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The Rushes

by Rory Ellis

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1.
The Rushes 04:10
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LATELY I’VE BEEN A LITTLE BIT CONFUSED, FOUND MYSELF UPON YOUR MANTLEPIECE. LIKE THAT HALF BURNT CANDLE, THAT WENT OUT YEARS BEFORE, THAT PERFECT SHELL THAT HIT THE CONCRETE FLOOR. SO PICK ME UP PUT ME BACK WHERE I BELONG, DUST ME OFF AND WIPE THE DIRT FROM OFF MY FACE. CAUSE’ I’M A HARDENED SOUL WITH A WEAKENED HEART, I’M A BOAT ON A RIVER WHOSE MOTOR JUST WON’T START. BUT IF YOU TREAT ME WELL WE CAN MAKE IT TO THE EDGE, WHERE WE’LL HOLD ON TO THE RUSHES. IT’S GETTING LATE AGAIN AND I CAN FEEL THE COLD, YEAH THE NIGHTS THEY COME AROUND SO FAST. ANGRY HEARTS NEEDING PEACEFUL TIME, LIKE THE DRUNK OUT ON THAT STREET, LOOKING FOR HIS BOTTLE OF WINE. SO PICK ME UP PUT ME BACK WHERE I BELONG, DUST ME OFF AND WIPE THE DIRT FROM OFF MY FACE. CAUSE’ I’M A HARDENED SOUL WITH A WEAKENED HEART, I’M A BOAT ON A RIVER WHOSE MOTOR JUST WON’T START. BUT IF YOU TREAT ME WELL WE CAN MAKE IT TO THE EDGE, WHERE WE’LL HOLD ON TO THE RUSHES. AND IF THE WATER RUNS TOO FAST, THE CURRENT GETS TOO STRONG WE WILL HOLD ON. SO PICK ME UP PUT ME BACK WHERE I BELONG, DUST ME OFF AND WIPE THE DIRT FROM OFF MY FACE. CAUSE’ I’M A HARDENED SOUL WITH A WEAKENED HEART, I’M A BOAT ON A RIVER WHOSE MOTOR JUST WON’T START. BUT IF YOU TREAT ME WELL WE CAN MAKE IT TO THE EDGE, WHERE WE’LL HOLD ON TO THE RUSHES. YEAH WE’LL HOLD ON TO THE RUSHES, YEAH WE’LL HOLD ON.
2.
Bojangles 05:09
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YOU TAKE THE HIGH ROAD. AND I’LL TAKE THE OTHER ROAD, AND I’LL BE IN ST KILDA BEFORE YOU. AND I’LL MEET YOU DOWN, WHERE THE PALM TREES SWAY, DOWN BY THE BATHS. WHERE BOJANGLES USED TO PLAY. DOWN BY THE ROAD. WHERE YOU SPOKE TO GOD TODAY. THERE AIN’T NO CRIME, LOOKING THROUGH THE GLASS. AND THERE AIN’T NO TIME, LIKE THE PRESENT TO WALK PAST. FEATHERS AND GOWNS, MEN IN GOLD CHAINS., DOWN BY THE BATHS, WHERE BOJANGLES USED TO PLAY. DOWN BY THE ROAD, WHERE YOU SPOKE TO GOD TODAY. JESUS GET ME OUT OF HERE, JESUS SET ME FREE, RIP ME FROM THIS PAVEMENT, WHERE THE DANCERS USED TO BE. NOW I WALK ALONG, OLD FITZROY ST. HAND IN MY POCKET, NO SHOES ON MY FEET. HEY OLD GIRL, DO YOU REMEMBER THE DAYS, DOWN BY THE BATHS, WHERE BOJANGLES USED TO PLAY. DOWN BY THE ROAD, WHERE YOU SPOKE TO GOD TODAY. YEAH YOU SPOKE TO GOD TODAY. DOWN BY THE BATHS, WHERE BOJANGLES USED TO PLAY.
3.
Road Of No Return 05:15
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DRIVING DOWN THIS LONG ROAD FEELING HEAVY, WHITE LINES SLAPPING ON MY FACE. SHADOWS FROM THE TREES THEY LOOK LIKE SPIRITS, IS THIS THE ROAD OF NO RETURN. WHO’S THAT IN THE BACKSEAT LOOKING AT ME, PLEASE DON’T YOU DARE SAY A WORD. TRUCK DRIVER DIM YOUR LIGHTS I'M BLINDED, IS THIS THE ROAD OF NO RETURN. IS THIS THE ROAD OF NO RETURN. SOMEWHERE NORTH OF SYDNEY THERE’S THREE WHITE CROSSES, AND I’VE SEEN YOU ALL THROUGH DRIVING EYES. PLEASE DON’T YOU WAVE AT ME YEAH YOU’LL MAKE ME NERVOUS. IS THIS THE ROAD OF NO RETURN IS THIS THE ROAD OF NO RETURN BLACK FELLA’ POINTS HIS FINGER AT ME, BLACK CROWS CIRCLIN’ ME AGAIN, AM I FINDING FAITH OR LOSING EVERYTHING, IS THIS THE ROAD OF NO RETURN. IS THIS THE ROAD OF NO RETURN. UP ON A HILL MAMA‘S CALLIN’, OUT ON A ROCK HER BLACK SON LEARNS. SO MANY PEOPLE THEY NEVER MADE IT,. THAT'S WHEN THE WIND STARTS TO TURN, THAT'S WHEN THE SEA STARTS TO CHURN, THAT'S WHEN A TREE STARTS TO BURN. IS THIS THE ROAD OF NO RETURN. IS THIS THE ROAD OF NO RETURN. YEAH I CAN STILL SEE YOUR FACE IN THE MIRROR. YEAH I STILL SEE YOUR FACE IN THE MIRROR.
4.
The Underworld 04:10
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SEEN IT IN A SHADED PAST, LOOKING THROUGH MY HOUR GLASS. A SILVER BULLET GONNA END IT ALL, LET THE CHILDREN SEE THEIR DADDY’S FALL. IN A PARK A SHOT CRIES OUT SO LOUD, PIERCING THROUGH A SCREAMING CROWD. ANOTHER DOWN YEAH MORE TO COME, NOW YOU’RE SLEEPING WITH A LOADED GUN. THE UNDERWORLD IS DOING OVERTIME. THE UNDERWORLD IS DOING OVERTIME. IN A GRAVEYARD THEY WILL ALL APPEAR, FRIENDS TODAY FROM FAR AND NEAR. ITS LIKE A MINEFIELD FOR THE BOYS TO WALK, A FIELD OF DREAMS FOR THE LAW TO STALK. THEY MAKE US CRINGE BUT HEY, THEY MAKE THE NEWS. AND THEY BREAK THE LAW, SO DO YOU. AND IT’S HARD TO PROVE IT WHEN YOU’RE SIX FEET DOWN, BUT I GUESS WHATS COMIN’ GOES AROUND. THE UNDERWORLD IS DOING OVERTIME. THE UNDERWORLD IS DOING OVERTIME. NOT A HAND SHALL RISE TO TAKE THE BLAME, CAUSE’ THE GROUNDS TOO HOT LIKE A HADES FLAME. IT’S A CIRCLE OF LIFE AND IT ENDS WAY TOO SOON, THEY SAY YOU DIE REAL PRETTY WHEN YOU LICK THE SPOON. THE UNDERWORLD IS DOING OVERTIME. THE UNDERWORLD IS DOING OVERTIME. THE UNDERWORLD IS DOING OVERTIME. THE UNDERWORLD IS DOING OVERTIME.
5.
Domestic Overload 02:39
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I GET A LITTLE STIRRED UP, WHEN I’M AT HOME. CABIN FEVER, I BEEN THERE TOO LONG. PACK MY BAGS, YEAH I'M GONNA HIT THE ROAD. THINK I NEED A LONG DRIVE, YEAH I GOT DOMESTIC OVERLOAD. I GET A LITTLE ITCHY, ON MY TWO FEET. THINK I GOTTA RUN NOW, I’VE GOT A FRIEND TO MEET. I’M CONCERNED ABOUT MY MIND HERE, THINK I’M GETTIN TOWED. THINK I NEED A LONG DRIVE, YEAH I GOT DOMESTIC OVERLOAD. BYE NOW DARLIN’, WON’T BE TOO LATE. I PROMISE I’LL BE QUIET, IN THE OLD V8. YEAH YOU’LL KNOW WHEN I’M HOME, CAUSE’ I’LL SMASH THE GATE. BUT I’LL FIX IT IN THE MORNING, YEAH I GOT DOMESTIC OVERLOAD. DON’T CARE ABOUT THE CURTAINS, OR THE COLOUR OF THE TOWELS. I WASN’T MEANT TO MAKE THESE DECISIONS, CAUSE’ I DONT KNOW HOW. PINKS NOT MY COLOUR, YEAH I TEND TO WEAR BROWN. THINK I NEED A LONG DRIVE, YEAH I GOT DOMESTIC OVERLOAD.
6.
Up Stumps 04:43
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I GUESS IT’S TIME TO GO, LEAVE EVERYTHING I KNOW. THIS STREETS BEEN A HOME TO ME, I GUESS IT WILL ALWAYS BE. AND I WATCH THE CARS ROLL BY, I CANT HELP BUT WONDER WHY.YOU’D, LEAVE EVERYTHING YOU KNOW, PULL UP YOUR STUMPS AND GO. BUT IT’S TIME TO TURN THE PAGE, START UP A WHOLE NEW AGE, JUST LET ME TAKE A LONG FINAL LOOK . LEARNT EVERYTHING RIGHT HERE, ON THIS MY SUBURBAN PIER. NO WATER IN WHICH TO SWIM, ONLY CONCRETE TO SCRATCH MY SKIN. AND I WATCH THE RAIN FALL DOWN, TURN MY BACK AND I LOSE MY CROWN. LEAVE EVERYTHING YOU KNOW, PULL UP YOUR STUMPS AND GO. BUT IT’S TIME TO TURN THE PAGE, START UP A WHOLE NEW AGE, JUST LET ME TAKE A LONG FINAL LOOK. THIS OLD WHITE HOUSE, HAS BEEN A GOOD ONE. LEFT A FEW PEOPLE BEHIND, BUT WE MOVE ON. LEAVE EVERYTHING YOU KNOW, PULL UP YOUR STUMPS AND GO. BUT IT’S TIME TO TURN THE PAGE, START UP A WHOLE NEW AGE, LEAVE EVERYTHING YOU KNOW.
7.
I'm Not Gone 03:37
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DARLIN' I’VE BEEN HOME, DARLIN’ I HAVE ROAMED. YOU DON’T SEEM TO MIND, AS LONG AS I’M NOT GONE. ALWAYS KNOW YOU’RE THERE, WHEREVER I LAY MY HEAD. YOU DON’T SEEM TO MIND, AS LONG AS I’M NOT GONE. THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF THE ROAD, LEAVE A HEAVY TOLL. YOU DON’T SEEM TO MIND, AS LONG AS I’M NOT GONE. YOU DON'T SEEM TO MIND, AS LONG AS I’M NOT GONE. YOU DON'T SEEM TO MIND, AS LONG AS I’M NOT GONE. AS LONG AS I'M NOT GONE.
8.
Black Tie Ball 03:49
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WE HAVE WORN THE SAME OLD SHOES, WE HAVE SUNG THE SAME DEEP BLUES. HAD THE SHIRTS RIPPED FROM OUR BACKS, WALKED THE DARK SIDE OF THE LONGEST TRACKS. WALK ON THROUGH MY DOUBLE DOORS, DANCE AROUND MY SHINY FLOOR, BAREFOOT OVER BROKEN GLASS. WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, WELCOME TO THE BLACK TIE BALL. NOISE LIKE ENDLESS THUNDER ROARS, AS THE SMOKESTACK BELLOWS FROM THE DOORS. A GIRL WHO USED TO BE SO SWEET, FOUND THE MUD BELOW HER FEET. RED SPOTS ON HER VIRGIN SLEEVE, MAKE YOU QUIVER MAKE YOU LEAVE, EMPTY BOTTLES EMPTY HEARTS. WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL. WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, WELCOME TO THE BLACK TIE BALL. A FRIENDLY SMILE AT THE OLD FRONT DOOR, LIKE THE DRUNK WHO WON THE LIQUOR STORE. IN A CARPARK YOUNG BOYS SPIN THEIR WHEELS, TRYING TO FIND OUT JUST HOW GOOD IT FEELS. THE ARMY STANDS THERE BRAVE AND STRONG, WAITING ON ITS FINAL SONG, AS THE DEBUTANTS THEY STUMBLE BY. WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, WELCOME TO THE BLACK TIE BALL.
9.
Old Friend 05:23
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I’LL CATCH THE TRAIN TO THE CITY, RED BLUE OR SILVER I’LL RIDE. UNDER THE CLOCKS I REMEMBER, THAT TAXI WE FLAGGED THAT DECEMBER. OLD FRIEND I WONDER WHICH ROAD YOU’RE ON. MAYBE WE’LL CRASH AT A STOP SIGN. WE’LL GET OUT OF THE CAR AND BOTH KISS THE TAR THAT WE’RE STANDING ON. IN AN OLD COUNTRY TOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, OLD FRIEND. WEEKENDS SPENT SHINING THE CAR, SMOKING TWO HUNDRED CIGARETTES. AND ALL THE WHISKEY WE SWALLOWED, LOVE THOSE TWO HUNDRED BUCKS A NIGHT BENDERS. OLD FRIEND I WONDER WHICH ROAD YOU’RE ON. MAYBE WE’LL CRASH AT A STOP SIGN. WE’LL GET OUT OF THE CAR AND BOTH KISS THE TAR THAT WE’RE STANDING ON. IN AN OLD COUNTRY TOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, OLD FRIEND. SAW THE LIGHTS THROUGH OUR RED EYES, TALKED THE CHEAP END OF WHITE LIES. YEAH WE SUNG IN THE CARPARK, WALTZING MATILDA WITH ME. OLD FRIEND I WONDER WHICH ROAD YOU’RE ON. MAYBE WE’LL CRASH AT A STOP SIGN. WE’LL GET OUT OF THE CAR AND BOTH KISS THE TAR THAT WE’RE STANDING ON. IN AN OLD COUNTRY TOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE OLD FRIEND, OLD FRIEND.
10.
My Old Mans Coat 03:21
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MY OLD MANS COAT WAS A BIG ONE, THE POCKETS SO DEEP. AND I REMEMBER EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT, I’D RUN UP TO HIM AND SAY. WHAT YOU GOT IN THOSE POCKETS, IS THERE A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR ME. BUT ALL I FOUND WAS A TAB TICKET, SCREWED UP AMONGST HIS CHANGE. MY OLD MANS COAT WAS EMPTY. MY OLD MANS COAT WAS DAMP. MY OLD MANS COAT SMELT LIKE A BAR ROOM, AS IT SLID FROM THE BACK OF HIS CHAIR. MUM SHE WAITED AT THE STATION, TILL HE STAGGERED FROM THE TRAIN. THREW THE DOG IN THE FRONT SEAT, DID NOT HAVE THE NERVE TO KILL THE PAIN. AND I SAT IN THE BACKSEAT OF THE DATSUN 1200, JUST TO DRIVE THE OLD MAN HOME. SOUND ASLEEP BY THE DRIVEWAY, MUM WOULD SHOVEL HIM THROUGH THE DOOR. MY OLD MANS COAT WAS EMPTY. MY OLD MANS COAT WAS DAMP. MY OLD MANS COAT SMELT LIKE A BAR ROOM, AS IT SLID FROM THE BACK OF HIS CHAIR. PAY CHEQUES SEEMED TO GET SMALLER, LAY DOWN A MONKEY ON THAT SURE THING IN THE FIRST. KEEP THE HOUSE ON FIFTY DOLLARS, AND BUY THE KID SOME CLOTHES. AND I REMEMBER THOSE FRIDAY NIGHTS, FAMILY HOLIDAYS ON A ONE ARM. LOST YOUR SHIRT TO KEEP UP WITH THE PACK, YOU NEVER DID WIN IT BACK. MY OLD MANS COAT WAS EMPTY. MY OLD MANS COAT WAS DAMP. MY OLD MANS COAT SMELT LIKE A BAR ROOM AS IT SLID FROM THE BACK OF HIS CHAIR.
11.
Remember 04:50
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FROM THE DUST, TO THE CITY, FROM A POOR FAMILY MY BROTHER SISTER AND ME. FATHER DIED WHEN I WAS TWO, BUT WE MADE IT THROUGH THE HARD TIMES WITH A SMILE. I GREW UP, I WORKED IN A FACTORY, IN THE SWEAT SHOPS OF THE TWENTIES WE WERE NEVER MAKING PLENTY. BUT HERE I LIE, YEAH I’M HITTING NINETY, YEARS NOT MILES MY FRIEND I’M GOING SLOW AROUND THIS BEND . AND REMEMBER, REMEMBER ME GOOD, I’VE BEEN A MOTHER TO YOU ALL, A FRIEND, BUT NOW ITS JUST MY TIME TO GO. REMEMBER, REMEMBER ME GOOD, ALTHOUGH MY CIGARETTES BURNT OUT NOW, YOU CAN HAVE A DRINK FOR ME. AND REMEMBER, REMEMBER ME GOOD, WHEN YOU THROW MY ASHES FROM THE BRIDGE TODAY. I MARRIED YOUNG, YEAH I HAD A SON, AND THEN ALONG CAME A DAUGHTER HUSBAND DIED TB DISORDER. I COULD NOT STAND, ON MY OWN TWO FEET, SO I GAVE HIM UP FOR BETTER, AT LEAST THE TWO OF US COULD EAT. BUT WE DID IT HARD, ON BREAD AND LARD, AND OUR WORN OUT SHOES WERE FILLED WITH FRESH CARDBOARD FOR THE WINTER. BUT HERE I LIE, YEAH I'M HITTING NINETY, YEARS NOT MILES MY FRIEND, I’M GOING SLOW AROUND THIS BEND. AND REMEMBER, REMEMBER ME GOOD, I’VE BEEN A MOTHER TO YOU ALL, A FRIEND BUT NOW IT’S JUST MY TIME TO GO. REMEMBER, REMEMBER ME GOOD, ALTHOUGH MY CIGARETTES BURNT OUT NOW, YOU CAN HAVE A DRINK FOR ME. AND REMEMBER, REMEMBER ME GOOD, WHEN YOU THROW MY ASHES FROM THE BRIDGE TODAY. AND I’VE BEEN WONDERING HAD THE MAN UPSTAIRS FORGOTTEN, CAUSE’ THESE OLD LEGS DON’T WORK AND MY HAIR IS WHITE LIKE COTTON, AND WILL THE MAGGIES WIN THE PREMIERSHIP MAYBE THIS YEAR. REMEMBER, REMEMBER ME GOOD, I’VE BEEN A MOTHER TO YOU ALL, YOUR FRIEND BUT NOW IT’S JUST MY TIME TO GO. REMEMBER, REMEMBER ME GOOD, ALTHOUGH MY CIGARETTES BURNT OUT NOW, YOU CAN HAVE A DRINK FOR ME. AND REMEMBER, REMEMBER ME GOOD, WHEN YOU THROW MY ASHES FROM THE BRIDGE TODAY.

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released October 5, 2005

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Rory Ellis Australia

An underground hero of Americana in Australia.

His path traverses the globe having performed at home and internationally for over 30 years.

Every twist and turn toward his Americana leanings, always had a great story lurking in the background. Always the primary inspiration. Gifted with a soul-wrenching voice praised by media worldwide, he’s experienced every word delivered. ... more

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