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Built with Bones

by Christian Williams

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1.
Though they plead and they cry, no man's ever survived. A visit by me means you've run out of time; that's because I'm good at what I do. I'm the end of the line, the caboose of your life, the cold hand, the hour glass and the last grain of sand in your eyes. Tell your momma you love her, make up with your brother. But don't waste your time tryin' to hide under covers, it's no use - I'll always find you. I'm the end of the line, the caboose of your life, the cold hand, the hour glass and the last grain of sand in your eyes. Well, forget what you've read, there's no bargaining. Everyone's on the list and you ain't exempt; there's the light - you know what to do.I'm the end of the line, the caboose of your life, the cold hand, the hour glass and the last grain of sand in your eyes.
2.
I took a drink of water from the stream behind my cave. I thought about my daughter how I missed seeing her face. I cupped my hands and filled them, splashed the water on my neck. Went home to sharpen spears and stones in case the beast came back. That's how it goes, that's how it goes, when you're living in the age of stone. The sun began to dip behind the edge of what I knew. I readied for my busy night by cooking rabbit stew. I stood the spears along my wall and chose the longest one. Then I hid beneath a bearskin rug to wait for it to come. That's how it goes, that's how it goes, when you're living in the age of stone. The fire crackled softly as its light slowly fell dim. I focused on the darkness but soon closed my heavy lids. I dreamed about my family living in that monster's gut. And I couldn't stop from trembling when its roar woke me up. That's how it goes, that's how it goes, when you're living in the age of stone. I scrambled from the bearskin and I reached out for my spear. My heart gave in to fear when I found out it wasn't there. But then I thought of something while the monster sucked me in. To lose this battle means I'll see my family once again. That's how it goes, that's how it goes, when you're living in the age of stone.
3.
Rattle Trap 03:10
Out walking in the forest, just to give his wife a break. He leaned on his cane over rough terrain and found a rattle snake. Its tail began a shakin' as it coiled up like a spring. And the path to take for quick escape had been washed out by the rain. He knew that he was cornered so he said a little prayer. He clutched his cane and braced for pain and wished his wife was there. But it didn't move a muscle, except the rattler on its tail. And soon even that began to relax as it stretched out like a rail. When his face regained its color, he heard his stomach groan. He thought of the snake and the meal it would make and loaded his cane for the blow. But it was waiting patiently for the greedy man to act. When the timing was right it delivered its bite and the morning soon turned black.
4.
They walked alone outside the old saloon. She said, "I know that you'll be leaving soon and I'll mark every moment we're apart - with tears and fluttered beats from my broken heart." He said, "I know that you will wait for me though I can't tell you when that day will be. I pray to God that I come home alive but keep for me this promise should I die." "My love," she said "what could this promise be that makes you seek assurances from me? If there's a sacrifice that I must make then let this kiss serve as my oath to take." He said, "If I as just a ghost come home, go find another please don't live alone." She said, "I'll find true love if you should fall for I will die and find you after all."
5.
Feeling my way past trees in the dark; shuffling my feet trying to pull these shackles apart. Every so often I fall to the ground but can't stop to rest 'cuz the wind brings the bark of the hounds. What'll I have to do? What'll I have to do - to make it through? I'll press on for you. If it's the last thing I do. Took the first path away from this place but found that I wasn't the first one to take up this race. Hoped when I started that I knew the road. Departed with nothing to guide me except for my soul. What'll I have to do? What'll I have to do - to make it through? I'll press on for you. If it's the last thing I do. Sometimes I wonder if I should turn back. The thought doesn't last, though, 'cuz I know I'm smarter than that. Now the black sky gives way to the sun and I celebrate with a smile my life on the run. What'll I have to do? What'll I have to do - to make it through? I'll press on for you. If it's the last thing I do.
6.
Red 02:56
The fog was glowing 'neath the harvest moon that night. His cheatin' wife in mind and in his hand a knife. He walked the gravel road the devil as his guide and when he reached the end he took his woman's life. He found a spot for her behind an empty shed - looked down at trembling hands and saw that they were red. He heard the bubbling coming from a nearby stream. As he got close he started recognizing things. This place was holy ground about ten years before when he got wet to join the family of the Lord. He hoped the water could still wash away his sin - saw his face reflecting in a shimmering pool of red. His hands were clean but his heart and soul were black 'cuz once you cross a certain line there ain't no coming back. He walked the gravel road back down to the shed but didn't see the cheatin' man or the gun aimed at his head. He tried to scream for help but he knew he was dead 'cuz when he looked around all he saw were burning shades of red.
7.
Once I walked into the trees the sky turned dark beneath green leaves, low branches brushed my naked knees - I left behind my compass. I stumbled over stumps and stones, took extra steps past ancient bones, looked back to see I was alone as sweat streamed down my forehead. A squirrel ahead began to play with shadows from a branches sway. It stopped and beckoned me its way - I followed without thinking. The birds above sang mournful tunes of good intentions laid to ruin. I knew the melody and soon was joining in the chorus. A bush with berries plump and bright stood tall against the waning light. I tasted them then closed my eyes - beneath the branches dancing.
8.
Kingman 04:10
Lean in closer - I can't speak too loud. Son, I told her I'd come back to town. Before your mother, there was another - she's had my heart ever since I was twenty, busking for money back in old Kingman. Her name was Rita - hair like a desert sunset. Best working girl I believe I ever have met. We started dreaming, both of us leaving - building our own homestead. But that depression, taught us a lesson back in old Kingman. I packed my suitcase - left in early morn. Wrote a note saying, "There's work in Californ. When I get settled and shake the devil, I'll save every cent. I'll bring that money home to you honey back in old Kingman. One year later, I packed two cases. One filled with clothes and the other filled with tens. I started smiling, my car climbing toward my baby again. But then I found her deep in the ground there back in old Kingman. I took that money and bought a proper headstone. I cried for weeks and I never left her alone. I made a promise that's now upon us - I need to know you'll keep it. When I die lay me next to my baby back in old Kingman.
9.
Hear that baby cryin' - hear that baby scream? Out of luck with an empty gut better find something to eat. Corn stalks stopped growing - the cow, she went dry. Fields we trusted turned to dust and turned the daytime night, Lord. We gave in to begging, lost our pride in pounds. But beans and mush weren't enough to keep them from the ground, no. See those branches swayin' - naked without leaves? Look below there's two headstones, my wife and child beneath, Lord. See that suit a'comin'? See him and you run. Watch his pen or you'll be dead 'cuz he don't need a gun, no. The bank stole my house, Lord, the dozer did the job. I asked for just a moment but the driver wouldn't stop, no. What's that a floatin' like mist in the night? Three poor ghosts from Oklahome - lookin' for a fight, yeah.
10.
Forgive me Lord, for I have sinned. I pushed you out and let the devil in. He placed this noose around my neck. I stand a man prepared for punishment. I spoiled my blessings from above. I've failed my wife, I've failed my son. Before the gates below open, I'll spend my final prayer on them. I hope this rope will end their suffering. I'm blind to light beneath this hood but see too clear the evil deeds I've done. I've traced my steps from right to wrong and past the paths I should have travelled on. I spoiled my blessings from above. I've failed my wife, I've failed my son. Before the gates below open, I'll spend my final prayer on them. I hope this rope will end their suffering. I don't expect any reward. The life I've led is worthy of the sword. I fear what lies beyond these doors but it's too late to contemplate the horror. I spoiled my blessings from above. I've failed my wife, I've failed my son. Before the gates below open, I'll spend my final prayer on them. I hope this rope will end their suffering.
11.
I wander through these hallways but I don't remember why. I check my wristwatch often but it's always the same time. When can I go? I hope it won't be very long before my soul ends up where it belongs. This place once looked familiar through my younger pair of eyes. But all I see are faces that I just don't recognize. Some have tried to help me find what I've been looking for. But when I walk into the light I end up here once more. Why can't I go? I fear there may be nothing wrong that this is where my lonely soul belongs.
12.
Maybe I'm the one to blame but I'm leaving you just the same. I just can't seem to see through to you anymore. All I see are glassy eyes when you even care enough to rise and greet me with a hug at the door. I found an empty bottle stashed behind the sink. Found another in the closet and I began to think there's more than just water in that cup you like to drink. You'll be a lonely laudanum lady now. Talking didn't seem to do the trick. You just told me you were sick and more excuses that I've all heard before. Said, "There's a choice that you must make: a smile that's real or one that's fake." But your hopped up snicker turned to a roar. I've been going around in circles with these thoughts inside my head. I wonder if it'd help you if I turned my back and left. I'd go and break my own heart if it'd help put yours on the mend. But you'll be a lonely laudanum lady now.
13.
When the skies open up and fire rains down don't worry, I'll be by your side. When the streets start to flood from streams filled with blood, oh honey - I'll keep your feet dry. Oh, it won't be long 'fore everything's gone and we only have memories and lies. But if I want to see the sky or the sea I'll always find both in your eyes. When the fields and their crops all wither and rot I'll look for the last apple tree. I'll find that old snake and from him I'll take the fruit that he used to trick Eve. Oh, it won't be long 'fore everything's gone and we only have memories and lies. But if I want to see the sky or the sea I'll always find both in your eyes. When the trumpets all sound, and we're gathered around to watch good and bad duke it out, I'll recall the ballet and how you saved me that day by leaving early so that we'd beat the crowd. Oh, it won't be long 'fore everything's gone and we only have memories and lies. But if I want to see the sky or the sea I'll always find both in your eyes.

about

13 songs of gothic country, inspired by mortality, the Book of Revelation and the dark side of love.

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"If you like your country tales in the shade of death, adultery, murder, temptation and good vs. evil, all told without apology, then Built With Bones is right up your alley." - NineBullets.net

credits

released January 1, 2007

Words and music written, performed and produced by Christian Williams.

Album cover art by Paul Rhyne.

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Christian Williams New York

Christian Williams is a self-taught musician, experimental composer, and visual artist. His passion for expression has led him to dabble in a wide variety of music styles, ranging from dark acoustic folk music inspired by the American prairie to abstract sound art utilizing acoustic loops and field recordings. ... more

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