We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Listen To It Once

by BIG Attack!

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Purchasable with gift card

     

1.
Paper Tigers 02:59
Hungry ghosts with their eyes sewn shut, hand out-stretched; gunna take your soul! Dem belly full yet ever-hunger; living damned say "damn they live" (rightly so, rightly so) Drown you in papers and letters, summons and late fees and figures I wanna make with this predication; all you please take note: I am not afraid of no paper tigers that Babylon send! Loopholes in the shadows of back-doors, muscle shows up on the front porch; these jesters of conjecture write new rules at leisure Demons of trivial, make the meaningful menial I wanna break with this intonation; all you please take note: I am not afraid of no paper tigers that Babylon send! This is your life. The blue copy is mine. The pink copy is yours. The yellow copy is theirs. They make want more than you want, and then they make you want more! and that is when they've got you gotten, got it? I am not afraid not to want any more, I'm gunna break with this incantation; all you please take note. You come take mah home. I think, "was it ever mine?" They don't give what they can't take. Lured by the line that you gunn' shelter I and I and mine. I said "Oh mah Lord! Tricky-tricky tricked us out of Paradise!"
2.
[1] Wonder why you never seen a revolutionary when they're old? Maybe for a time they'll speak their mind; now you see them... now you don't Wonder what compels them to be suicidally bold? Maybe an elevated sense of self? Or maybe, just maybe, They didn't know that the nail that stick up is the one make the Hammer come down! [2] Hussein thought he sat under Master's table long enough when a better behaved breed started slant-drilling for the scraps; they'll call your bluff! Noriega coulda told you that Ernesto expropriated from the South American cookie jar: "Who me? Can't be!" "No flag is gunna fly without our finger in the pie. You've gone too far!" He didn't know that the nail that stick up is the one make the Hammer come down! [3A] Maybe they missed what Stalin meant when he said, "pick Trotsky's brain"! Maybe they meant to get Mumia captured in a picture frame. I mean, maybe they didn't know? [3B] King marched onto Washington singing "We've come for what we're owed". Memphis sun set on a preacher's son "Take mah hand, mah precious Lord" Did you find what you was lookin' for? Was it gunshots? Made the heart stop. You made the Hammer come down! [4] If you find your brewin' a crazy idea in your head and your thinkin' 'bout takin' action, you'll do good to remember what I said... Want your last breath a gargle of blood when your riddled with lead? Or holding the hand of the one you love in a comfortable bed? ...and you'll think twice! Or even thrice! Cuz now you know: The nail that stick up is the one make the Hammer come down!
3.
We used to meet on the playground -- different kids from different towns, and different backgrounds, but we'd settle our differences by bloody-ing noses and then we'd be friends so, when they told us about the cotton, molasses, and slave ships filled with great grand-parents of the 'other' kids when we asked why they didn't look like us, the teacher said, "that's the way it is!" --- I didn't know what to do when mah friend Aaron told mah friend Herbert that he was a slave, and maybe his ancestors owned his -- what a laugh! Oh, wouldn't it be such a laugh? Man, was I ashamed! But I was young and a coward so I sat silently, watched everything change and when I asked mah older brother, "would it ever be the same?" He said, "No, that's the way it is!" --- And when Herbert go home with a blacker eye than he already got and he pushes away the lovin' hand with the ice-pack and he starts to ball and she already know, been back from down that road, but she bites her tongue so she can hear her son look up and say, "Momma, what have we done?" --- I couldn't stomach the playground no more so I started lookin' somewhere else for answers and then mah library told me about what was really goin' on back in 1493: about the killin' and enslaving and the man with his own day was a thief and a whore and that it's more likely America was discovered by a black man 4,000 years before! When I asked mah principal "Hey man, why we don't teach it like this?" he looked at me and said, "I don't know Russ...because that's the way it is!" --- And when I go home with a whiter shade than I already got and I throw down mah books cuz they's written by crooks and I start to ball and she don't really know, never been down that road, so she holds her tongue so she can hear her son look up and say, "Momma, what have we done?" History's written by the winners! Most of those winners are sinners! And they had guns, germs, and steels on their side! That kinda luck shouldn't give you no pride! I said that's the way it is, but it ain't the way it gotta be!
4.
Heard of a fair day's work for a fair day's share? How 'bout a fair day's pain in mah back -- sounds fair! I know good people tryin' to make ends meet, workin' through the weekend just to stay on their feet I used to believe in sumthin' when it used to mean sumthin', but I think we're TOO FAR GONE! We're never gunna turn it around Good people pay tax Good people obey laws Good people go to vote Good people rally for a good cause Good people see bad things happen all the time, then Good people go to church and ask the Good Lord "why?" Good people believe in sumthin', but it don't mean nuthin', cuz I think we're TOO FAR GONE! We're never gunna turn it around Good people listen in on other people's phone calls; talkin' to their lawyer 'bout their civil rights, wouldn't ya know! Good people put other people in the line of fire, and they let 'em, cuz they don't believe good people lie! If we are all such good people, then won't someone tell me how the hell we're so FAR GONE!? We're never gunna turn it around I think we're TOO FAR GONE! We're never gunna turn it around We're TOO FAR GONE! Did you really think fascism would look like anything besides good people with smiles?
5.
[1] No, I don't know why that every single time that I go by and see a fast food chain close, and take down its sign, it kinda makes me smile No, I don't know why that every single time that I go by and see a bus-stop advertisement that has gotten vandalised, it kinda makes me smile [1B] But, what I know 's that if you got a bow and keep on pullin' back on it, and never let up lax on it there's gunna be a BACKLASH! So 'til I find a target worth mah time I'll keep on pullin' back on it, and never let up lax on it until I hear it SNAP! You must think I'm crazy They think they gotta help me But I don't think I'm crazy... [2] Even though I don't know why that every single time that I go by and see a little kid pushin' his own little shopping cart, it makes me wanna cry. And no, I don't know why that every single time that I go buy another pair of shoes, or something I'll never use, it makes me wanna die. [2B] And we all know with no receipt to show if you try to bring it back, and know that even if it's wrapped up, they ain't gunna give you cash back -- so 'til I find the receipt for mah time I'll keep on tryin' to track it down and stop being a lackey. Now, I'm tryin' to take mah a mind back. "IT'S NOT ME, SIR, IT'S THE POLICY-- MY HANDS ARE TIED" [3] A lie on every surface far as I can see, and a good spot costs a lot cuz they know where I be; though I think I'm unique, and I think I behave random, they can see mah pattern and make a product of me! Society's a business far as I can see, and the politicians and cops are in on the scheme; protect and serve in the context of producers and consumers, taxable items, and private property. [3B] In times of old I'd be hanged, burned or stoned; a heretical thought to try to live apart. Man, I just don't want no part! It seems a crime that I value mah time even more than cash and that you better take some action, or there's gunna be a BACKLASH! I STAND FREE SIR, YET I'M ON MAH KNEES, MAH HANDS ARE TIED [4] And though I can see why the sun goes up and down while I'm inside-- you say I'd do as I please if not under lock and key, but I don't think I like! Because I don't know why, or even how or from where you divine the authority to oversee and dominate another life -- I do not think it's right! [4B] But what I know: the pace in here is slow, and I am in control of mah hands, mah eyes, mah stance. Oh, but I mind I still wait in a line for somethin' I'm not askin' for but they insist I'm lackin', and it's "Swallow, or feel the LASH!" [5] I STAND FREE, HERE, because now I see IT'S THE MARKET THAT IS FREE, not me AND YOU WILL TRY to re-integrate me AND WHEN I BACKLASH 'gainst society IF YOU REALLY WANT TO punish me-- JUST LEAVE ME HERE. [6A] As long as I gotta soul, I can try A mind, I can plan. An eye, I can see. As long as I got feet, I can stand. Got a heart, got a beat. Take a breath and believe as long as I dream, I know I am a man... [6B] ...and you ain't gunna treat me like that! (No!) I'll state it like a fact: (Yeah!) If I feel mah freedom must be given back -- don't be mistaken -- I've allowed it to be taken! The harder I'm thrown to mah knees, THE TALLER I STAND.
6.
Red Night 03:51
Christ -- he was a man, I know for sure a fine example of a man who could take no more, but if I'm to believe there is a God of Man and Beast I'll look to see what's in the hearts of everyone; Lies: poison your ears, you can be sure; Fear: it close your eyes and locks the door; Greed: extends your hand and asks for more; and the Belief that that voice is right LETGOMAHHANDLETGOMAHEYES - BEHOLDMAHREDNIGHT I don't believe, but I look up -- 'ts what I was told I don't believe, but I was taught to think that sumthin's watchin' me so I'm gunna still shout out! shout out! shout out!, and it's nice to believe there's someone listenin' I look up when I should look around. LETGOMAHHANDLETGOMAHEYES - BEHOLDMAHREDNIGHT What is justice if it's just us in the end to sort it out? Would you change? No, I don't think you would! And if I said that he don't see what you're thinkin', only what you do would you change? No, I don't think you would! And I'm tellin' you, they're gunna remind you that there's an after-life and this one don't count, so look up and see what you want to see LETGOMAHHANDLETGOMAHEYES BEHOLDMAHREDNIGHT Close mah eyes, steady mah hand, and hope mah selfish ways have been enough to bask in your grace.
7.
Oh Yeah! 03:08
Come to a fork in that Long-Winding Road you find yourself stuck in the middle! you know you are, which way you go? You know your heart said "alright", but your feet sayin' "no!" If you got more time than money go: oh! Get the joke but it ain't that funny: oh! At the station but the train ain't comin': oh! C'mon c'mon c'mon, everybody go: oh, no! You've got a start; end writes itself You find your stuck in the middle! you know you are, which way you go? Feel like I've know it forever, but I can't remember If you got more time than money go: oh! Sell the pills to pay the doctor's bills: oh! Want for sumthin' but none of the frills: oh! C'mon c'mon c'mon, everybody go: oh, no! What must be done and what is right-- you find yourself stuck in the middle! you know you are, which way you go? Feel like I can conceive it, but I don't believe it! If you got more time than money go: oh! Filled the tank but the car don't run: oh! At the circus but you don't like fun: oh! C'mon c'mon c'mon, everybody go: oh, no! [bridge] If you got more time than money go: oh! Got a gun but can't afford the bullet : oh! Found a bullet, but no guts to pull it: oh! C'mon c'mon c'mon, everybody go: oh, no! They say "that's life!" They say "it ain't fair!" They say an awful lot of things not meant to get you here or there. Burden draggin' you down? Feelin' like your feelin' low? Can't make your mind up and feel all alone? Well, come down and join us! We'll all be hangin' 'round at the Fork in that Long-Winding Road Oh Yeah!
8.
[1] You make me simple with desire mah little 555, oh! Antharax-filled lust-laced dirty bomb gunna light mah way in these dark times You put mah feet into the fire and all I needed was a light Put it where you need it, and believe it when I mean it you better accept it in your bosom like Christ Cuz ain't you tired of findin' sumthin' that looked better on the shelf? [2] I heard they're makin' love a Thing I thought I might give it a try So stop me now, or don't stop me at all! cuz it's a seller's market and I'm lookin' to buy You make me simple with desire mah little 555, oh! Girl, your hand is so steady got three dice on the ready, won't you make me someone tonight? You put mah feet up to the fire when all I needed was a light I'll be your Velveteen Rabbit, but let's not make it a habit cuz they're... cuz they're pickin' at mah eyes! So are you tryin' to find sumthin' that used to be up on the shelf? [3] Don't want you to see me grow Old; thought you might put up a fight When your livin' in a coffin, girl, the mornings are so dark but the... but the nights are so bright I'm lookin' for a taste of Truth; just a peek at the Grand Design You got your finger on the button Tongue flickin' mah trigger, but the occasional wink would be fine C'mon and treat me like a Thing really don't even have to try cuz I put the collar on mahself then mahself up on the shelf feel like a liar, but I ain't tellin' you no lies! You make me simple with desire mah little 555, oh! I know that you need complication but just a little vacation would be... well, wouldn't it be just so nice? So if your tryin' to find sumthin', maybe try lookin' for your self! [4] You make me simple with desire May be limerence, may be life And I know that you know that I know never to press mah luck cuz I'd rather wait for the surprise!
9.
Hell, every single song I know start out the same damn way: Some dude walkin' down the street talkin' to the cats on the corner and the chicks he meet Where do you call home? I really wanna know! Cuz mah street ain't nuthin' like a song: Mrs. Walker and her husband at the doctor's every mornin', right next door to the Johnson's, and their dog is always barkin'; the guy at 205 gets a check from SSI and he whistles and he hollers at the girlies that go by; Ol' Dave is always drunk and he tries to sell his pills while his woman's on the porch in tears whenever they get bills; the lady across the street got a lot of mouths to feed, but she still tries to organise the summer block party; Denise just turned 15, she waves as she pushes her baby down the street and Carol says I make too much noise, so she don't really talk to me Every day we're tryin' to get by, but it seems to me some people can't get it together! And every single song I know end up the same damn way: He gets the girl -- or he don't -- but he's at the bank cashing checks every day cuz we line up and put our money down to hear about your magic street; "his voice is so pretty", but the words are so ugly to me they tell us sumthin' better, but they ain't helpin' people help get it together What can you paint when the rent is late? What can you sing when you get scared every time the telephone ring? "Everyone just wants to be happy" How's that going for you Jack? Smilin' while you watch your back; whose got your back? It can't be that good forever, but it can be alright if people can get it together! And when you G.I.T, help your neighbor G.I.T.; help your street G.I.T., help your 'hood G.I.T.! They tell us there's sumthin' better, but they can't beat people just gettin' together! I hope we people can get it together! G.I.T: Get It Together! It'll be alright! We can get it, together.
10.
Glorybound 05:53
[1] MAH OLD MAN taught me about a life worth livin'! Said "If you get just one person to mourn you when your gone..." I WONDER WHAT he was thinkin' when his church called on me and I left mah seat empty GUESS I TAUGHT him a thing a bout dyin'! If your gunna start tryin' don't wait 'til the day you GET OUTTA HERE [2] NEVER MEANT TO be a burden His "foxy little thang" was gone 'fore I was one I NEVER ASKED to be forgiven To say "I'm sorry"'d be a lie, we just don't see eye to eye SO I STAND up and take mah lickin's hold the line and bide mah time for the day I GET OUTTA HERE [3] THEY SAY these streets are mean, but they're kind to boys like me: Young and light-skinned and never in 'Nam WE'D FLASH a smile to the pretty girls for a fin in the jar and trade stock tips with humour-less snappy-dressed marks ALL THE OLD folks scoffed that we weren't in class, but we had Scooter and Barclay and skinheads from Mass. CHALKIN' UP THE BOARD: Long ball and short haul BUT IN THE back of mah head was stickin': mah old man taught me 'bout a life worth livin' YOU SPIT WHERE I make a killin'! So I SAVE up mah pay and make for a play toward the day I GET OUTTA HERE [4] IT'S NOT EASY to find, but so easy to lose- that's how it is defined YOU PICKED ME up back on mah feet - then so quick to mah knees, kiss you hips if you please FILLED the cupboards with mah fast hand YOUR SECRET lover and your best friend Felt so tender, won't let end but love don't make dem steel handcuffs bend I guess that we both got greedy! For some time, I'll cry and I'll pine 'til the day I GET OUTTA HERE [5] MAH OLD MAN gave me a good life lesson said, "there's no-one gun' grieve over dead liars and thieves" I WONDER WHAT he'd be thinkin' had he been there to see the judge call his son "guilty" MAH GUESS IS "throw that bastard to the lions for all time, that's no son of mine" on the day I GET OUTTA HERE [6] I AM A PATIENT MAN and I'm willing to grow, but the things you hear here ain't things you wanna know HYPE SOME GREEN or show you are mean; so keen to be hard, but ain't nuthin' so hard as this cot and those bars WOULDN'T BE so bad if we could just play cards, or smoke some cigarettes in the yard, but I DON'T CARE when push comes to shove; so read the charges again, they ain't stickin'. MAH OLD MAN taught me 'bout a life worth livin' and that sure as hell ain't in prison! shorten mah stay, mah dues are all paid Still! make 'em RUE THE DAY I GET OUTTA HERE [7] SO HERE be I, strummin' guitar Lo! The faces don't change in this rock n' roll bar I CAME OUT to sing you mah life -- won't you listen? To a verse about a life worth livin'? SAVE YOUR MONEY for the bartender, I'll give you this song Just please, mourn for me when I'm gone [8] AND LET ME go! I ain't long for this place DON'T TAKE IT personal - it was mah time to waste I'M GOIN' OUT - all mah dreams have been chased and backed down to a corner bar where within all the old men talk about a life worth livin' THOUGH AT TIMES I lived mah life like a villain, hope to see your face after I've run mah race AND HOPE THAT His Grace don't send me back to this place and it'll be the day I GET OUTTA HERE
11.
[1] I don't have much to teach, but I'll tell you what I know: I know good kids afraid to bring kids into this world Never figure they can give 'em somethin' Little love, it ain't enough I know people with dreams but they cannot find the time Feelin' like they live their lives for nothin' Little somethin' ain't enough I know people whose goals are to be happy and comfortable When I ask 'em how it's goin' (same ol', same ol') never seem to have much goin' (same ol', same ol') I know if you don't put your chips on the table, then all your bringin' home is same ol', same ol' (same ol', same ol') same ol', same ol' (same ol', same ol') [2] I don't have much to say but what I found to be the truth: It's no wonder so many believe that this ain't the only life we get a shot at; past lives or a here-ever-after, or lessons learned; whichever you'd rather We leave so much unfinished business behind, so many chances lost to timing or circumstances Things we think are meant to be, and could be if decoupled from time ... Then you regret a thing, that's no way to live your life [3] I don't have much to give but a bit of advice: When they say you can be anything if you work hard, and you find out it's a lie remember that you never heard that from me I say you are what you are and that's all you gonna be child, but if you do it right you'll have more than most of these jokers ever get Keep good time, draw your lines fine, make your colours bolder Live like a soldier, but don't take orders from no-one [4] I don't have much to be sorry for I never thought that when I'd said good-bye it would be to the mother of mah child; a little lovin' was enough Never meant to be cruel, though I didn't think it was really up to me, life is cruel, ya know? Can't be with you; ain't a bad thing, even though it might be a tough thing I know this'll be the hardest thing to hear, but I don't regret a thing When your done cryin', read through this ONE MORE TIME [5] I don't have much, but what I've got is yours; don't expect it to be what your wantin', but sometimes sumthin' better than nuthin' Try to get what you can -- this ain't nothin' to hold onto LISTEN TO IT ONCE, LISTEN TO IT TWICE, then throw it away, and I promise that I'll give you somethin' else to remember me by [6] I know... or maybe I don't! but baby, Don't regret a thing (that's how you get old), or be afraid to make mistakes (that's how you learn), love every risk you take (that's how you live good), and try to live your life like you are gonna die! [That's how to live your life; best start to live your life] [7] If it's your second time through, I guess I'll say good-bye.

credits

released November 27, 2010

Chris Pierce: engineer, backups, percussion
Russell Golden: vocals, guitar, bass (1, 7, 9)
Christopher Pothier: guitar, bass (2, 5, 8)
Michael Nardone: bass (3, 4, 6, 10)
Matt the Baptist: drums (1, 3-10)
Bucky Cornwell: drums (2, 11)
Stephen Egerton: mastering at Armstrong Recording; Tulsa, OK
recorded at Technical Ecstasy Studios; Milltown, NJ

2010 | BIG Attack! | M-26-7 Music

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

BIG Attack! Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

contact / help

Contact BIG Attack!

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

BIG Attack! recommends:

If you like BIG Attack!, you may also like: