Drunk On A Bike
Song List & Lyrics:
The music starts, the chant begins
It rocks my heart, repents my sins
The preacher preaches from the stage
We know the speeches, we explode in rage
Chorus:
I'm praying at the altar of rock
I'm praying at the altar of rock
The hymn is sung, a prayer for all
Everyone can sing that call
The sounds sink in and I’m amazed
I’d like to feel this everyday
[Chorus]
It seemed so long ago
I guess it was
There's not much we could do
We were just kids
Looking back on all those times
Certain things come back to mind
Some remembered, some I'll never find
I must leave it all behind
Chorus:
I'm curious to the point of apathy
To know what happened to you
I'm curious to the point of apathy
To know what I can do
We were the best of friends
I know it's true
But this I couldn't see
You were so blue
Looking back on all those times
Most were happy most were fine
Wishing sometimes I could just rewind
I must leave it all behind
[Chorus]
I guess it was
There's not much we could do
We were just kids
Looking back on all those times
Certain things come back to mind
Some remembered, some I'll never find
I must leave it all behind
Chorus:
I'm curious to the point of apathy
To know what happened to you
I'm curious to the point of apathy
To know what I can do
We were the best of friends
I know it's true
But this I couldn't see
You were so blue
Looking back on all those times
Most were happy most were fine
Wishing sometimes I could just rewind
I must leave it all behind
[Chorus]
One night when I was so bored
I took my bike for a ride
I went down to the local pub
To see who was inside
Some friends of mine were at the bar
Just drinking back the ale
I knew that I would join them soon
I knew this without fail
We drank until the places was dry
We drank the whole night through
I found my way as best I could
It's all that I could do
I got onto my bike again
Though my vision was impaired
And now I'm at the side of the road
Just wondering how I got there
Chorus:
I was driving back at first light
I was blinded by the headlight
A car swerved in front of me
I skidded off and hit a tree
Now I'm lying on the ground
Hoping help will soon be found
But soon I might take a hike
I was drunk on a bike
The cops picked me up that night
I was taken straight down-town
And though I needed first-aid
I knew I was going down
They got me on a DUI
They took my bike without a fuss
And now I have to walk everywhere
Now I take the bus
[Chorus 2x]
I took my bike for a ride
I went down to the local pub
To see who was inside
Some friends of mine were at the bar
Just drinking back the ale
I knew that I would join them soon
I knew this without fail
We drank until the places was dry
We drank the whole night through
I found my way as best I could
It's all that I could do
I got onto my bike again
Though my vision was impaired
And now I'm at the side of the road
Just wondering how I got there
Chorus:
I was driving back at first light
I was blinded by the headlight
A car swerved in front of me
I skidded off and hit a tree
Now I'm lying on the ground
Hoping help will soon be found
But soon I might take a hike
I was drunk on a bike
The cops picked me up that night
I was taken straight down-town
And though I needed first-aid
I knew I was going down
They got me on a DUI
They took my bike without a fuss
And now I have to walk everywhere
Now I take the bus
[Chorus 2x]
In night's slumber, I find my way home
The day has been long but I'm still strong
In night's slumber, the creatures roam
In night's slumber, the moon is high
It warms my heart, it's there when I start
In night's slumber, it lights the sky
Chorus:
In night's slumber, the city sleeps
In night's slumber, I'm in deep
Wishing that I was in a dream
In night's slumber, I only want to scream
In night's slumber, the route is slow
In the dead of night, through street-lights
In night's slumber, the sky still glows
In night's slumber, the birds rest
Until the morning light
In night's slumber, I do what's best
[Chorus 2x]
The day has been long but I'm still strong
In night's slumber, the creatures roam
In night's slumber, the moon is high
It warms my heart, it's there when I start
In night's slumber, it lights the sky
Chorus:
In night's slumber, the city sleeps
In night's slumber, I'm in deep
Wishing that I was in a dream
In night's slumber, I only want to scream
In night's slumber, the route is slow
In the dead of night, through street-lights
In night's slumber, the sky still glows
In night's slumber, the birds rest
Until the morning light
In night's slumber, I do what's best
[Chorus 2x]
All alone I sit and drift in the night
You come home, I ask why I think I'm right
You tell the truth, but I need proof
To begin to see the light
Suspicion and grief is all that's left in my mind
You say it's something that I will never find
But it seems there and you don't care
It's hard to leave it behind
Chorus:
We used to know our own ways
We're changing from day to day
Now it's time for us to see
Now I see through your honesty
[Chorus]
But nothing can't stand in our way if we try
Each step we take we learn how to get by
Go our own ways or do we stay
It's not our time to say goodbye
[Chorus 2x]
You come home, I ask why I think I'm right
You tell the truth, but I need proof
To begin to see the light
Suspicion and grief is all that's left in my mind
You say it's something that I will never find
But it seems there and you don't care
It's hard to leave it behind
Chorus:
We used to know our own ways
We're changing from day to day
Now it's time for us to see
Now I see through your honesty
[Chorus]
But nothing can't stand in our way if we try
Each step we take we learn how to get by
Go our own ways or do we stay
It's not our time to say goodbye
[Chorus 2x]
I was born with rhythm coming from my hands
Deep down within myself, I understand
My abilities to succeed with what I've got
Now I know I was born to play guitar
All the songs are buried deep within my soul
I let the music take me where it wants to go
Up and down the frets my fingers will fly
Now I know I was born to play guitar
Deep down within myself, I understand
My abilities to succeed with what I've got
Now I know I was born to play guitar
All the songs are buried deep within my soul
I let the music take me where it wants to go
Up and down the frets my fingers will fly
Now I know I was born to play guitar
Troubled souls do their best
Worried minds get no rest
The sins of thought have carried on
'Til everything I knew is gone
Faded smiles hide the frown
The pain I can't push down
In my head, no moment of pause
To all the troubles I have caused
Help me to ground my feet
Claim victory to another defeat
No right to feel this way
The sins of thought have carried on
'Til everything I knew is gone
The sins of thought have carried on
'Til everything I knew is gone
Worried minds get no rest
The sins of thought have carried on
'Til everything I knew is gone
Faded smiles hide the frown
The pain I can't push down
In my head, no moment of pause
To all the troubles I have caused
Help me to ground my feet
Claim victory to another defeat
No right to feel this way
The sins of thought have carried on
'Til everything I knew is gone
The sins of thought have carried on
'Til everything I knew is gone
Another page has turned
Another candle burned
I guess it's what life brings to you and me
Now I'll be on my way
Until another day
Another to find something new
I know it's time, but I cannot find
The courage to move on
So here I am
Just waiting for chance
To remember those days
But I must find a way
To say goodbye, but still I try
Now I must go
To where, I don't know
But one thing I know
I won't forget you
I know it's time, but I cannot find
The courage to move on
So here I am
Just waiting for chance
Another candle burned
I guess it's what life brings to you and me
Now I'll be on my way
Until another day
Another to find something new
I know it's time, but I cannot find
The courage to move on
So here I am
Just waiting for chance
To remember those days
But I must find a way
To say goodbye, but still I try
Now I must go
To where, I don't know
But one thing I know
I won't forget you
I know it's time, but I cannot find
The courage to move on
So here I am
Just waiting for chance
No cares about the ones
Who are below you
You think your work is done
But we're high above you
If you could see the path you take
The mess you make can never be cleaned
Chorus:
Epic fail
I need to bail
Epic fail
You won't prevail
Epic fail
Worried about the shares
And their holders
In a world of wealth and greed
But so much colder
It will get you closer to nowhere
I'm sure you think that it's all fair
[Chorus]
And now our work is all done because of you
Just to save another dime
What can we do
If you could see the path you take
The mess you make can never be cleaned
[Chorus 2x]
If you don't want me around
Just say so
If you don't want who I am
I will go
I don't want to play the clown
I think you know
But if you look my way
It will show
Chorus:
Don't look my way
Don't look my way
I just can't stay
Don't look my way
Don't look my way
I'm embarrassed to stay
If I don't get in your way
I will stay
Just sometimes notice me
I'll be okay
I don't want to play the clown anymore
But if I look your way
You will ignore
[Chorus 2x]
Just say so
If you don't want who I am
I will go
I don't want to play the clown
I think you know
But if you look my way
It will show
Chorus:
Don't look my way
Don't look my way
I just can't stay
Don't look my way
Don't look my way
I'm embarrassed to stay
If I don't get in your way
I will stay
Just sometimes notice me
I'll be okay
I don't want to play the clown anymore
But if I look your way
You will ignore
[Chorus 2x]
Deep within Mahone Bay
Lies something that's there to stay
On an island that nature provides
A perfect place for something to hide
In the time of pirate's prime
The bay was known for hiding their crimes
With the thrill of what they might find
A very young was the first ones to try
Chorus:
The ghosts of the Money Pit
Will keep their guard and never quit
'Til seven souls have joined their ranks
No one ever will reach it
For centuries now they've tried and tried
At so much cost and many who've died
But still what's there's beyond their reach
A lesson in greed is what has been preached
Some say it's silver, some say it's gold
Some say it's treasures beyond stories told
Some say nobody has built it at all
Still so many have answered its call
[Chorus 2x]
Lies something that's there to stay
On an island that nature provides
A perfect place for something to hide
In the time of pirate's prime
The bay was known for hiding their crimes
With the thrill of what they might find
A very young was the first ones to try
Chorus:
The ghosts of the Money Pit
Will keep their guard and never quit
'Til seven souls have joined their ranks
No one ever will reach it
For centuries now they've tried and tried
At so much cost and many who've died
But still what's there's beyond their reach
A lesson in greed is what has been preached
Some say it's silver, some say it's gold
Some say it's treasures beyond stories told
Some say nobody has built it at all
Still so many have answered its call
[Chorus 2x]
The night is young out on the street
Places to see, people to meet
The lights are lit like a million stars
And in a way this night is ours
This summer night in the city
Is all I need, it's new to me
And so I wait 'til the time is right
Here in the city, here in the night
Chorus:
I know it's true
On a night just like this
I'm here with you
For the rest of our night
It's getting late, let's go and eat
Let's find a place to rest our feet
This summer night in the city
Is all I need, is new to me
[Chorus 2x]
Places to see, people to meet
The lights are lit like a million stars
And in a way this night is ours
This summer night in the city
Is all I need, it's new to me
And so I wait 'til the time is right
Here in the city, here in the night
Chorus:
I know it's true
On a night just like this
I'm here with you
For the rest of our night
It's getting late, let's go and eat
Let's find a place to rest our feet
This summer night in the city
Is all I need, is new to me
[Chorus 2x]
Waiting at the platform for my train
Long after the early morning rain
My load is heavy on my side
It's all I can carry, though I've tried
Parents wave goodbye to their college bound
Their world about to be turned around
A new phase of life's about to start
With warmth and comfort in their hearts
Chorus:
I'm riding the iron road
Watching all the load
Carried by the ones I see
I'm riding the iron road
Carrying all I hold
My trip seems so long to me
Travellers headed to the prairie west
Taking the way they know best
Their journey waits for their return
With all the stories they have learned
[Chorus]
The sun breaks through the billowing sky
As the scenery continues to rush by
Trying to capture every moment I can
Following all that I can understand
[Chorus 2x]
Long after the early morning rain
My load is heavy on my side
It's all I can carry, though I've tried
Parents wave goodbye to their college bound
Their world about to be turned around
A new phase of life's about to start
With warmth and comfort in their hearts
Chorus:
I'm riding the iron road
Watching all the load
Carried by the ones I see
I'm riding the iron road
Carrying all I hold
My trip seems so long to me
Travellers headed to the prairie west
Taking the way they know best
Their journey waits for their return
With all the stories they have learned
[Chorus]
The sun breaks through the billowing sky
As the scenery continues to rush by
Trying to capture every moment I can
Following all that I can understand
[Chorus 2x]
I remember it like it was yesterday
I remember how I threw it all away
You still have a way to drift into my mind
You have never left, I'd like to leave this behind
I'm finally feeling a sense of control
And sometimes I can just break the hold that you've got over me
I know I can break free
Chorus:
Please just let me be
I know you can
You still haunt my sleep
It's hard to understand
[Chorus]
I can feel the time when my mind is clear
You have no way to get close to here
I'm finally feeling a sense of control
And sometimes I can just break the hold that you've got over me
I know I can break free
[Chorus]
Farewell
It was fun but now it's through
I know that I will miss all of you
I've been through this before
Always leaving with always wanting more
I will try to always keep open the line
And it's true, if you do I won't decline
I've been through this before
It's always new leaving once more
It's been long since I've come here
Now it's time to move onto something new
Farewell
It was fun but now it's true
I don't know if I will be seeing you
I've been through this before
Always leaving with always wanting more
Farewell
I can't believe it's almost through
Farewell
I will never forget about you
Farewell
I'll give you all the best I've got
Farewell
Please don't forget about me
I'll try and keep those memories
And if you want to call
I'll be here anytime at all
Farewell
It was fun but now it's through
I know that I will miss all of you
I've been through this before
Always leaving with always wanting more
I will try to always keep open the line
And it's true, if you do I won't decline
I've been through this before
It's always new leaving once more
It's been long since I've come here
Now it's time to move onto something new
Farewell
It was fun but now it's true
I don't know if I will be seeing you
I've been through this before
Always leaving with always wanting more
Farewell
I can't believe it's almost through
Farewell
I will never forget about you
Farewell
I'll give you all the best I've got
Farewell
Please don't forget about me
I'll try and keep those memories
And if you want to call
I'll be here anytime at all
Farewell
All songs written by Kevin Ballantyne except where noted
Since Drunk On A Bike is my first album, the songs cover the first 5 years of my writing. During this period, I was listening to a variety of genres which reflects in the types of styles I wrote, such as folk, rock, punk and even one heavy metal song (‘Don’t Look My Way’).
As for the words, I usually wrote about personal experiences. The title for 'Praying At The Altar of Rock' was coined by a friend of mine at a Tragically Hip concert. The lyrics in the song reflect the experience of that concert. After losing my first full-time job, I wrote 'Another Page Has Turned', 'Epic Fail' and 'Farewell' as goodbyes... well except 'Epic Fail'.
Some songs were ideas that turned into stories. For the title track and 'I See Through Your Honesty', I either thought up the title, or heard it somewhere, and then created a story to go with it.
I also enjoy writing songs about historical events or places. In the case 'The Ghosts of The Money Pit', I wrote about the Oak Island Money Pit in Nova Scotia and one of its legends after I visited the island in 2009.
I was encouraged by my friends to give the album the title Drunk On A Bike in the hopes of selling more albums. Only time will tell.
All instruments played or arranged by Kevin Ballantyne
Mixed and produced by Kevin Ballantyne
Recorded at Soñar Studios in Ottawa, Canada
Photography by Neil & Kevin Ballantyne
© 2011