that you can

Who's that in the mirror this stranger I see
Four winds that blow, girl, take you from me
Where is the love that we used to know
Words I'm now hearing are you told me so

And, if drinking will kill me I ain't got far to go
Down here on the bottom it gets lonely I know
Yesterday's gone now. Tomorrow can't be
You're in love with another so you set me free
This battle is over. I know that you won
They never should bet me it couldn't be done
Where do I go now? How should I know
And, if drinking will kill me I ain't got far to go

Yes, if drinking will kill me I ain't got far to go


Author Notes






Four Roses, by avmurray, selected to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks avmurray for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 53
Get Away

By Brett Matthew West

Get Away


Give me a week to just get away
I wanna spend time in your arms each day
Boss man keeps screaming out my name
I'm tired of the same ole same ole same ole same

No, we're not in Kansas, not any more
Not since you told me to hit the door
Two hands around your very best
Ain't gonna get you off my chest

All this hard work is killing me
Wait till tomorrow to set me free
I'm gonna give you all the love I can
Don't say goodbye to this hard working man

Now, I got problems up the ying-yang
A big stack of bills I can not pay
Whatever happened to yesterday
I need some time to play

So, build a bridge, drive a van
Come on, baby, take my hand
Before we go our separate ways
Doctor says it'll be okay

North or South. East or West
The love we have is still the best
I need you. You need me
Let the whole world stop and see

Though we be far apart
You will be here in my heart
So, build a bridge. Drive a van
Come on, baby, take my hand

And, give me a week to just get away
I wanna spend time in your arms each day


Author Notes











the old sugar factory, by supergold, chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks, supergold for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 54
Bedroom Eyes

By Brett Matthew West

Bedroom Eyes


Mama never told me about them bedroom eyes
Or how a woman uses them to hypnotize
A man into doing things he should not do
Because, if mama ever told me about them bedroom eyes
I wouldn't be here sad and blue
Crying my heart out over you
But, mama never told me about them bedroom eyes
No, mama never told me about them bedroom eyes

Mama used to tell me about a lot of things
How the sun comes up, and why the robin sings
All the things she thought her little man should know
But, nowhere up and down the line
While mama was filling up my mind
Did mama tell me about someone who could hurt me so
You know how to play the game so well
But, that's a little secret you won't tell

And, mama never told me about them bedroom eyes
No, mama never told me about them bedroom eyes

Mama told me stay inside on a rainy day
And, when the cat's away the mice will play
Mama's words they sure rang true
Then you come waltzing across the floor
Moving in a way I've never seen before
And, I forget everything but you
How I wish you could have left my heart alone
But, you cast it aside like a rolling stone

And, mama never told me about them bedroom eyes
No, mama never told me about them bedroom eyes

Mama never told me about them bedroom eyes
Or how a woman uses them to hypnotize
A man into doing things he should not do
Because, if mama ever told me about them bedroom eyes
I wouldn't be here sad and blue
Crying my heart out over you
But, mama never told me about them bedroom eyes
No, mama never told me about them bedroom eyes


Author Notes









Hand knitted bedspread, by patcelaw, was chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks patcelaw for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 55
Arms Of Someone New

By Brett Matthew West

Arms Of Someone New


So, you think you're gonna break my heart
And tear my world in two
You think I'm gonna waste my time
Crying over you

Well, I got some news for you
And, you'll soon find out it's true
I'm laying in the loving arms
Of someone new

I'm laying in the loving arms of someone new
And, she's a whole lot better looking than you
Making me forget I ever loved you
Laying in the loving arms of someone new

Go ahead and stay out on the town
Your playing days no longer get me down
When I lost you real love is what I found
Laying in the loving arms of someone new

The loving arms of someone new
Hold me close and show me that we're through
It don't even matter what you do
I'm laying in the loving arms of someone new

So, you think you're gonna break my heart
And, tear my world in two
You think I'm gonna waste my time
Crying over you

Well, I got some news for you
And, you'll soon find out it's true
I'm laying in the loving arms
Of someone new




Author Notes









Celestial Leo, by lynnkah, was chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks lynnkah for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 56
You Broke My Loving Heart In Two

By Brett Matthew West

You Broke My Loving Heart In Two


You broke my loving heart in two
I cried and begged you not to
You laughed and said it's something you just gotta do
You broke my loving heart in two

You know she did not mean a thing to me
She was just an ole time memory
You're the only one for me
No, I could never set you free

Why must you always be so mean
Why do you have to cause a scene
Every time I have a fling
Why must you always be so mean

How come you do the things you do
You don't really mean we're through
I could never love no one but you
How come you do the things you do

You broke my loving heart in two
I cried and begged you not to
You laughed and said it's something you just gotta do
You broke my loving heart in two

Author Notes






Silky, by Angelheart, was chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks Angelheart for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 57
For Your Heartache Today

By Brett Matthew West

For Your Heartache Today


I could find another lover but that doesn't make her you
And, I know I can not hold you, but what am I supposed to do
I need you here beside me. I can't believe you went away
And, the tears you cry tomorrow are for your heartache today

I know you need a small vacation, but, that doesn't kill the pain
I had your leaving coming and you won't be back again
It's hard to know I hurt you and let you get away
And, the tears you cry tomorrow are for your heartache today

There are no other lovers who can do the things you do
But, that's one little pleasure I will never know with you
What would it take to make you come back to me and stay
When the tears you cry tomorrow are for your heartache today

It's too late to say I love you now that you're with someone new
You say he's there to hold you when nothing else will do
he's promised you forever, but, his love will fade away
And, the tears you cry tomorrow are for your heartache today

I could never blame you for the spell you put on me
But, how am I gonna make you just another memory
The way I feel for you, love, will never go away
And, the tears you cry tomorrow are for your heartache today


Author Notes Crying Wolf, by GaliaG, chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks, GaliaG for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 58
There You Are

By Brett Matthew West

There You Are


There you are with your new lover
In a bar outside of town
Hiding what you're doing
Every night when the sun goes down
You're just getting even
For the low down things I've done
In your heart you tell yourself
That I am still your only one

There ain't no rules we ain't broken
In this little game we play
I can't even blame you
Stealing love day by day
Some other man will hold you
And I'll be all alone
Trembling fingers dial the number
Of your telephone

I call you up and say I'm sorry
I can't do this anymore
I tell you I'll be waiting
When you come through my door
Tangled sheets tell the story
Of a love that just won't die
Tomorrow you'll be leaving
And leave me here alone to cry

This ain't how our love should be
But, we don't know what to do
We can't have each other
Cause I don't belong to you
You're with some other lover
Putting on your cheating show
My arms are always open
When you need a place to go

There you are with your new lover
In a bar outside of town
Hiding what you're doing
Every night when the sun goes down

You're just hiding what you're doing
Every night when the sun goes down






Author Notes









City Lights, by GaliaG, chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks GaliaG for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 59
There Goes Tomorrow

By Brett Matthew West

There Goes Tomorrow


And, here we say there goes tomorrow
Whatever happened to the love we used to know
Live for today. Die for tomorrow
There ain't no way I could ever let you go

Don't make me beg for the love you promised
Come and give yourself to me
I'd follow you right down the paths of glory
All roads you take lead right back to me

Love dies hard when it's over
And, your love for me has gone away
I need you here right beside me
How can I face another lonely day

Nights we spent in love together
Are filled with dreams of yesterday
You were mine just for a moment
And, in my arms is where you're gonna stay

And, here we say there goes tomorrow
Our love won't see the light of day
Your memory brings me all this sorrow
How could we let our love just fade away

Love flows free like the raging river
It builds upon the endless sea
Some day soon before my life is over
I know that you'll be coming back to me

And, here we say there goes tomorrow


Author Notes








Bridal Veil, by trailblazer101, chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks trailblazer101 for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 60
Another Barroom

By Brett Matthew West

Another Barroom


I don't need another barroom
Where the lights are turned down low
Pardon me if I don't understand
You're in love with a memory
You can't get off your mind
There's no love left inside your wedding band

I could never leave you
I've done so a thousand times
You're still the better part of me
Nights can last forever
When you're all alone
My heart doesn't want to set you free

There's a love I can lean on
And a place where I can go
When I'm with her I never feel the pain
She don't know that I'm crying
For the love you threw away
Take me in your arms and love me once again

I could give you tomorrow
Build your dreams today
There's no telling what I'm going to do
Promise me forever
And, then, just walk away
Too late I know I'm losing you

No, I don't need another barroom
Where the lights are turned down low
Pardon me if I don't understand
You're in love with a memory
You can't get off your mind
There's no love left inside your wedding band


@Copyrighted October 10, 2002 by Brett Matthew West
All Rights Reserved
No portion of these lyrics may be reproduced in any manner without the prior written approval of the copyright holder


Author Notes









Wise Owl, by suzannethompson2, chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks suzannethompson2 for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 61
Guilty

By Brett Matthew West

Guilty


I plead guilty and I need to do hard time
Girl, you're driving me crazy, right out of my mind
I know I got somebody waiting at home
I tell her about you and she cries on the phone

She knows I'm guilty of doing her wrong
Time after time it's the same old song
A broken down record with nothing to show
What keeps her with me I really don't know

I swear that I love her and I always will
But, there's this empty space only your love can fill
So, give me a sentence in your arms tonight
And, let's make love in the soft neon light

I don't want a pardon and I don't need parole
I want you to hold me and soothe my soul
I'd give anything to have you here
But, how can you love me when she's lying there

She knows I'm guilty of doing her wrong
Time after time it's the same old song
A broken down record with nothing to show
What keeps her with me I really don't know

Author Notes










the guillotine, by supergold, chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So thanks supergold for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 62
Tennessee

By Brett Matthew West

Tennessee


I know about your love down in Knoxville
And, I hear Chattanooga calling out your name
So, when you get back home to me in Nashville
There's a brand new set of rules to this old game

Now I know just what you're gonna say
Our love won't live to see the light of day
I cry all night and I walk the floor
Till I can't do this anymore

It must have been the lies I told
And, all the nights I wasn't there
You needed something warm to hold
You always had so much to share

I'm going right out of my mind
Cause I can't leave your love behind
Wasted days like they were before
And, I can't do this anymore

A love like ours will find a way
To see us through another day
And, it'll be here as the years go by
Holding on to you and I

Tennessee has been so good to me
And, I don't want to be a memory
I know I heard the slamming door
But, I can't do this anymore

So, take her in your arms and hold her tight
But, don't cry your tears for me in the morning light
Cause you're still gone and I'm all alone
So, how am I supposed to carry on

And, promise that you'll sing a song for me
Cause tonight I'm leaving you in Tennessee
Now we've been down this road before
And, I can't do this anymore

I'd ride that rail to Heaven to bring you back to me
Life without your love is killing me
Nights we spent together are all I'm living for
And, I can't do this anymore.

It's a short walk from here to Tennessee

Author Notes








Snoop, by Barb Baker, chosen to compliment my lyrics.

So, thanks Barb Baker for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


Chapter 63
They Sing About Me

By Brett Matthew West

They Sing About Me


Let's all slip away together on a "Wild Weekend"
They just don't come no better than the Tall Texan
But, I feel more like the statue Jack still sings about
There's been a whole lot of barns my daddy's took me out
I don't believe they sing about me
On the stage of the Grand Ole Opry
A bad day here in Nashville's
Better than anywhere that you might be

"Rocky Top" will always be a song I'm gonna sing
I know George and Tammy and a "Golden {Wedding} Ring"
But, "Don't Come Home A-drinkin' With Lovin' On Your Mind"
On that "Orange Blossom Special" you left my love behind
I don't believe they sing about me
On the stage of the Grand Ole Opry
A bad day here in Nashville's
Better than anywhere that you might be

Don't just stand there in the middle of the pouring rain
We all know you're never coming back again
But, take away these teardrops from an "Unclouded Day"
Your love is like a game too many daddy's play
I don't believe they sing about me
On the stage of the Grand Ole Opry
A bad day here in Nashville's
Better than anywhere that you might be

I'd rather spend my midnight hours at a jamboree
Than "Walkin' The Floor" to forget your memory
From thirty thousand feet up in the air I can't see you below
Honky-Tonkin' Angel it's time to let you go
I don't believe they sing about me
On the stage of the Grand Ole Opry
A bad day here in Nashville's
Better than anywhere that you might be












Author Notes Of course I had to chose one of Loyd C. Taylor, Sr's picture for my final lyric.

After all, I have used several of his pictures before for my lyrics.

This one is known as "Rhythm Fingers".

So, once again, thank you Loyd C. Taylor, Sr, for the use of your picture.

It goes so nicely with my lyrics.


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