BestIKenster

On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair

Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air

Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light

My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim

I had to stop for the night

There she stood in the doorway;

I heard the mission bell

And I was thinking to myself,

'This could be Heaven or this could be Hell'

Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way

There were voices down the corridor,

I thought I heard them say...

Welcome to the Hotel California

Such a lovely place

Such a lovely face

Plenty of room at the Hotel California

Any time of year, you can find it here

Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes bends

She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys, that she calls friends

How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat.

Some dance to remember, some dance to forget

So I called up the Captain,

'Please bring me my wine'

He said,'We haven't had that spirit here since nineteen sixty nine'

And still those voices are calling from far away,

Wake you up in the middle of the night

Just to hear them say...

Welcome to the Hotel California

Such a lovely place

Such a lovely face

They livin' it up at the Hotel California

What a nice surprise, bring your alibis

Mirrors on the ceiling,

The pink champagne on ice

And she said 'We are all just prisoners here, of our own device'

And in the master's chambers,

They gathered for the feast

The stab it with their steely knives,

But they just can't kill the beast

Last thing I remember, I was

Running for the door

I had to find the passage back

To the place I was before

'Relax,'said the night man,

We are programmed to receive.

You can checkout any time you like,

but you can never leave

"this o.k?"

2112

"I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky become one, merging into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the steely sky. I used to think I had a pretty good life here, just plugging into my machine for the day, then watching Templevision or reading a Temple Paper in the evening.

"My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Outer Planets. We have had peace since 2062, when the surviving planets were banded together under the Red Star of the Solar Federation. The less fortunate gave us a few new moons.

I believed what I was told. I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy. Then I found something that changed it all..."

Anonymous, 2112

I. Overture

"And the meek shall inherit the earth."

II. Temples of Syrinx

... "The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the heart of every Federation city. I have always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is regulated and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent wisdom of the priests..."

We've taken care of everything

The words you hear the songs you sing

The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes.

It's one for all and all for one

We work together common sons

Never need to wonder how or why.

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls.

Look around this world we made

Equality our stock in trade

Come and join the Brotherhood of Man

Oh what a nice contented world

Let the banners be unfurled

Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand.

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls.

III. Discovery

... "Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in my hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful" ...

... "I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds, and soon my own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples! I can't wait to tell the priests about it! ..."

What can this strange device be?

When I touch it, it gives forth a sound

It's got wires that vibrate and give music

What can this thing be that I found?

See how it sings like a sad heart

And joyously screams out its pain

Sounds that build high like a mountain

Or notes that fall gently like rain.

I can't wait to share this new wonder

The people will all see its light

Let them all make their own music

The Priests praise my name on this night.

IV. Presentation

... "In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Father Brown rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed throughout the silent Temple Hall." ...

... "Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as Father Brown ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his feet..."

I know it's most unusual

To come before you so

But I've found an ancient miracle

I thought that you should know

Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There's something here as strong as life

I know that it will reach you.

Yes, we know it's nothing new

It's just a waste of time

We have no need for ancient ways

The world is doing fine

Another toy will help destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn't fit the plan.

I can't believe you're saying

These things just can't be true

Our world could use this beauty

Just think what we might do.

Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There's something here as strong as life

I know that it will reach you.

Don't annoy us further

We have our work to do.

Just think about the average

What use have they for you?

Another toy will help destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn't fit the plan.

V. Oracle: The Dream

... "I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase" ...

... "I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of all these things ..."

I wandered home though the silent streets

And fell into a fitful sleep

Escape to realms beyond the night

Dream can't you show me the light?

I stand atop a spiral stair

An oracle confronts me there

He leads me on light years away

Through astral nights, galactic days

I see the works of gifted hands

That grace this strange and wondrous land

I see the hand of man arise

With hungry mind and open eyes

They left the planet long ago

The elder race still learn and grow

Their power grows with purpose strong

To claim the home where they belong

Home, to tear the Temples down...

Home, to change..

VI. Soliloquy

... "I have not left this cave for days now, it has become my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My last hope is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and know peace at last."

The sleep is still in my eyes

The dream is still in my head

I heave a sigh and sadly smile

And lie a while in bed

I wish that it might come to pass

Not fade like all my dreams

Just think of what my life might be

In a world like I have seen

I don't think I can carry on

Carry on this cold and empty life

Oh...noo.

My spirits are low in the depths of despair

My lifeblood spills over..

VII. The Grand Finale

Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation

Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation

Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation

We have assumed control.

We have assumed control.

We have assumed control.

Sweet memories Flashing very quickly by

Reminding me Giving me a reason why

I know that My goal is more than a thought

I'll be there When I teach what I've been taught

SNL can't find a comedian who looks like him-

send photo and resume to

NBC casting/Obama

30 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10019

sure helps if you can act as well.

The dancer slows her frantic pace

In pain and desperation,

Her aching limbs and downcast face

Aglow with perspiration

Stiff as wire, her lungs on fire,

With just the briefest pause -

The flooding through her memory,

The echoes of old applause.

She limps across the floor

And closes her bedroom door...

The writer stares with glassy eyes -

Defies the empty page

His beard is white, his face is lined

And streaked with tears of rage.

Thirty years ago, how the words would flow

With passion and precision,

But now his mind is dark and dulled

By sickness and indecision

And he stares out the kitchen door

Where the sun will rise no more...

Some are born to move the world -

To live their fantasies

But most of us just dream about

The things we'd like to be

Sadder still to watch it die

Than never to have known it

For you - the blind who once could see -

The bell tolls for thee...

I've got a livin' that's rough, a future that's tough

You know what I mean

Blankers and boasters, all the bluffers and posers

I'm not into that scene

You can tell me that I got no class

Look around, you'll see who's laughin' last

Don't give me speeches 'cause they're oh so droll

Leave me alone, let me rock and roll

Got an itchin' to rock, a hate for small talk

I'm funny that way

Got my sights on the stars, won't get that far

But I'll try anyway

I just like to please, don't like to tease

I'm easy like that

Don't like long rests, I must confess

I'm an impatient cat

I do the best that I can

I'm just what I am

I do the best I can

Well, I know what I am

Rock and roll-in's a scream, makin' millions my dream

Well, I do that a lot

I'll just give it a try, won't let good times pass me by

They're all I've got

A boy alone, so far from home

Endless rooftops from my window

I felt the gloom of empty rooms

On rainy afternoons

Sometimes in confusion

I felt so lost and disillusioned

Innocence gave me confidence

To go up against reality

All the same, we take our chances

Laughed at by Time

Tricked by Circumstances

Plus ca change

Plus c'est la meme chose

The more that things change

The more they stay the same

Now I've gained some understanding

Of the only world that we see

Things that I once dreamed of

Have become reality

These walls that still surround me

Still contain the same old me

Just one more who's searching for

A world that ought to be

I looked in the mirror today

My eyes just didn't seem so bright

I've lost a few more hairs

I think I'm going bald

I think I'm going bald

Seems like only yesterday

We would sit and talk of dreams all night

Dreams of youth

And simple truths

Now we're so involved

So involved with life

Walk down vanity fair

Memory lane everywhere

Wall Street shuffles there

Dressed in flowing hair

Once we loved the flowers

Now we ask the price of the land

Once we would take water

But now it must be wine

Now we've been

And now we've seen

What price peace of mind

Take a piece of my mind

My life is slipping away

I'm aging every day

But even when I'm grey

I'll still be grey my way

I said I played this song so many times before

That the melody keeps repeating

Growing new ideas, flowing chords and notes

Like a mountain river bleeding

Well, I say as I look back at all the thoughts I've had

They reflect just what I'm learning

Yes, you know that the hardest part, yes, I say it is to stay on top

On top of a world forever churning

Well, you say you can laugh, but I can see that your eyes are glass

Well, do you see, can't you see, what I'm feeling?

Yes, I've seen your face before

Why, I've seen it everywhere

Showing up to me without a scent revealing

Well, I said will it ever change?

Will it stay the same?

I'd surely like to know before it's over

Well, I said I played some

I said it won't be long

Won't be long before I stop and play it over

You know I've, I've seen your face before

Is it ever gonna, ever gonna change again?

Oh, oh, I've, I've been in one place too long

Is it ever gonna, ever gonna change again?

I've stood upon my mountaintop

and shouted at the sky

walked above the pavement

with my sense amplified

- I get this feeling

all my nerves are naked wires

tender to the touch

sometimes super-sensitive

but who can care too much?

- I get this feeling

scars of pleasure

scars of pain

atmospheric changes

make them sensitive again

each emotional injury

leaves behind its mark

sometimes they come tumbling out

like shadows in the dark

- I get this feeling

when I think about all I have seen

and all I'll never see

when I think about the people

who have opened up to me

- I get this feeling

snow falls deep around my house

and holds the winter light

I've heard the lions hunting

in the Serengeti night

- I get this feeling

forests turned to factories

and river, sea, and sky

hungry child in the desert

and the flies that cloud her eyes

- I get this feeling

Pleasure leaves a fingerprint

As surely as mortal pain

In memories they resonate

And echo back again

The office door closed early

The hidden bottle came out

The salesman turned to close the blinds

A little slow now, a little stout

But he's still heading down those tracks

Any day now for sure

Another day as drab as today

Is more than a man can endure

Dreams flow across the heartland

Feeding on the fires

Dreams transport desires

Drive you when you're down -

Dreams transport the ones

Who need to get out of town

The boy walks with his best friend

Through the fields of early May

They walk awhile in silence

One close - one far away

But he'd be climbing on that bus

Just him and his guitar

To blaze across the heavens

Like a brilliant shooting star

The middle-aged madonna

Calls her neighbour on the phone

Day by day the seasons pass

And leave her life alone

But she'll go walking out that door

On some bright afternoon

To go and paint big cities

From a lonely attic room

It's understood

By every single person

Who'd be elsewhere if they could

So far so good

And life's not unpleasant

In their little neighbourhood

They dream in Middletown...

Know your place in life is where you want to be

Don't let them tell you that you owe it all to me

Keep on looking forward; no use in looking 'round

Hold your head above the ground and they won't bring you down

Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind

A funeral dirge for eyes gone blind

We marvel after those who sought

New wonders in the world, wonders in the world,

Wonders in the world they wrought.

Live for yourself -- there's no one else

More worth living for

Begging hands and bleeding hearts will

Only cry out for more

Well, I know they've always told you

Selfishness was wrong

Yet it was for me, not you, I

Came to write this song

Driven up and down in circles

Skidding down a road of black ice

Staring in and out storm windows

Driven to a fool's paradise

BUT IT'S MY TURN TO DRIVE

Driven to the margin of error

Driven to the edge of control

Driven to the margin of terror

Driven to the edge of a deep, dark hole

Driven day and night in circles

Spinning like a whirlwind of leaves

Stealing in and out back alleys

Driven to another den of thieves

BUT IT'S MY TURN TO DRIVE

Driven in - Driven to the edge

Driven out - On the thin end of the wedge

Driven off - By things I've never seen

Driven on - By the road to somewhere I've never been

IT'S MY TURN TO DRIVE

The road unwinds towards me

What was there is gone

The road unwinds before me

And I go riding on

It was long after midnight

When we got to unconditional love

She said sure, my heart is boundless

But don't push my limits too far

I said if love was so transcendant

I don't understand these boundaries

She said just don't disappoint me -

You know how complex women are

I'll be around

If you don't let me down

Too far

It was just before sunrise

When we started on traditional roles

She said sure I'll be your partner

But don't make too many demands

I said if love has these conditions

I don't understand those songs you love

She said this is not a love song

This isn't fantasy-land

I'll be around

If you don't push me down

Too far

DON'T GO TOO FAR -

The phosphorescent wave on a tropical sea

Is a cold fire

DON'T CROSS THE LINE -

The pattern of moonlight on the bedroom floor

Is a cold fire

DON'T LET ME DOWN -

The flame at the heart of a pawnbroker's diamond

Is a cold fire

DON'T BREAK THE SPELL -

The look in your eyes as you head for the door

Is a cold fire

Love is blind if you are gentle

Love can turn to a long, cold burn

Pack up all those phantoms

Shoulder that invisible load

Keep on riding north and west

Haunting that wilderness road

Like a ghost rider

Carry all those phantoms

Through bitter wind and stormy skies

From the desert to the mountain

From the lowest low to the highest high

Like a ghost rider

Keep on riding North and West

Then circle South and East

Show me beauty, but there is no peace

For the ghost rider

Shadows on the road behind

Shadows on the road ahead

Nothing can stop you now

There's a shadow on the road behind

There's a shadow on the road ahead

Nothing can stop you now

Sunrise in the mirror

Lightens that invisible load

Riding on a nameless quest

Haunting that wilderness road

Like a ghost rider

Just an escape artist

Racing against the night

A wandering hermit

Racing toward the light

From the White Sands

To the Canyonlands

To the redwood stands

To the Barren Lands

Sunrise on the road behind

Sunset on the road ahead

There's nothing to stop you now

Nothing can stop you now

2112

"I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky become one, merging into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the steely sky. I used to think I had a pretty good life here, just plugging into my machine for the day, then watching Templevision or reading a Temple Paper in the evening.

"My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Outer Planets. We have had peace since 2062, when the surviving planets were banded together under the Red Star of the Solar Federation. The less fortunate gave us a few new moons.

I believed what I was told. I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy. Then I found something that changed it all..."

Anonymous, 2112

I. Overture

"And the meek shall inherit the earth."

II. Temples of Syrinx

... "The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the heart of every Federation city. I have always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is regulated and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent wisdom of the priests..."

We've taken care of everything

The words you hear the songs you sing

The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes.

It's one for all and all for one

We work together common sons

Never need to wonder how or why.

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls.

Look around this world we made

Equality our stock in trade

Come and join the Brotherhood of Man

Oh what a nice contented world

Let the banners be unfurled

Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand.

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls.

III. Discovery

... "Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in my hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful" ...

... "I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds, and soon my own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples! I can't wait to tell the priests about it! ..."

What can this strange device be?

When I touch it, it gives forth a sound

It's got wires that vibrate and give music

What can this thing be that I found?

See how it sings like a sad heart

And joyously screams out its pain

Sounds that build high like a mountain

Or notes that fall gently like rain.

I can't wait to share this new wonder

The people will all see its light

Let them all make their own music

The Priests praise my name on this night.

IV. Presentation

... "In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Father Brown rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed throughout the silent Temple Hall." ...

... "Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as Father Brown ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his feet..."

I know it's most unusual

To come before you so

But I've found an ancient miracle

I thought that you should know

Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There's something here as strong as life

I know that it will reach you.

Yes, we know it's nothing new

It's just a waste of time

We have no need for ancient ways

The world is doing fine

Another toy will help destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn't fit the plan.

I can't believe you're saying

These things just can't be true

Our world could use this beauty

Just think what we might do.

Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There's something here as strong as life

I know that it will reach you.

Don't annoy us further

We have our work to do.

Just think about the average

What use have they for you?

Another toy will help destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn't fit the plan.

V. Oracle: The Dream

... "I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase" ...

... "I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of all these things ..."

I wandered home though the silent streets

And fell into a fitful sleep

Escape to realms beyond the night

Dream can't you show me the light?

I stand atop a spiral stair

An oracle confronts me there

He leads me on light years away

Through astral nights, galactic days

I see the works of gifted hands

That grace this strange and wondrous land

I see the hand of man arise

With hungry mind and open eyes

They left the planet long ago

The elder race still learn and grow

Their power grows with purpose strong

To claim the home where they belong

Home, to tear the Temples down...

Home, to change..

VI. Soliloquy

... "I have not left this cave for days now, it has become my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My last hope is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and know peace at last."

The sleep is still in my eyes

The dream is still in my head

I heave a sigh and sadly smile

And lie a while in bed

I wish that it might come to pass

Not fade like all my dreams

Just think of what my life might be

In a world like I have seen

I don't think I can carry on

Carry on this cold and empty life

Oh...noo.

My spirits are low in the depths of despair

My lifeblood spills over..

VII. The Grand Finale

Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation

Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation

Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation

We have assumed control.

We have assumed control.

We have assumed control.