Lyrics from Easy Street with notes

Up On The Hill
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
This one is for Lars Hybel. We fooled around with an old North American folk tune called “Cripple Creek” in a little strange trio together with Frank Marstokk on drums and Hybel on different stringed instruments. We called ourselves “The Hole In The Wall Gang”, I think we still perform together, it’s has just been a long time, since the last gig. Call us if you want us. Anyway, we couldn’t remember much of the tune. This inspired me to make this song. I played it in a folksy way, but when we recorded it, it came out a little different, and maybe it’s not even a folk song anymore. I don’t know, but I like it.

I’ve got a girl on top of the Hill,-
I can go see her any time I will.
She swears like a devil – drinks like a man,-
She can dance like a true acadian.

My brother told me,- and my sister too,-
“them hillbilly girls, won’t do it for you”-
don’t care what they all say,-
take my chance up there any old day.

Up on the mountain,- goin’ in a run,-
Get up on the hill, just to have a little fun.
Up on the mountain,- goin’ in a whirl,-
Get up on the hill, just to see my little girl.

I’m gonna love my baby ’till the cows come home,-
on the green bank I will rest my bones.
Gonna built me a house on top the hill,-
if I don’t do it somebody else will.

The Hill is steep and the river is deep,-
Wade the waters any day of the week.
Cross that river, get up on the hill,-
if my baby won’t love me, her sister will.

Girls on the mountain, ’bout half grown,-
jump on a boy like a dog on a bone.
Cross the river ,climb on my knees ,-
see my baby anytime I please.

Up on the mountain,- goin’ in a run,-
Get up on the hill, just to have a little fun.
Up on the mountain , goin’ in a whirl,-
Get up on the hill,to see my little girl.
Up on the mountain,- goin’ in a run,-

Get up on the hill, just to have a little fun.
Up on the mountain , goin’ in a whirl,-
Get up on the hill,to see my little girl.

I Hear Somebody Calling My Name
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
A very personal song. For reasons I don’t want to reveal, I didn’t want to go all the way with this story, so something is left to the listeners’ own imagination. I like that idea and I like the way it turned out.

In the heat of a cold dark night,-
the moon shining so bright.
The Angels laid her away
called her home,-
Laid my baby away.

With elegance and and grace,-
a sweet smile on her face,-
She left me with a secret I can never tell.
Can never tell,-
A secret I can never tell.

I’m just a man on the run,-
guess I’d better run along,-
Goin’ where the water tastes like wine.
Everyting’s been said and done ,-
another man may write my song,-
I’m goin’ where the water tastes like wine.
cherry wine,-
Goin’ where the water tastes like wine.

Sometimes in my dreams at night,-
when the stars shine so bright,-
I hear somebody calling out my name,-
call my name,-
Hear my baby calling out my name.

I’m just a man on the run,-
guess I’d better run along,-
Goin’ where the chilly winds don’t blow.
Everyting’s been said and done ,-
another man may write my song,-
Goin’ where the water chilly winds don’t blow.
winds don’t blow,-
Goin’ where the chilly winds don’t blow.

Like a star in the sky,- a tear in her eye.
fell with the last beat of her heart.
Of her heart,- The last beat of her heart.

I’m just a man on the run,-
guess I’d better run along,-
Goin’ where the chilly winds don’t blow,-
everting’s been said and done
Another man may write my song,
I’m goin’ where the chilly winds don’t blow
winds don’t blow,-
Goin’ where those chilly winds don’t blow

Coming Down With The Misery 
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
A tale from the city. Everybody experiences strange things at one point or another in a lifetime, but a few of us are in the “Twighligt Zone” most all of the time. This one is for Niller “The Killer”. If he would tell me a few stories from his life, I could probably write a couple of songs a day. “Comin’ Down With The Misery” is me on the outside looking in: A day in the life a long time ago.

Bright lights big city,-
it’s just like any other night.
Big Jim’s in the alley,-
tryin’ to make his deal go right.
When he’s got money in his pocket,-
he talks so gentle an’ nice.
But if you meat him broke & hungry, don’t you let him,
– take you for a ride.

My friend the bouncer comes in,-
this time high as a kite.
Honey’s taking care of business,-
he just wants me to count his money right.
Lets a few bills slide, offers me a ride for free.
say I look just like a man who’s comin’ down ,-
-with the misery.

Honey came knockin’ at my door,-
just about the crack o’ day.
Cryin’ to me softly,-
“I wish you would take me away” .
she rocked me like a baby,-
I held on so tenderly.
Made up the words as she was singing,
– this song to me:

Bright lights big city,-
don’t shine your lights for me.
Bright lights big city,-
we don’t agree.
Let me drown in your shadows, I’m coming down,-
– with the misery.

Big Jim got in to something,-
they fixed him up real nice.
Honey’s left the bouncer,-
they had a terrible fight.
She’s got a job in a bar,-
Says she wants to come an’ live with me.
It seems like everybody but me is coming down,-
– with the misery.

I Bright lights big city,-
don’t shine your lights for me.
a. s. o.

Bootleg Liquor & Moonshine Love
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
I wrote a little story about the famous Copenhagen Blues Bar “Rådhuskroen” for their 10th. year anniversary, when they changed their name to “MOJO”. I never got around to perform it. It’s a whole other story now, but it’s all about having a good time, at a place where some good action takes place.

Down south of the border is a place we all go.
friday night we cross the Rio, at Presidio.
At the old landing – just a few shacks an’ a stove ,-
Lives a little old lady called one eyed Joe.

Her lover comes always dressed in pink,-
the boys in the band call her The Missing Link.
She’ll take your order and dance away,-
to a Spanish malaguena that the band will play.

(Bootleg liquor and moonshine love,-)
lovers come and go,-
(Bootleg liquor and moonshine love,-)
or just sit and watch the river flow.

Well it’s a funky little place I want y’all to know,-
you can sit on the porch and watch the river flow.
The band will be jumpin’ from twelve to four,-
then take a break and give you some more.

(Bootleg liquor and moonshine love,-)
don’t you wanna go
(Bootleg liquor and moonshine love,-)
or just sit and watch the river flow.

Some come for the chicken others for a fight,-
meet at the table,- to shoot them dice.
Couples on a ride-out get fixed up for the night,-
no matter what you wanna do you’ll be all right.

(Bootleg liquor and moonshine love,-)
baby don’t you wanna go.
(Bootleg liquor and moonshine love,-)
chicken on the stow.
You can sit and watch the river flow.
(Bootleg liquor and moonshine love,-)
lovers come and go.
(Bootleg liquor and moonshine love,-)
just sit and watch the river flow.
Watch the river flow.

Anna Lee 
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
This is a song inspired by the Zydeco, in this case a two step. Zydeco is a southern Louisiana blues form, performed mostly by black musicians. The big piano harmonica is in front now a days, washboard and violin is common in Zydecobands and they still sing in French, as well as English. As I say, Zydeco is the source of inspiration and we have not tried to play it the way they do in southern Louisiana, but we have tried for a similar mood. This is a song that you just play, and have a good time doin’ it. And you can dance, if you know how to two step. If you don’t, just dance the way you like.

Looking over my shoulder,-
tryin’ to see what I could see.
Looking over yonder,-
behind the apple tree.
Annabelle Lee ,-
tryin’ to keep up with me.
Sweet Anna Lee,how do you do? –
tell it like it is, let your heart be true.
A whole lot of lovin’,-
is what I got in my heart for you.

I’m a roadrunner baby,-
I like the way you run,-
I’m a steamroller honey –
we can have a lot of fun.
I will track you down,-
and roll you from sun to sun.

Come on little girl, with a heart so true,-
tell your mama and your papa,-
just what I’m gonna do.
I’ll work seven days a week,-
and bring all my money home to you
Annabelle Lee,how do you do? –
Tell it like it is, let your heart be true.
A whole lot of lovin’,-
lies in store for you.

My sugar pie honey bunch,-
you know she looks so fine.
let me tell it like it is,-
my money on the line
I was born to love her,-
and one fine day I’m gonna make her mine.

I’m a roadrunner baby,-
the ace in the race.
Like a steam locomotive,-
I can keep a steady pace.
I’m a steam roller babe,-
no one can take my place.

Mr. Johnson & The Devil 
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
DR (Radio Denmark) made a special on the 50th year after the death of Robert Johnson. Sam Mitchell, Troels Jensen, Peter Thorup, Lars “Smiley” and yours truly, did interpretations of Johnson’s songs. The recordings were planned for release, and I wrote a longer version of this song for the album notes. It is not yet released. A pity and a shame, since a lot of people ask us, the performers, how to get a hold of the tape. It has cult status, according to the furore it has raised among enthusiasts all over the country.
“MR. Johnson ” came out as a waltz. I couldn’t make it work like a Johnson arrangement. I tried to imagine how Johnson would sound with an electric band, like Muddy Waters or Johnny Shines probably, and I came pretty close, but suddenly it occurred to me, that Johnson, to my knowledge, never recorded a waltz, and I had a solution. I wondered how it would sound if I recorded it with the Salvation Army Band, or musicians who get to meet by coincidence.

Mr. Johnson and the devil was walkin’ side by side,-
Johnson told the devil just to stay a while.
Said,”my heart is filled with sorrow,-
troubles got me on the run.
If it don’t get any better,-
I might as well be dead and gone.

Mr.Johnson and the devil sat by the railroad track,-
Johnson told the devil,”get your dogs off of my back”.
The Devil answered softly, just before he disappeared:
“You can call me anytime, boy,- if you want to make a deal”

“I Got woman who calls me sweet daddy,-
another who calls me cheat.
The woman I’m lovin’,-
says I’m talkin’ in my sleep.
Lord have mercy, my soul is in misery.
I really love that woman,-
and I can’t stand to leave her be.

They later met down at the crossing and sat down for a game,-
the Devil said; “don’t worry, the cards are all the same.
Just play the hand that’s dealt you,-
ain’t no way that you can loose.
I will keep my promise,-and you’ll pay your dues”

Three cards hit the dirt, first one’s for life eternally,-
second’s, fame and fortune,
third’s “you belong to me” .
Come a day when no one,-
knows how to speak your name.
We’ll meet again,-
for the last final game”.

Alternative:
I know all you good folks may all wonder, and would like to see,-
the letters on the paper, that set this spirit free.
It simply read, “a day may come,-
when no one knows how to speak your name.
May your black soul rest until then,-
when we play the last and final game.”

Weepin’ Willow 
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
A theme that is as old as mankind. A lonesome train whistling in the night or the sounds on the river, still touches the imagination of all of Gods little children. “I’m Goin’ where the chilly winds don’t blow”, is a possibility, if you dare take it. A new chance for decent people as well as con men. The rhytm of this song sounds like a boat engine, from a distance in the early hours of the morning.

On the green banks of the river,-
where the water runs wide and deep.
I watch the man in the moon,-
doin’ his midnight creep.
If I close my eyes, the river,-
will sing me to sleep.

I’ve lived my life in the city,-
where only the dogs run free.
Livin’ from day to day,-
that’s how my life used to be.
We both got our reasons,-
to ramble,the river and me.

Roll on,roll on big river,-
from the high lakes to the see.
Take me for a ride,-
and set my old spirit free.
That old weepin’ willow ,-
can do all my weepin’ for me.

When ever I got worries,-
troubles on my mind.
go down to the river,-
that’s where I spend my time.
‘Cause me and the river,-
we get along just fine.

Roll on,roll on big river,-
from the high lakes to the see.
Take me for a ride,-
line and set my spirit free.
That old weepin’ willow ,-
can do all my weepin’ for me.

I’ve been the whole world over,-
that big old merry go ’round.
Livin’ from day to day –
working my way from town to town.
I’ll follow that river,-
until I lay my burden down.

If Your Best Friend Is The One
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
Some people fall in love with the wrong person, maybe because they are looking for trouble. They can’t help it. They find the wrong partner, even though the love may be as real as it gets. There really is nothing nobody can do about it, except maybe make up a song about it.

If your best friend is the one,-
who holds the key to your heart.
In this game of love,-
you hold the magic card.
It’s the way the hand is dealt you,-
all you’ve go to do is play your part.
If your best friend is the one,-
who holds the key to your heart.

It’s hard to love somebody,-
who loves nobody but herself.
It’s hard to stay with somebody,-
when you’re lovin’ someone else.
Love’s just a promise in the moonlight,-
down by the wishing well.
When you’re in love with somebody ,-
who loves nobody but herself.

When there’s no lovin’ around the house,-
rooster won’t crow for day,-
and the little red hen,-
don’t cackle when she lay.

Well you know some people,-
can’t tell right from wrong.
Hustle their way into places,-
where they know they don’t belong.
Don’t let nobody steal away your heart, girl –
you’d better move along.
some people just don’t,-
how to tell right from wrong.

When there’s no lovin’ around the house,-
your rooster won’t crow for day,-
and the little red hen,-
won’t cackle when she lay.

If Your best friend’s the one an only,-
who is closest to your heart.
Just stick to the hand that’s dealt you,-
all you’ve go to do is play your part.
In the game they call love,-
you hold the magic card.
When your best friend is the one,-
who holds the key to your heart.

Easy Street
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
This one speaks pretty much for itself. Walk the line friends and be good.

One guy works hard, for his money,-
He can get his baby everything thing she’ll need.
She’s no fool she knows the story,-
life can be hard on Easy Street.

Some other fellow says; “go all the way”,-
will do anything,- just to make ends meet.
A few good moves is all it takes,-
and he’ll be down on Easy Street.

Just don’t make your move to soon,-
too many aces in the game they play.
It’s the same old story I know it’s been told,-
on a dead end street – there’s no getaway.

Just one step and then another,-
on your down One Way Street.
The devil’s looking over your shoulder,-
and stakes are high on Easy Street.

One guy works hard keeps him happy,-
sadisfies his every need.
Some other sucker will beg steal or borrow-
just to spend some time on Easy Street.

They say he made his move to soon,-
too many aces got in the way.
With the Devil in the corner –
and his back to the wall.
He still had to make – a getaway.

Don’t make your move to soon,-
There’s too many aces in the game they play.
Same old story I know it’s been told,-
it’s a dead end street – no getaway.

From Blue To Grey
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
A puzzle of phrases that people, who are down on their luck, sometimes use to hustle a place to crash, a little money or a hungry woman’s warm embrace. You’ll be walking on the sunny side of the street some day, all you have to do is hustle a little and sit on your ass in between, for the next hundred years or so.

Your left without an address,-
on the Street of No Name.
Always down on your luck – loosing the game.
favours unpaid, obligations overdue,- nobody can do nothing for you.
And that bald headed woman who left you out in the rain,-
is beggin’ you to come back again.

You’ve just watched your best suit walkin’
down the street
Your new shined shoes,-
are not on your feet.
And your baby’s just showed you,-
all the money that you did not make.

One of these mornings ,- some bright sunny day.
You’re gonna get up,- and fly away.
It’s bound to get better,-
no matter what they say.
Your skies will turn,-
to blue from gray.
Things are surely,-
just about comin’ your way.

You know Mr. So and So is out of town,-
when she’s nothin’ but sweet talk,-
and lets her hair hang down.
You don’t wanna stay, and you don’t want to go,-
you ain’t gonna learn,-’cause you don’t wanna know.
You say you gonna leave her,-but don’t say when,-
She always takes you back again.

When you’re broke and hungry,-
downhearted and blue.
There’s nothing in the world,,-
she won’t do for you.
You need an angel of mercy,-
and she knows just what to do.

One of these mornings ,-
some bright sunny day.
You gonna get up,-
and fly away.
Things will start to,-
come your way.\line
Your skies will turn,-
to blue from gray.
And the sun’s gonna shine
in your backdoor someday.

House Of The Risin’ Sun 
New WORDS & Music – B.Jensen
Here it is folks. You could say by public demand. It’s one of the most requested songs by audiences on the blues and folk stage. I couldn’t do it any other way, except maybe as a solo performance. I am a folk singer originally, and at heart. As any true folk singer knows, you must have a reason to perform a certain song and you often use a song as a platform to tell your own story. You will recognize the story, but the way I do it, has a lot to do with the way I was brought up. Hard times, as well as good times. A helpless stepfather and a beautiful mother.

There is a house in New Orleans,-
they call the Risin’ Sun.
It’s been the home of many a poor girl.
and many a young mothers son.

My mama was a tailor,-
In the city of New Orleans.
She raised me and my sisters,-
on cornbread, pork & beans.

My father was a gambler,-
always in some kind of a game.
Whether he won or whether he lost,-
to him it was always the same.

The only thing a gambler needs,-
is a pair of good boots and a trunk.
The only time he was satisfied,-
was when he was all a -drunk.

The last time that I saw my old man,-
he was gettin’ on the train.
Goin’ back to New Orleans,-
just to wear a ball and chain.

My mother told me on her dyin’ bed,-
“don’t do like your daddy’s done.
No woman could keep him satisfied,
that’s why he’s always on the run”.

There is a house in New Orleans,-
they call the Risin’ Sun.\line
It’s been the home of many poor mothers son,-
and the Good Lord knows I’m one.

Cat’s Squirrel – INSTRUMENTAL
TRAD ARR. & additional music B.J.
This is a showpiece for slideplayers. Seems like you’ve got to have one you know, but I don’t know if I got any. Sam Mitchell or Kim Gutman can play their socks off in this tune, and I have done it many times with Kim, but never really on my own. I have done it from time to time, since way back, on a kind of 44 blues arrangement and it has worked well, – here it is.

Workin’ For The Man
MUSIC &WORDS – B.Jensen.
I have had some odd jobs in my time. One not too long ago. I was horrified to experience, that we, in this time and day, still have slave drivers. Sick people who think, that because they employ you, and pay you by the hour, and only for your time, can have your soul in return. I have always spoken my piece and walked away, same in this case, but some people can not do so, or anything else about it, and there is nowhere they can turn. In a democratic society, you have a sacred obligation to do right, but nothing happens if you don’t. You can be as mean as you want, and get away with it.

Working for the man,-
I’d be better off in a ball and chain.
Down in a coal mine,-
or out on the highway –
I would’nt mind the snow and pain.
Working for the man,-
I might as well wear a ball and chain.

Old Jack wants my doggone soul,-
for less than a union salary.
If I say I can, he say I won’t,-
If I save his ass, he takes it out on me.
He wants my doggone soul-
for less than a union salary.

He don’t know what he’s got,-
and I guess he never will.
Say he’s looking for some one better,-
and his best man is right in front of him.
He don’t know what he’s got,-
And I don’t know if he ever will.

I’m goin’ back to that same old shack,-
across the railroad track.
Gonna see my little baby –and I don’t mean maybe,-
She would do anything just to have me back.

she said: “Freedom may just be a notion,-
but it means the world to me and you.
It may not matter,- to other people,
who’d rather kneel and bow ,-
than be brave and true”.
Freedom’s nmaybe just a notion,-
but it means the world to me and you”.

Just tell old Jack that he’s off of my back,-
I’ve done my time on the killing floor.
Don’t care if he gonna cry like a baby-
or maybe beat his old lady.
I ain’t gonna work there no more.

B.J.’s Automobile Blues
WORDS & MUSIC – B.Jensen.
“The original B.J.s Automobile Blues”. It’s just a humorous little song, that I wanted to do the way I made it, a hundred years ago.

My baby said maybe,-
you aught to watch your step
and get yourself an automobile.
The way I dress and walk about
I can’t wear no rubber heels rubber.

Well, I’m no fool,-I know what I like,
and I’m crazy ‘bout that homemade pie.
She’s got everything a good man needs,-
I thought I was doin’ all right.

She said “I’ll be down at the beauty shop
Just to get my hair all stuck.
You can come by later and we might go downtown
that is, if you pick me up.

I sit here smoking behind the steering wheel,
in a pile of rusty old iron.
The dealer told me that I made a good deal,
And my baby she don’t mind.

‘Cause it’s a natural fact with wheels underneath
There’s no telling where I’m gonna be.
Every girl in town just wanna try me
And that’s the way it ought to be

Now some girls do have a mind of their own,
but everybody wants a good ride.
That is. Some girls do and some girls don’t,
But I’m gonna be all right

‘Cause it’s a natural fact with wheels under me
There’s no telling where I’m gonna be.
Every girl in town just wanna try me
And that’s the way it ought to be
That’s the way it ought to be