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Step Right, Shake Left

by Jim Beckwith

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Alexandra Da Silva
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Maureen Davis
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1.
Arizona Skies 06:17
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LYRICS: Desert Life is precious, a place of all extremes Sun’s too hot to handle, it’s brighter than it seems Nights are cold and lonely, Days hot as hell You might survive living here, it’s just too soon to tell> Look in all directions, there’s a billion stars tonight the suguaro cactus stands like a sentry, looking for a fight couples may be broken, river rocks may fly but the clouds are always beautiful - in the Arizona skies We are the stones - smoothed by the river Rough is the sand, and the water makes you shiver Living here in desolation you expect some things to die it’s strange, but true - no on even cries Celebrate for the living, remembrance for the dead We light a candle - at one end Put the candle in the river - watch it float away remember back in time to another day life was good - we liked it then but we must go on and on till the candles come floating back again We are the stones - smoothed by the river Rough is the sand, and the water makes you shiver Rarely in the desert comes a pouring rain but it’s joyful when it happens, you can feel alive again Standing in the shower it feels like rain there’s nothing like the feeling of the absence of pain We are the stones - smoothed by the river Rough is the sand, and the water makes you shiver I said look out across, send word down to reach the boss on the way to town, if your going in the right direction... Here, then we’re gone, but a little part lives on, living life, dying death and the earth just took one breath DISCUSSION OF THE LYRICS: Brief: The song "Arizona Skies" is an introspective journey inspired by the Arizona desert's barren beauty. It explores the desert's lessons on life, death, and the transient nature of existence. The lyrics capture the extremes of desert life, the longing for purpose, the power of transformation, and the acceptance of mortality. It contemplates the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. The song acknowledges the rarity of joyful moments and the importance of embracing all experiences. Ultimately, it reflects on our fleeting presence in the universe and the profound wisdom found in the desert's landscapes. ===================================================== FULL DISCUSSION: There was a time in my life when I found myself amidst the barren beauty of the Arizona deserts. This land, of stark contrasts and resolute perseverance, was a profound teacher. Its lessons on life, death, and the transient nature of existence deeply influenced me, inspiring the song, 'Arizona Skies.' "Desert Life is precious, a place of all extremes," the opening lines capture the paradox of the desert, a symphony of extremes. The relentless sun, hotter than one imagines, against the chilling solitude of the nights, encapsulates life's dualities, its flux of joy and pain. One learns to survive, to evolve amidst these extremes, just like the desert life forms, thriving against all odds. "Look in all directions, there’s a billion stars tonight, the saguaro cactus stands like a sentry, looking for a fight." The metaphor of the saguaro cactus, standing sentinel amidst the cosmic tapestry, reflects our innate longing for belonging, our quest for purpose in the grand scheme of existence. We may feel alone, like solitary cacti in the desert, yet we are connected in the cosmos' dance, part of a greater unity. "We are the stones - smoothed by the river, Rough is the sand, and the water makes you shiver." These lines evoke the power of transformation. Just as the rough stones in the river's path are slowly smoothed over time, life's trials and tribulations shape us, refining our edges, fostering our growth. The shiver of the water, an echo of life's challenges, serves to awaken us, stir our souls towards evolution. "Living here in desolation you expect some things to die." This raw acknowledgment of mortality in the heart of the desert captures the transient nature of existence. Yet, death in the desert is not an end, but a passage, a transition into a new form, a new expression of life. "Put the candle in the river - watch it float away... but we must go on and on till the candles come floating back again." The floating candle is a symbol of our ephemeral existence, a luminous flicker on the river of time. We carry the memories, the essence of those who have journeyed before us, and when our candle joins the river, we continue the cycle, living on in the hearts and minds of those who remain. "Rarely in the desert comes a pouring rain, but it’s joyful when it happens, you can feel alive again." Here, the rare desert rain signifies life's unexpected gifts, moments of joy and relief amidst adversity. It also highlights the necessity of embracing all of life's experiences, for even the scorching desert thirsts for the quenching rain. "Here, then we’re gone, but a little part lives on, living life, dying death and the earth just took one breath." This final verse encapsulates the song's philosophical essence: we are but fleeting visitors on this beautiful planet, a temporary constellation of matter and spirit. Our existence is a single breath in the timeless expanse of the universe. 'Arizona Skies' was not merely a tribute to the desert's rugged beauty; it was a profound exploration of life, death, and the fleeting nature of existence. Rooted in the wisdom of Don Miguel Ruiz and infused with the soulful lyricism of Rumi, the song transformed the Arizona desert's stark landscapes into a spiritual canvas, painting profound truths with the brushstrokes of melody and verse.
2.
Human Nature 05:06
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He wants more, You want less She knows for sure, yeah , but you’ve got to guess they want a twenty and you’ve only got ten Can’t be real, no, you ‘ve got to pretend That’s Human Nature Give a little and they’ll - take amile Come see me now, No I’ll wait alittle while You’ve got to hate me, just ‘cause - I love you I just might, now, don’t tell me to That’s Human Nature Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run.... - - On Water That’s Human Nature He wants more, You want less She knows for sure, yeah , but you’ve got to guess they want a twenty and you’ve only got ten Can’t be real, no, you ‘ve got to pretend That’s Human Nature Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run... On Water That’s Human Nature Oh, run away, far away, far from home run away, far away, all alone, all alone, all alone, all alone
3.
Step Right, Shake Left 03:56
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Summer’s here, Joshua’s back and he’s looking for another winning Pokemon pack. Grown five inches and he’s going for a mile, He’s gonna eat me out of house and home for awhile Chase a dollar, Take my hand Taste the ripe fruit of this freedom land Julie moved to Texas with my mom and my dad John’s having some of the best times he ever had Joe’s up in Gainesville and he’s working away I wonder if he ever gets enough time to play Straighten up, Fly right, We’re going to see the stars tonight Step right , shake left, Do what you know you do the best Waves of the west are luring me, I can’t decide where - I wanna be Hills of the east, still in my bones - I can’t ignore it, this is my home Straighten up, Fly right, We’re going to see the stars tonight Step right , shake left, Do what you know you do the best These things are always weighing heavy on my mind a good man could wind up crazy, thinking all the time running on a treadmill, looking for a sense’ empty out my water bottle, doesn’t matter anyway Straighten up, Fly right, We’re going to see the stars tonight Step right , shake left, Do what you know you do the best I know we’re all just trying hard to survive have a little fun while we’re staying alive running on a treadmill, looking for a sense’ empty out my water bottle, doesn’t matter anyway Straighten up, Fly right, We’re going to see the stars tonight Step right , shake left, Do what you know you do the best
4.
September Moon 05:00
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In the silence there's a distant moon burning through the fabric of the sky; Transporting troubles to other worlds and things much larger than I. (seems like) Saturn sits on the edge of space going nowhere, A static revolution - that's how I feel I'm moving like sideways motion; Life is a rhthm and a reel. September moon cut a hole in the midnight sky and memories that I've had of you in days gone by. Don't bypass the heart Never disregard the moon the second to say I love you passes all-but-all too soon. Would working heal the clever cat, or heal the severed self? Could thinking keep this man alive, his brains up off the shelf? I have no opinion (meaning no philosophy) If I do it would not change the way things are today, and tomorrow will be tomorrow no matter what I have to say.
5.
Killing Time 04:23
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There’s a hole in the wall, something’s missing a kinder culture, a reminiscing I may be alive, but the nine to five - is killing me I may be alive, but the nine to five - is killing me and I won’t go down - without a fight Some got money, some got the things they need But one thing keeps us equal, and it just can’t be bought by greed ‘cause you - can’t buy time it just goes on and on and on you - can’t buy time or the life that you were banking on You can kill it; but you can’t buy it; It just goes on and on, yeah, you can’t deny it I may be alive, but the nine to five - is killing me I may be alive, but the nine to five - is killing me and I won’t go down - without a fight we’re all just - killing time we’re all just - killing time we’re all just - killing time we’re all just - killing time
6.
No Power 03:33
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Don’t need No Power to play my drum, don’t need no motor noise, or AC hum I’ll be just fine without that - light in my eyes I might just like it when that - power dies Just my djembe drum and me sounding out the rhythms of my world to by Just my djembe drum and me Jimmy in the rain playin that drum by the sea. Don’t need nothing to cool my head Don’t need no one to make my bed Don’t need nothing - to make me feel blue All I need now is my heart and you Just my djembe drum and me sounding out the rhythms of my world to by Just my djembe drum and me Jimmy in the rain playin that drum by the sea. Just my djembe drum and me sounding out the rhythms of my world to by Just my djembe drum and me Jimmy in the rain playin that drum by the sea. That’s all I need, that’s all I’ll say All I wanna do is sit here in my - room and play
7.
Change the World 04:52
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Sitting inside I squelch my pride I hear myself but no one seems to listen I listen to the rain as it's pounding on my brain and I think it is a form of Chinese torture. And the sounds on the roof give me anger, not some proof that I can drink the water once again; that the sun will shine and you will be my friend when all the clouds come out again... Don't try to change the world You'll lose your mind Lose this world and save your life I can't - quite - stand the cold It's time for me to do something insane I need to breathe I need to breathe again. So I wake up one fine morning and I see It's not so boring as I would once begin to think; I get up, get out of bed, I'd like to clear my head so I open up a cold drink (sfx) mmm, that's goood - The bright light of the fridge reminds me of the sun; of a brighter day when life could still be fun. It's time to live again! CHORUS You can't - change - the world... You've got to change your head (got to change your head) And the world will soon move to your place - move to your place instead. ("things won't always be the way they seem") So I step outside with the girls and guys and the grass once again, to my surprise, is green. Ha, haa, ha ha ha ha. So - things really are the way they seem! So I step outside with the girls and guys and the grass once again, to my surprise, is green.
8.
Ten Years 03:51
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I’ve got water on the knee, lines upon my face; Tension in my brow, ‘cause I worry just in case. I’ve got too much time on my hands, and nothing to do but cry; I just want to sing along with the band, and after I can lay down and die. Help me if I wander, hold me if you please; and don’t look so damned surprised when you see me on my knees I feel alone sometimes, but love it when you’re there; even when you comment on the way I’ve lost my hair. To look around and wonder - where the time went makes me sigh I feel as though I’ve woken up and - ten years went by. I’m looking for relief to satisfy my soul, searching for that pacify to fill the gaping hole; Remembering all the dreaming days - asleep, but I could fly. I feel as though I’ve woken up and - ten years went by. I’ve got too much time on my hands, and nothing to do but cry. I just want to play along with the band, and after I can lay down and die. Help me if I wander, hold me if you please, and don’t look so damned surprised when you see me on my knees. I feel alone sometimes, but love it when you’re there; even when you comment on the way I’ve lost my hair. To look around and wonder - where the time went makes me sigh I feel as though I’ve woken up and - ten years went by. ten years went by
9.
Heart On the Wall 04:28
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There’s a well-lit heart on the wall the color of knowledge; an old dark sign with a story to tell. This road’s too deep for walking; the sky gets darker still. The sign on the street gets harder to read, those shoes get harder to fill. A stout horse pulls the surf boat to the sea; my father passed all his worries on to me. Heart on the wall, please, please help me. Don’t leave me hang like some - art down the hall that no one will ever see. A stout horse pulls the surfboat to the sea; my father passed all his worries on to me. There’s a well on the hill from which any fool can drink but there are thoughts that haunt me, no matter what I think. When it became apparent that he had a son called mirror Once he revealed himself transparent; now everything is clearer... A stout horse pulls the surfboat to the sea; my father passed all his courage on to me. Heart on the wall, please, please help me. Don’t leave me hang like some - art down the hall that no one will ever see. A stout horse pulls the surfboat to the sea; my father passed all his worries on to me.
10.
Balance 07:25
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Living in the wild, Surviving in the city - Screams of a child should but find no pity... I find my mind still racing, desperate and getting nowhere Answers to earth are found in heaven on the basis of need-to-know there.. We're making some money, spending our time - filling the days and wondering why; Juggling values and looking for space - It's the Balance of Boredom and the Rat Race. Got to get ahead, can't fall behind (I'm so behind) Wanna get close to even before I die... Can't you see the madness in my mind? Won't you see the sadness in my soul? Tenseness in my jaw won't loose the laughter - Yes, this, but always gladness is my goal. Can you see the wonder, the puzzle on my face? it's the Balance of Boredom and the Rat Race.
11.
Mirror of My Soul 03:01
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Days go by. I don’t see you so much anymore Mirror of my soul - just in a younger hold. Thoughts gone by, words unsaid; Wishing we knew - what was in each other’s heads, but it’s justified we’re all alone, just like everybody else in this world; We get hints and helps, but in the end we do it all on our own, all on our own we learn it all on our own. But you ‘ve got a helping hand whenever you come around You’re lucky I’m the kind that’s not afraid to face a frown Years go by; I don’t know you so well anymore. yet I know you as well as I know myself: Mirror of my soul.
12.
Arizona Skies (Radio Edit) 03:50
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Desert Life is precious, a place of all extremes Sun’s too hot to handle, it’s brighter than it seems Nights are cold and lonely, Days hot as hell You might survive living here, it’s just too soon to tell> Look in all directions, there’s a billion stars tonight the suguaro cactus stands like a sentry, looking for a fight couples may be broken, river rocks may fly but the clouds are always beautiful - in the Arizona skies We are the stones - smoothed by the river Rough is the sand, and the water makes you shiver Living here in desolation you expect some things to die it’s strange, but true - no on even cries Celebrate for the living, remembrance for the dead We light a candle - at one end Put the candle in the river - watch it float away remember back in time to another day life was good - we liked it then but we must go on and on till the candles come floating back again We are the stones - smoothed by the river Rough is the sand, and the water makes you shiver Rarely in the desert comes a pouring rain but it’s joyful when it happens, you can feel alive again Standing in the shower it feels like rain there’s nothing like the feeling of the absence of pain We are the stones - smoothed by the river Rough is the sand, and the water makes you shiver I said look out across, send word down to reach the boss on the way to town, if your going in the right direction... Here, then we’re gone, but a little part lives on, living life, dying death and the earth just took one breath
13.
Human Nature (Radio Edit) 03:38
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He wants more, You want less She knows for sure, yeah , but you’ve got to guess they want a twenty and you’ve only got ten Can’t be real, no, you ‘ve got to pretend That’s Human Nature Give a little and they’ll - take amile Come see me now, No I’ll wait alittle while You’ve got to hate me, just ‘cause - I love you I just might, now, don’t tell me to That’s Human Nature Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run.... - - On Water That’s Human Nature He wants more, You want less She knows for sure, yeah , but you’ve got to guess they want a twenty and you’ve only got ten Can’t be real, no, you ‘ve got to pretend That’s Human Nature Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run Once they see you walk they’re gonna wanna- see you run... On Water That’s Human Nature Oh, run away, far away, far from home run away, far away, all alone, all alone, all alone, all alone
14.
Step Right, Shake Left (Radio Edit) 03:26
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Summer’s here, Joshua’s back and he’s looking for another winning Pokemon pack. Grown five inches and he’s going for a mile, He’s gonna eat me out of house and home for awhile Chase a dollar, Take my hand Taste the ripe fruit of this freedom land Julie moved to Texas with my mom and my dad John’s having some of the best times he ever had Joe’s up in Gainesville and he’s working away I wonder if he ever gets enough time to play Straighten up, Fly right, We’re going to see the stars tonight Step right , shake left, Do what you know you do the best Waves of the west are luring me, I can’t decide where - I wanna be Hills of the east, still in my bones - I can’t ignore it, this is my home Straighten up, Fly right, We’re going to see the stars tonight Step right , shake left, Do what you know you do the best These things are always weighing heavy on my mind a good man could wind up crazy, thinking all the time running on a treadmill, looking for a sense’ empty out my water bottle, doesn’t matter anyway Straighten up, Fly right, We’re going to see the stars tonight Step right , shake left, Do what you know you do the best I know we’re all just trying hard to survive have a little fun while we’re staying alive running on a treadmill, looking for a sense’ empty out my water bottle, doesn’t matter anyway Straighten up, Fly right, We’re going to see the stars tonight Step right , shake left, Do what you know you do the best
15.
September Moon (Radio Edit) 03:50
lyrics
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In the silence there's a distant moon burning through the fabric of the sky; Transporting troubles to other worlds and things much larger than I. (seems like) Saturn sits on the edge of space going nowhere, A static revolution - that's how I feel I'm moving like sideways motion; Life is a rhthm and a reel. September moon cut a hole in the midnight sky and memories that I've had of you in days gone by. Don't bypass the heart Never disregard the moon the second to say I love you passes all-but-all too soon. Would working heal the clever cat, or heal the severed self? Could thinking keep this man alive, his brains up off the shelf? I have no opinion (meaning no philosophy) If I do it would not change the way things are today, and tomorrow will be tomorrow no matter what I have to say.

about

This was a co-production with world-fusion band, Native Vibe

credits

released January 1, 2001

Nee Sackey, bass guitar. Bill Macpherson, Guitars. Jim Beckwith, vocals.
Kevin Flournoy, piano.

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Jim Beckwith Milan, Italy

Jim Beckwith is a fine writer of lyrics to inspire & a unique & compelling voice; a soulful texture that draws on influences from jazz and pop to R&B and voices from around the world. His voice has been called 'a male Sade' & something like 'a refined Sting'. Songs with lyrics that make you think & feel. Jim has players on his albums that play with artists like Sting, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor. ... more

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