lyrics
_The
21st
of August
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2008
Verse
From the train in Chicago
To the plan in Detroit
Every moment I had to let go
When you made your choice
It was on a Thursday
I’d been there before
Chasing my lovers
As they walked out the door
Chorus
I watched my heart take flight
Crash on the rocks when it left your sight
I stacked up every piece
An alter for impure offerings
To pass away
Verse
The 21st of August
Took to the sky
I never knew it’d turn to dust
When I kissed you goodbye
It was on a Thursday
I’d been there before
Still chasing my lovers
But they just walk out that door
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2008
Verse
From the train in Chicago
To the plan in Detroit
Every moment I had to let go
When you made your choice
It was on a Thursday
I’d been there before
Chasing my lovers
As they walked out the door
Chorus
I watched my heart take flight
Crash on the rocks when it left your sight
I stacked up every piece
An alter for impure offerings
To pass away
Verse
The 21st of August
Took to the sky
I never knew it’d turn to dust
When I kissed you goodbye
It was on a Thursday
I’d been there before
Still chasing my lovers
But they just walk out that door
Leave Your Darling
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2008
Verse
She was your damsel at her window
You’re the boy who crack the seal
You were looking for your shadow
Passing like the breathe you steal
Just a touch of trust
Her feet were off the floor
Boy, he didn’t mean to rush
Can’t take it back no more
Verse 2
So you left her cares in the sky
And heeded no warning
Second star to the right
And straight on till morning
She was wise like your mother
From outside the window sill
But the girl became a bother
When you took her away with you
Chorus
You’re gonna leave his darling
You’re Gonna leave his darling
You’re Gonna leave his darling, at home
Verse 3
Now the words you couldn’t write
Are curling up around her lips
Oh oh the tune you can’t stop singing
Has been swinging with her hips
Ever since that first kiss
Her songs play in your head.
And I know your secret wish
Is that you left her in her bed.
Chorus (2x)
Bridge
Ladies lock your windows
Ladies lock your windows
Ladies lock your windows
And don’t you
Don’t leave home for lost boys
They won’t grow up with you
They’re only passing shadows
So ladies lock your windows tonight
Chorus (2x)
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2008
Verse
She was your damsel at her window
You’re the boy who crack the seal
You were looking for your shadow
Passing like the breathe you steal
Just a touch of trust
Her feet were off the floor
Boy, he didn’t mean to rush
Can’t take it back no more
Verse 2
So you left her cares in the sky
And heeded no warning
Second star to the right
And straight on till morning
She was wise like your mother
From outside the window sill
But the girl became a bother
When you took her away with you
Chorus
You’re gonna leave his darling
You’re Gonna leave his darling
You’re Gonna leave his darling, at home
Verse 3
Now the words you couldn’t write
Are curling up around her lips
Oh oh the tune you can’t stop singing
Has been swinging with her hips
Ever since that first kiss
Her songs play in your head.
And I know your secret wish
Is that you left her in her bed.
Chorus (2x)
Bridge
Ladies lock your windows
Ladies lock your windows
Ladies lock your windows
And don’t you
Don’t leave home for lost boys
They won’t grow up with you
They’re only passing shadows
So ladies lock your windows tonight
Chorus (2x)
Don’t Make me Cry
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
Don’t leave a kiss on my lips
And tell me that I fit
Just the way I am
Don’t make me think I’m the one
You’re jumping a big gun
You’ll never follow through
Chorus
Don’t say you’re in love if you’re not willin
To lay down your life,
Oh you would if you could
But you can’t you don’t try
So don’t make me cry
Verse 2
Don’t call me sweetheart and then
point out my weak heart
So you can walk away
Don’t ease my mind with your lies
When I can’t see your eyes
I’ve heard it all before.
Chorus
Bridge
I’ve had all that I can take of romance
The strings are tied in ways that you can’t see
Until your eyes are opened and your darling leaves you broken
Though you’ve tried your best to show him
a man who wants your heart cannot just love you with his hands
You would if you could, but you can’t
You don’t try
And don’t make me cry!
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
Don’t leave a kiss on my lips
And tell me that I fit
Just the way I am
Don’t make me think I’m the one
You’re jumping a big gun
You’ll never follow through
Chorus
Don’t say you’re in love if you’re not willin
To lay down your life,
Oh you would if you could
But you can’t you don’t try
So don’t make me cry
Verse 2
Don’t call me sweetheart and then
point out my weak heart
So you can walk away
Don’t ease my mind with your lies
When I can’t see your eyes
I’ve heard it all before.
Chorus
Bridge
I’ve had all that I can take of romance
The strings are tied in ways that you can’t see
Until your eyes are opened and your darling leaves you broken
Though you’ve tried your best to show him
a man who wants your heart cannot just love you with his hands
You would if you could, but you can’t
You don’t try
And don’t make me cry!
Honey Wine
© Kelsey Rottiers 2008
Verse 1
If I were free
I’d let street lights beam like fireflies.
They’d dance across my windshield
to call down the rain.
I’d lean my head away outside
Open up my mouth so wide
to chase the day that rose your dozing fears upfrom the grave
Chorus
Lalalalalalalala
Verse 2
If I were brave
I’d catch the wind outside uh my window
I’d drink it in like honey wine
When the sun is sinking low
I’d keep it cupped between my palms
Hold it tight the whole way home
I’d ride the night, until I found you curled up in your chair
Chorus (2x)
Bridge
I will watch you like a candle when you’re burning
With tears that melt upon your face
I will hold you like a rag doll when you’re tired
till you can stand back up again.
© Kelsey Rottiers 2008
Verse 1
If I were free
I’d let street lights beam like fireflies.
They’d dance across my windshield
to call down the rain.
I’d lean my head away outside
Open up my mouth so wide
to chase the day that rose your dozing fears upfrom the grave
Chorus
Lalalalalalalala
Verse 2
If I were brave
I’d catch the wind outside uh my window
I’d drink it in like honey wine
When the sun is sinking low
I’d keep it cupped between my palms
Hold it tight the whole way home
I’d ride the night, until I found you curled up in your chair
Chorus (2x)
Bridge
I will watch you like a candle when you’re burning
With tears that melt upon your face
I will hold you like a rag doll when you’re tired
till you can stand back up again.
Goliath
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
Looking just like Goliath when he played my guitar
But sound like David’s sweet Psalms
On a six-stringed Lyre
And I could die listening
I heard heaven draw near with his Alleluia
My heart joined in with him
The unbroken song
And I could fly singing
Chorus
But even a giant is small
When he is singing Alleluia
Verse 2
I loved Goliath though he was unsure
hushing my fears
With his giant whispers
til I could stop my trying
Dear Goliath walked out the front door
Taking all his I love yous
He Just could not afford
The interest rate rising
Bridge
I wish I knew from the start
I wish I knew from the start
I wish I knew from the start
You were always gonna break my heart
Oh Goliath to forfeit my right
And beg God for peace
Just to sleep through the night.
To let it go
Alleluia, Alleluia, Allelu
Alleluia, Alleluia, Allelu
Alleluia, Alleluia, Allelu
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
Looking just like Goliath when he played my guitar
But sound like David’s sweet Psalms
On a six-stringed Lyre
And I could die listening
I heard heaven draw near with his Alleluia
My heart joined in with him
The unbroken song
And I could fly singing
Chorus
But even a giant is small
When he is singing Alleluia
Verse 2
I loved Goliath though he was unsure
hushing my fears
With his giant whispers
til I could stop my trying
Dear Goliath walked out the front door
Taking all his I love yous
He Just could not afford
The interest rate rising
Bridge
I wish I knew from the start
I wish I knew from the start
I wish I knew from the start
You were always gonna break my heart
Oh Goliath to forfeit my right
And beg God for peace
Just to sleep through the night.
To let it go
Alleluia, Alleluia, Allelu
Alleluia, Alleluia, Allelu
Alleluia, Alleluia, Allelu
Heights & Kites
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2008
Verse 1
Tangled in the strings
That tied me to your spine
The ground had lost my feet
When my fingers met your line
You’re like a wave upon the sea,
And I’m ahangin from a string
Just a-flyin’ away
Verse 2
Tangled in the strings
That tied me to your spine
Dying to believe
That we’d make it if we tried
You’re like a wave upon the sea,
And I’m ahangin from a string
Bridge
You had your eyes on silver lines
Your wings in the clouds
I was the wind that kept your sail
And your frame off the ground
I was running out of air,
My lungs were out of gust
Your dreams could not keep us there
And there was no time to adjust
Verse 3
Tangled in the strings
That tied me to your spine
I’ve lost so many things
Dangling from your heights
You’re like a wave upon the sea,
And I’m ahangin from a string
just aflyin away
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2008
Verse 1
Tangled in the strings
That tied me to your spine
The ground had lost my feet
When my fingers met your line
You’re like a wave upon the sea,
And I’m ahangin from a string
Just a-flyin’ away
Verse 2
Tangled in the strings
That tied me to your spine
Dying to believe
That we’d make it if we tried
You’re like a wave upon the sea,
And I’m ahangin from a string
Bridge
You had your eyes on silver lines
Your wings in the clouds
I was the wind that kept your sail
And your frame off the ground
I was running out of air,
My lungs were out of gust
Your dreams could not keep us there
And there was no time to adjust
Verse 3
Tangled in the strings
That tied me to your spine
I’ve lost so many things
Dangling from your heights
You’re like a wave upon the sea,
And I’m ahangin from a string
just aflyin away
Probably; amen
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
He’s probably over me by now
Though I don’t know how he excuses himself so easily.
He’s probably over me by now
He won’t care to account for his words like I do
it’s true
Probably, probably it’s true
Verse 2
I’m probably gonna let him go.
In a week or so, I’m not gonna care what he thinks,
I’m probably gonna let him go.
Erase his name from my phone, I’m not calling again
the end
Probably, probably the end
Verse 3
I’ll probably learn to love myself
And I won’t need his help, cuz we both know he never knew how
I’ll probably learn to love myself
Only time will tell, Lord, forgive what I cannot forget.
Probably, probably
Probably, probably
Amen, amen
Amen, amen
Amen, amen
Probably, amen
Amen, amen
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
He’s probably over me by now
Though I don’t know how he excuses himself so easily.
He’s probably over me by now
He won’t care to account for his words like I do
it’s true
Probably, probably it’s true
Verse 2
I’m probably gonna let him go.
In a week or so, I’m not gonna care what he thinks,
I’m probably gonna let him go.
Erase his name from my phone, I’m not calling again
the end
Probably, probably the end
Verse 3
I’ll probably learn to love myself
And I won’t need his help, cuz we both know he never knew how
I’ll probably learn to love myself
Only time will tell, Lord, forgive what I cannot forget.
Probably, probably
Probably, probably
Amen, amen
Amen, amen
Amen, amen
Probably, amen
Amen, amen
How to Love Me
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
I wish you’d never said it
Some days I regret I said it back.
I wish you’d thought twice
Oh it might have been nice
To take it slow
Pre-chorus
I wish you weren’t so clueless
I wish I weren’t so lonely
I wish you knew how to love me
Chorus
I don’t know what Jesus would do
If His love broke his heart in two.
Just what she swore she’s never do.
But then I guess he’d hang his head and cry,
And ask his father why; wait in silence for a reply.
Verse 2
As soon as I’m sure that I’m over the worst
I’m knocked off my feet.
There’s no life in the past,
No, we can’t take it back
But in my dreams…
Pre-Chorus 2
You see me from a distance
I great you like a brother
All of this pain is over
Chorus
I don’t know what Jesus would do
If His love broke his heart in two.
Just what she swore she’s never do.
But then I guess he’d hang his head and cry,
And ask his father why; wait in silence for a reply
Chorus 2
I’m not sure what all this has to do with getting over you,
It’s just a Bride who slayed a Jew
I’m just tired of waiting all my time
Wishing you could see I’m right
And I was worth the sacrifice.
Tag
I wish you weren’t so clueless
I wish I weren’t so lonely
I wish you knew how to love me.
I wish you knew how to love me.
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
I wish you’d never said it
Some days I regret I said it back.
I wish you’d thought twice
Oh it might have been nice
To take it slow
Pre-chorus
I wish you weren’t so clueless
I wish I weren’t so lonely
I wish you knew how to love me
Chorus
I don’t know what Jesus would do
If His love broke his heart in two.
Just what she swore she’s never do.
But then I guess he’d hang his head and cry,
And ask his father why; wait in silence for a reply.
Verse 2
As soon as I’m sure that I’m over the worst
I’m knocked off my feet.
There’s no life in the past,
No, we can’t take it back
But in my dreams…
Pre-Chorus 2
You see me from a distance
I great you like a brother
All of this pain is over
Chorus
I don’t know what Jesus would do
If His love broke his heart in two.
Just what she swore she’s never do.
But then I guess he’d hang his head and cry,
And ask his father why; wait in silence for a reply
Chorus 2
I’m not sure what all this has to do with getting over you,
It’s just a Bride who slayed a Jew
I’m just tired of waiting all my time
Wishing you could see I’m right
And I was worth the sacrifice.
Tag
I wish you weren’t so clueless
I wish I weren’t so lonely
I wish you knew how to love me.
I wish you knew how to love me.
In the Rising Tide
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
I don’t know how these things happen
But they’re like the rising tide.
I’m riding every wave that’s crashing
Cuz I’ve no place left to hide.
I know the moon will pull me
Till I’m standing at your door
I don’t know just when that might be but I won’t
fight the current anymore
Chorus
Wading in the water
I’m just wading in the water
Verse 2
We were gazing at the stars
But the storm was on it’s way
Now I guess it doesn’t matter, does not matter
Why you decided not to stay.
I wanted you to be my shelter
Keep me ever in your arms
Now I’m just drifting in the ocean
Cuz I won’t fight the current anymore.
Chorus
Bridge
It takes time to baptize the shore
In the peace of mind we’ve all stopped looking for
We sink like stones when we try to walk across it
Maybe it’s time we lost it; I think it’s time we lost it
In the rising tide, in the rising tide.
Chorus
Wading in the water
Wading in the water
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
I don’t know how these things happen
But they’re like the rising tide.
I’m riding every wave that’s crashing
Cuz I’ve no place left to hide.
I know the moon will pull me
Till I’m standing at your door
I don’t know just when that might be but I won’t
fight the current anymore
Chorus
Wading in the water
I’m just wading in the water
Verse 2
We were gazing at the stars
But the storm was on it’s way
Now I guess it doesn’t matter, does not matter
Why you decided not to stay.
I wanted you to be my shelter
Keep me ever in your arms
Now I’m just drifting in the ocean
Cuz I won’t fight the current anymore.
Chorus
Bridge
It takes time to baptize the shore
In the peace of mind we’ve all stopped looking for
We sink like stones when we try to walk across it
Maybe it’s time we lost it; I think it’s time we lost it
In the rising tide, in the rising tide.
Chorus
Wading in the water
Wading in the water
Red Wonder Boots
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
I wrap my heart around my wrist
Like a lasso in my hand
I keep a pearl inside my chest
Tormented grain of sand.
I call momma twice a week
She listens to me cryin She says
When they ask me how you be
I just can’t help but smile and say
Pre-chorus
My princess
In a torn dress
There’s just no keeping her in
She’s out to pick a fight
She’s gonna be alright
We just don’t know if she’s coming home
Chorus
Amazon Lady
She’s just a baby hungry for the truth
She wants to save the World
She’s a scared little girl
Shaking in her red wonder boots
Verse 2
I tuck the ache inside the lines
Like glue that holds the pieces
And stitch the seam with my design
For record of my grievance.
I let momma hold my head
When I can’t keep it straightened
she say, fix your eyes don’t blink again
let my hands keep you from sinkin in.
Bridge
Only way she can beat
Some poor boy sweep her off her feet (repeat three times)
He gonna hide her
So no one can find her
Chorus
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
I wrap my heart around my wrist
Like a lasso in my hand
I keep a pearl inside my chest
Tormented grain of sand.
I call momma twice a week
She listens to me cryin She says
When they ask me how you be
I just can’t help but smile and say
Pre-chorus
My princess
In a torn dress
There’s just no keeping her in
She’s out to pick a fight
She’s gonna be alright
We just don’t know if she’s coming home
Chorus
Amazon Lady
She’s just a baby hungry for the truth
She wants to save the World
She’s a scared little girl
Shaking in her red wonder boots
Verse 2
I tuck the ache inside the lines
Like glue that holds the pieces
And stitch the seam with my design
For record of my grievance.
I let momma hold my head
When I can’t keep it straightened
she say, fix your eyes don’t blink again
let my hands keep you from sinkin in.
Bridge
Only way she can beat
Some poor boy sweep her off her feet (repeat three times)
He gonna hide her
So no one can find her
Chorus
Walking Payton Home
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
Payton looked into her mother’s blue eyes
Keep my doll, tell her not to cry
I told her that I had to go away
Wake up Paige I wanna tell her I love her
I need one more talk with my baby sister
I want her to know it’ll be okay
Chorus
Oh, it’s time
Oh, when I close my eyes
I don’t want you to cry
Verse 2
Sunday Service on the morning after
They played her song it was empty without her
hmmmm
Paige looked into her Father’s blue eyes
tugged on his hand Daddy why are you cryin
Payton’s singing with Jesus today
Tag
Oh you tried,
Oh
Oh you tried,
Oh when your eyes
Oh you tried
Oh Just close your eyes
it’s okay to cry.
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
Payton looked into her mother’s blue eyes
Keep my doll, tell her not to cry
I told her that I had to go away
Wake up Paige I wanna tell her I love her
I need one more talk with my baby sister
I want her to know it’ll be okay
Chorus
Oh, it’s time
Oh, when I close my eyes
I don’t want you to cry
Verse 2
Sunday Service on the morning after
They played her song it was empty without her
hmmmm
Paige looked into her Father’s blue eyes
tugged on his hand Daddy why are you cryin
Payton’s singing with Jesus today
Tag
Oh you tried,
Oh
Oh you tried,
Oh when your eyes
Oh you tried
Oh Just close your eyes
it’s okay to cry.
_ Lucy
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
Lucy’s squawking ‘bout the spring a comin
Testifyin while the snow is fallin
Dear one singing like a baby bird
To her audience of snowy fern
Verse 2
She’s gonna sing until the sun is shinin
Raise her wings like Holy Moses Prophecyin
As the evergreens all clap their hands
The seeds and the dirt’ll start to dance
The seeds and the dirt’ll start to dance
Oo the seeds and the dirt’ll start to dance
Verse 3
She found her perch up on the lion’s back
The valiant bird who rides in with a cat
You’d never see it in her tiny frame
She hides her glory in the lion’s mane
She hides her glory in the lion’s mane
Oo She hides her glory in the lion’s mane.
Bridge
The lion raised the stones up from the dead
They fled theirs tombs like Lazarus
Lucy, Baby bird you’ll never guess
She’s a lookin like a lioness
She’s just as brave as a lioness
The baby bird became a lioness
© Kelsey Rottiers, 2009
Verse 1
Lucy’s squawking ‘bout the spring a comin
Testifyin while the snow is fallin
Dear one singing like a baby bird
To her audience of snowy fern
Verse 2
She’s gonna sing until the sun is shinin
Raise her wings like Holy Moses Prophecyin
As the evergreens all clap their hands
The seeds and the dirt’ll start to dance
The seeds and the dirt’ll start to dance
Oo the seeds and the dirt’ll start to dance
Verse 3
She found her perch up on the lion’s back
The valiant bird who rides in with a cat
You’d never see it in her tiny frame
She hides her glory in the lion’s mane
She hides her glory in the lion’s mane
Oo She hides her glory in the lion’s mane.
Bridge
The lion raised the stones up from the dead
They fled theirs tombs like Lazarus
Lucy, Baby bird you’ll never guess
She’s a lookin like a lioness
She’s just as brave as a lioness
The baby bird became a lioness
