I was curious to see how many songs I’d written since I arrived to Bulgaria in April 2006. These are the ones I’ve actually written and recorded, here. If you like the words, you can download it for free at:
3 Of Clubs
Three of Clubs is a special place A E A
There people dress with fine taste A E A
It stands in L.A. Town. D A
It has a sign of a clown. D A
Three Of Clubs is a special place. A E A
Hip bands pack the place out. A E A
Inside you can order big stout. A E A
The lighting is a bit dark. D A
But the club has left its mark. D A
Three of Clubs is a special place. A E A
SOLO
Jimi Hey is the regular dj. A E A
The hipsters listen and stay. A E A
He may spin the Byrds D A
Or he may spin something else. D A
Three of Clubs is a special place. A E A
The hipsters smoke in the room, A E A
Mill about, wander and wish to bloom. A E A
They talk about peace. D A
The chaos never does cease. D A
Three of Clubs is a special place. A E A
Step back in time at the 3 of Clubs. A E A
It’s not just a normal pub. A E A
It’s a meeting place for the hip. D A
To stand with stout and sip. D A
Three of Clubs is a special place. A E A
8A Class
8A is the best class of the day. Dm C G Dm
The kids run around with something to say. Dm C G Dm
Alexander always says, “Teacher, Teacher!” Dm C G Dm
I say, “You’re a strange creature.” Dm C G Dm
There’s a girl named Marina. C FMaj
She’s at the front always with Kristina. C FMaj
I say, “Go sit down, now.” C FMaj
They laugh and ask, “How?” C FMaj
I say, “Sit down and shut up!” Dm C G Dm
Most people don’t listen up. Dm C G Dm
It’s a zoo but some people Dm C G Dm
Do have a clue. Dm C G Dm
There’s Iva and Vladislava who do work. C FMaj
And there’s Iliana too and Svetlin. C FMaj
It’s a zoo and hard for all. C FMaj
Every class one asks, “Can I go to the toilet?” Dm C G Dm
I say, “Go ahead, make like a jet!” Dm C G Dm
They ask again, “Can I go to the toilet?” Dm C G Dm
I say, “Whatever, I don’t care.” Dm C G Dm
There’s a girl named Diana. C FMaj
We have the same GSM. C FMaj
And Mirella who won the school beauty contest. C FMaj
And was the best. C FMaj
Oh well, it’s sometimes hell. Dm C G Dm
But that’s so very swell. Dm C G Dm
It is something to tell.
Babas Sitting On Their Bench
The Babas are sitting on their bench. C FMaj
They’re talking about their life. G C
I pass by and say hi C FMaj
To the Babas on their bench. G
The Babas are drinking their boza.
They always offer me some.
I always say ‘uh, yes.”
To the Babas on their bench.
The Babas are laughing up a storm.
About the days of old.
I watch and listen
To the Babas on their bench.
Bridge
Babas are the cooks of the town. Am Em
They work the fields all day. Am Em
Listen to them and you’ll never go wrong. Am G
The Babas are canning for winter
So we can eat.
So say thanks
To the Babas sitting on their bench.
The Babas are lighting candles.
For all the town’s people
Hoping for a good future
And a good life for all
Be Real True
In a far off land
I saw some band
They played Rock & Roll
They had soul
I spoke with them
I said, “my name is Jim.”
They said, “you should play here.”
I said, “well, I have some fear.”
It’s been so long
Since I sang a song
God help me along
To be real strong
What else can I do?
But be real true
and follow you
For a better clue
Breaking the Language Barrier
I walk around the town D A
To see what’s around. E A
The people sit in cafes D A
And all I say is “hey” E A
Then I ride the bus D A
To the center for some lunch. E A
I order some Tzsatza D A
And some Zagorka beer. E A
Chorus
Breaking the language barrier is hard. Bm D A E
Almost as hard as the sound barrier. Bm D A E
I listen to the people talk. D A
Wish I could respond. E A
Later I will know more. D A
Enough to open the door. E A
Now I’ll take it in. D A
That’s the way to begin. E A
It will be easier D A
After awhile. E A
Chorus
Breaking the language barrier is hard. Bm D A E
Almost as hard as the sound barrier. Bm D A E
I’ll move around the town. D A
So that I’ll be found. E A
It’s just a start. D A
It’ll be my part. E A
Don’t Know Jack
This was a strange day.
A lady came to stay.
She said, “I’ve come to live with you.”
I said, “Who are you?”
She said, “I’m Bertha from Canton.”
I said, “Well, I don’t know you.”
She said, “My son told me to come. Don’t you know Jack?”
“No m’am I don’t know Jack.”
“You don’t know Jack?”
“No I don’t know Jack. I don’t know Jack!”
“So I’ll bring in my things.”
“Gosh lady I don’t know you.”
“Jack said it’d be okay.”
“Man, lady I don’t know Jack. I don’t know Jack.”
Chaos song, chaos song.
Gangster
Az sam gangster.
Az jiveha za istinata.
Imam bakembardi.
Imam nujda ot pricheska.
Oti sto!! Oti sto!
Idvam tuk, otivam tam.
Opitvam mnogo novi nesta.
Ne sam murzel.
Az sam genialen chovek.
Taka li e?
Kakuv e otgovora?
Slushaite me.
Ne sam tupak.
Ne mrazete.
Samo obichaite.
Sprete glupostite.
Jivete sega.
Ne gledaite nazad.
Vurvete napred.
Koi e nai-dobur?
Az sam nai-dobriqt.
Az sam nai-gotiniqt.
Az sam nai-silniqt.
Az sam nai-opasniqt.
Taka li e?
Taka li e?
Az sam gangster.
Az jiveha za istinata.
Az jiveha za istinata.
Imam bakembardi.
In English
I am gangster.
I live for the truth.
I have sideburns.
I need a haircut.
So what!
I come here, I go there.
I try many new things.
I’m not lazy.
I’m a genius person.
Isn’t that so?
What’s the answer?
Listen to me.
I’m not stupid.
Don’t hate.
Only love,
Stop the nonsense.
Live now.
Don’t look back.
Move forward.
Who’s the best?
I am the best.
I am the coolest.
I am the strongest.
I am the most dangerous.
Isn’t that so?
Isn’t that so?
I am a gangster.
I live for the truth.
I live for the truth.
I have sideburns.
Hitting The Lotto
Slam on your brakes. C
If that’s what it takes. FMaj
It’s easy if you try. C
Ya won’t have ta die or cry. G
As the person comes, C
Ya gotta scream out, FMaj
“I want big sums!” C
Then call up the cops. G
Chorus
Hitting the Lotto Am
That’s my motto. Em
It’s not too hard. Am
When ya have the right card. G
Sit and wait at home. C
You can’t go on a roam. FMaj
The check will be big. C
You’ll eat like a pig. G
What’s the next scam? C
Something with your fam? FMaj
Oh yeah, they’ve got dough. C
That’s where I’ll go. G
Chorus
Hitting the Lotto. Am
That’s my motto. Em
It’s not too hard. Am
When I have the right card. G
Call up your grandma. C
Get on the list. FMaj
For the big Lotto. C
They’ve got it all. G
Drive over there. C
Say you really care. FMaj
Wait for the money. C
Get it and hop like a bunny. G
Chorus
Hitting the Lotto. Am
That’s my motto. Em
It’s not too hard. Am
When I have the right card. G
Do nothing. C
Look for the Lotto. FMaj
It’s the best. C
Not really, it’s a sham, scam. G
Holla Hoop Girl
There’s this girl I know.
She loves to make the holla hoop go.
She’s bubbly and energetic with the hoop.
Just like little Bettie Boop.
She’s at her best with the ring.
Just as I am when I sing.
We hope always to be our best.
When we face all the rest.
Chorus:
Holla Hoop girl where are you?
Dance for me a few.
Holla Hoop girl where are you?
You are so true.
You hop around to the beat.
With one leg, that’s so neat.
How’d you learn this trick?
I’m glad, this, you did pick.
Keep hopping all the time.
I’ll keep up with the rhyme.
You’re a good good girl.
Rare as a fine pearl.
Chorus:
Holla Hoop girl where are you?
Dance for me a few.
Holla Hoop girl where are you?
You are so true.
I Wanna Go To The Moon
I wanna go to the moon
Away from everyone.
No more stress
or awkwardness.
I wanna go to the moon.
Please take me to the moon. 2x
All these heated fights
All rage in the nights.
Never ceases
Or releases.
I wanna go to the moon.
Please take me to the moon. 2x
All those selfish ways
Keep the path a haze.
Need some sight
Here tonight
I wanna go to the moon.
Kakvo Pravish?
Kakvo pravish?
Nishto.
Toi pravi nishto.
Zasto?
Neh znam. Az chakam.
Kakvo chakish?
Chakam za zakooska.
Toi chaki za zakooska.
Kakvo pravish?
Minogo.
Toi pravi minogo.
Zasto?
Az chakam, legam, cheta, gledam, i govoria.
Kakvo chakish?
Za obayad.
Kakvo ste yadesh?
Dooner ili palachinki.
Kakvo pee-esh?
Pia sok
Toi pieh sok.
Ka’vo?
A ti? A ti?
Nishto!! Nishto!!
Kakvo pravish?
Az igriyah.
Toi igriyi.
Kakvo igriyesh?
Igriyah “Springball.”
Springball e gloopav.
Neh, ti si gloopav.
A ti? A ti?
Ka’vo? Ka’vo?
Nishto!! Nishto!!
Chao!
Here’s the translation:
What are you doing?
Nothing.
He does nothing.
Why?
I don’t know. I wait.
What are you waiting?
I wait for breakfast.
He waits for breakfast.
What are you doing?
A lot.
He does a lot.
Why?
I wait, lie, read, watch and speak.
What are you waiting?
For lunch.
What will you eat?
Wrap or crepe.
What are you drinking?
I drink juice.
He drinks juice.
What?
And You? And You?
Nothing. Nothing.
What are you doing?
I play.
He plays.
What are you playing?
I play “Springball.”
Springball is stupid.
No, you are stupid.
And you? And you?
What? What?
Nothing!! Nothing!!
Bye!
Listen to Your Voice
Revolution is the way.
You sit and do nothing every day.
Rise up from your apathy.
Trust in what you see.
Do what you must.
Throw off the dust.
Take care for the day.
Surely you see the way.
Chorus
Listen to your voice.
This is your choice.
Listen to your voice.
This is your choice.< P>
You can handle the unknown.
You’re not that alone.
Fight the good fight.
Resist the feelings of fright.
Believe in that which is good.
You will be understood.
Keep your eyes to the sky.
Always give it a try.
Chorus
Listen to your voice.
This is your choice.
Listen to your voice.
This is your choice.
Today is the day.
Get up, don’t stay.
Do you want change?
This isn’t so strange.
My Nowhere Man
What will I write?
Maybe something light.
But it’s gotta have some bite.
And be very tight.
It’s my “Nowhere Man.”
I’m listening to a fan.
And I’m making some plan
To eat some good flan.
Tell me about yourself!
Are you an elf?
Flying in a stealth?
With good health?
It’s a good day.
That I’ll say.
But it’s not May.
It’s a little gray.
What will I write?
Maybe something light.
But it’s gotta have some bite.
And be very tight.
It’s my “Nowhere Man.”
I’m listening to a fan.
I’m making some plan
To eat some good flan.
To listen to the music, sway
To the beat and sculpt clay.
Thinking up lyrics as I go along
Is the best policy
Because I don’t have to think at all
Just rhyming, but I’m not a very good rhymer
Oh, well
Oooh
What will I say?
I think I’ll have my day.
In the way.
Dig that!
Pernik
Az znam malko Bulgarski.
Az iskam da oocha Bulgarski.
Sega az jivaya v Pernik.
Moje bi posle ste znam minogo Bulgarski.
Moje bi posle ste znam minogo Bulgarski.
I know little Bulgarian.
I want to learn Bulgarian.
Now I live in Pernik.
Maybe later, I’ll know a lot of Bulgarian.
Maybe later, I’ll learn a lot of Bulgarian.
Az znam malko Bulgarski.
Rico
Rico’s loudly barking
At the door guarding
Only he knows against what.
Could be another mutt.
Or maybe a rat.
There’s something behind the door.
Only he knows what is there
He’s a cool dog you should trust.
He’s a cool dog.
Sleeps like a log.
In the morning, he’s out to jog.
He’s white like a sheep.
Jumps at every beep.
Even from a deep sleep.
He’s a bit hyper.
Would be a good sniper.
He’s as sly as a viper.
Only he knows what is there
He’s a cool dog you should trust.
Now he’s asleep again.
Dreaming with a grin.
What will he do the next day?
Who knows he’ll do something.
Stachkata
Iskame parite.
Chakame parite.
Vsichko ne e nared.
Nie sme uchiteli.
Nie sme uchiteli.
Dai ni poveche kinti.
Dai ni poveche kinti.
Slushaite ni.
Slushaite ni.
Shte pravim stachkata.
Shte pravim stachkata.
Iskame parite.
Chakame parite.
Vsichko ne e nared.
Nie sme uchiteli.
Nie sme uchiteli.
Die ni poveche kinti.
Die ni poveche kinti.
Slooshite ni.
Slooshite ni.
Shte pravim stochkata.
Shte pravim stochkata.
We want the money.
We wait the money.
Everything is not okay.
We are teachers.
We are teachers.
Give us more dough.
Give us more dough.
Listen to us.
Listen to us.
We will make the strike.
We will make the strike.
We want the money.
We wait the money.
Everything is not okay.
We are teachers.
We are teachers.
Give us more dough.
Give us more dough.
Listen to us.
Listen to us.
We will make the strike.
We will make the strike.
Survival Mode
We’ve got to preserve our health.
It is all for ourself.
People are running scared.
Just like they haven’t cared.
Some turn to the booze.
This isn’t what I choose.
Which is the way?
Certainly there’s a new day.
Chorus
We’re all in survival mode.
We carry big load.
We’re all in survival mode.
We carry big load.
Arguments and tempers flare.
This I don’t wish to bear.
There’s no point to this.
Better avoid and miss.
We live within our cave.
Wishing only to save.
Our egos cause problems.
With pride we wear our emblems.
Chorus
We’re all in survival mode.
We carry big load.
We’re all in survival mode.
We carry big load.
We make shady deals.
so we can eat our meals.
We keep up the front.
In our power hunt.
Have faith in one another.
We’re brother and sister.
Fight through the pain.
We’re all the same.
The Raga Train
Intro D A C G 2X
The Raga train paves the way. D A C G
For all those lost every day. D A C G
We do not give in to fads. D A C G
We make the myths for all the lads. D
Break D A C G 2X
The Raga train takes the curve D A C G
But always careful not to swerve. D A C G
We go slow and then fast. D A C G
Always trying to stay on track. D
Break D A C G 2X
The Ragas will stand tall. D A C G
That will be our call. D A C G
We’re on mission of truth. D A C G
We’ve ridden the dark caboose. D
Break D A C G 2X
Get on the Raga Train if you please. D A C G
There’ll be no one to collect fees. D A C G
Ragas make music of light. D A C G
It’ll bring you more sight. D
Break D A C G 4X
The Raga train paves the way. D A C G
For all those lost every day. D A C G
We do not give in to fads. D A C G
We make the myths for all the lads. D
This Is Random Song
I’m a cool dude.
I’ve never been sued.
I like different food.
I’m not rude.
I like to sit in parks
and hang with the larks.
Listen to dog barks.
Eat with the sharks.
I’m a musical man
Without a big tan.
Eat kachamak
From a pan.
Chorus
This is random song.
I think up the words.
Now
I like olive paste.
It has a good taste.
I don’t waste
Or use in haste.
I live in Europe.
I eat peanut butter cup.
I wish to say, “What’s up?”
Now I can say “Kavo sta?”
So the song’s over.
Look for the four-leaf clover.
And the dog named Rover.
Chorus
It’s a random song.
Think up the words now.
It’s a random song.
Think up now.
Walls of Jericho
Everyone in our school is insane.
And it is such a pain.
For me to take it.
I just want to spit.
The school is a zoo.
So everyone give a big boo.
Then run away and drink a few.
And just be you.
Rest and have fun with the best.
Tomorrow I’m not prepared for the test.
But I’m a smart guy and I’m blessed
To be taught by the best.
Chorus.
I study at Simeon Radev
He was a cool dude, cool dude.
I study at Simeon Radev
He was a cool dude, cool dude.
And I think it’s good to study in such a mood.
Everyone in our school is insane.
And it is such a pain.
For me to take it.
I just want to spit.
So to conclude I’ll say.
Forget the school, be okay, don’t stay, get your pay.
Help by Michael Ivanov
What’s Your Role In Life?
A wild goose chase.
We’re out on the loose.
If I could, I’d confess.
Good and loud, nice and slow.
Why oh why must I lie?
We all act.
That’s a fact.
(Get it right.)
Chorus
What’s your role in life?
To be this misguided money grubber?
What I say, I don’t feel.
What I feel, I don’t show.
What I show isn’t real.
Chorus
What’s your role in life?
To be this misguided money grubber?
I don’t know where to start.
There are scars I could show.
If I opened my heart.
Chorus
What’s your role in life?
To be this misguided money grubber?
Money grubber 15x or so
Are you a money grubber?
