To book Cale Hawkins, the Cale Hawkins Trio, or the Bluesers for a show, please e-mail
booking@calehawkins.com or
calehawkins@windstream.net. Below is some information to assist you.
BIOGRAPHY
For the official biography, please head to
http://www.calehawkins.com/bio.
MUSIC CLIPS
Please head to
http://calehawkins.bandcamp.com/ to listen to original music clips from "Chrome" and "Random Acts of Confusion." The single "Rise Above" is also now available as a free download!
PRESS
Post-Journal, 1/20/2010
"Return to Memphis" Local artist Cale Hawkins is on his way to Memphis, Tenn., to perform in the International Blues Challenge.
If it seems like you've read this somewhere before, you probably have - the 17-year-old Maple Grove High School senior is making his third appearance in the challenge in Birthplace of the Blues and second representing the Canada South Blues Society as a member of The Bluesers.
''It's a great experience, because everybody is down there just to have fun,'' Hawkins said. ''It's a huge gathering of musicians, and it's a great thing to be around so many other people who have the same interests as you, especially now that there are a lot of youth artists that have been coming down for the competition.''
After appearing in the solo competition during the event two years ago, Hawkins joined the Bluesers in the group division last year. He co-fronts the group along with Chris Cotton, another 17-year-old from Toronto, whom he met in conjunction with his first trip to Memphis. The group has been together for nearly two years.
''We toured Canada this summer, going all across Ontario and Quebec,'' Hawkins said. ''We played festivals all over the place - it was great.''
The first year Hawkins went to Memphis, he earned his entrance in the competition through a contest put on by The Blues Society of Western New York. For the Canada South Blues Society, he said the Bluesers were judged based on videos of their performances and were selected to represent the group.
The Bluesers will be performing at B.B. King's Blues Club on Beale Street, the same place they performed last year. Hawkins played solo at The Pig on Beale, a smaller club designed for acoustic shows, on his first trip to Memphis.
Hawkins began performing with the Infinity Performing Arts Program in 2003 and has played with many ensembles in the program. His involvement with the program has given him the opportunity to receive musical instruction and perform on stage with different bands. He is now an Infinity instructor.
Artists and bands at each venue on Beale Street in Memphis will put on a 25-minute set, Hawkins said, with judges selecting winners from each location. Originality, blues content, stage presence and overall ability are the criteria used in judging, he said. Two different sets of judges rate the performances over a two-night span, and chosen artists then play in the finals at the Orpheum Theater on Saturday.
Hawkins has yet to make the finals of the challenge, he said, but he has been close in each of his first two appearances. While he and his fellow Bluesers have lofty goals for their appearance in the competition this year, Hawkins said the main goal for the weekend is to have fun.
''You're on Beale Street and you meet up with people your own age and jam on each other's instruments and go to each other's shows,'' he said. ''It's just cool, the whole atmosphere of walking on Beale Street, with the neon lights and the people there to hear you play - it's great.''
There may be good news waiting for Hawkins when he returns from Memphis, as he will find out next week if he has been accepted to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. While he has accomplished much in his young life, he said his long-term goal is to carve his own niche and invent a new style of music.
''I'm hoping to sort of find out along the way,'' he said when asked what that style might be. ''I'd like to do something that I love doing, first and foremost, and after that I'd like to make my mark and do something new that no one has done before.''
Hawkins released a CD in May called Random Acts of Confusion, which is available at iTunes, amazon.com and on his own Web site, calehawkins.com. For more information about The Bluesers, visit their Web site at www.sonicbids.com/thebluesers2.
Post-Journal, 1/28/2010
"Hawkins Takes Second" According to updates made on his Twitter account while he was in Memphis, local artist Cale Hawkins and his group The Bluesers finished in second place among the artists who performed at B.B. King's Blues Club on Beale Street during the 26th International Blues Challenge. This was the 17-year-old Hawkins' third visit to the challenge and his third quality finish. It is safe to say that this is not the last that we will hear of Cale Hawkins, nor is it the last the music industry in general will hear of him. No word yet from the Twitter account on whether he has heard back from the Berklee College of Music, as he was scheduled to at some point this week, but I know I have my fingers crossed for him.
Post-Journal, 5/20/2009
"Original Material" "... THE CALE HAWKINS BAND - Cale Hawkins is 16 this year.
On Friday, Chautauqua County's own musical wunderkind will play a CD release show at the Infinity Performing Arts Program's cafe. His newest CD, "Random Acts of Confusion," is the first from his Cale Hawkins Band, which features Steve Davis on keys, bass and backup vocals and Daniel Witherspoon on drums and backup vocals, in addition to Cale's guitar and vocals. The album was mixed by Soulive's Alan Evans and recorded partially at Infinity and at a Toronto studio.
The new band will play the CD release show, with Eric Pearson on second guitar. Other special guests are said to be scheduled to participate in the evening.
In November 2007, Cale won the solo/duo division of the Memphis-Bound Blues Competition, a qualifier held by the Blues Society of Western New York for the annual international competition in Tennessee. At the time, Cale's mother, Shane Hawkins, described her son as able to accomplish most anything he decides to master - including everything from memorizing all the presidents of the United States at the age of 2 or the varying styles of blues and jazz in his teens.
In Memphis, Cale made some friends and musical connections. In addition to releasing his own solo material and his music with the Cale Hawkins Band, Cale is also in a Toronto band called the Bluesers. This past year, Cale went to the Memphis competition with the group, which will release two CDs this June.
"Cale wrote most of the songs, plays keyboard and organ, and sings for the band," Shane explained. "They will be playing at festivals throughout Canada throughout the summer."
Friday's CD release show starts at 8 p.m. The Infinity Arts Cafe is located at 115 E. Third St. in Jamestown and can be reached by calling 664-0991. As on his first studio album, "Chrome," Cale wrote all the lyrics and music, and both sings and plays every instrument on his new CD. For more information about Cale and his music, visit www.CaleHawkins.com...."
Chautauqua Star, 5/12/2009
"Cale Hawkins to Release New CD on May 23" "Local music fans throughout Chautauqua County have known about Cale Hawkins for several years. The 16-year old musician from Bemus Point first made a name for himself playing with other young musicians in the Infinity Music Program. In 2007, at the age of 14, he released his first full-length album, Chrome, featuring 10 of his original songs. Since then, he's won numerous awards, including the WNY Blues Society Muddy Award for Best Upcoming Artist, the Chautauqua County Music Award for Singer/Songwriter of the Year and Album of the Year, and last month, he was named Chautauqua County Youth Artist of the Year by the Arts Council for Chautauqua County. Now, Hawkins is ready to release his sophomore effort, Random Acts of Confusion, later this month at a CD Release Party in Jamestown.
It's difficult to determine which is more notable: the fact that Hawkins wrote all the songs on both albums or that he plays all the instruments (he specializes in guitar and keyboards) and also provides all the vocals on both efforts. Regardless of what impresses the listener more, the results speak for themselves. Hawkins delivers a polished and professional sound, which is somewhat amazing considering he hasn't even graduated from high school.
Despite what some think, Hawkins' music proficiency didn't happen overnight. He's been playing music for over half his life. 'I started playing when I was 7, on the guitar,' he explains. 'I was surrounded by music before then - I was into country western at an early age, followed by the Beatles. I actually started playing because I wanted to be like Paul McCartney!'
Hawkins credits his musical ability to Infinity, which educates young musicians through the guidance of area musicians and instructors. 'I owe it all to Infinity,' he says. 'Without the resources, mentoring, and guidance that the program has provided, I would definitely not be where I am today. I was encouraged to write original music through many early Infinity collaborations with organizations like ProjectTruth. People like Ron Graham, Eric Pearson, Jim Blomquist, and Steve Davis really helped me get started with original music at Infinity. Infinity provided the recording tools and space to do the new CD as well.'
Hawkins says Random Acts of Confusion is a departure from his first effort in several ways. For starters, the first CD had a jazzier, more R&B influenced approach. 'This new CD incorporates more of an alternative/soul approach,' he says, adding, 'My voice has also changed completely from Chrome! About a month after it was finished, my voice changed and I found that I couldn't sing any of its songs anymore! I've also learned a lot more and musical progressed since the last album, and the production value is way higher for the new CD.'
With the debut of his second CD, Hawkins can now add 'producer' to his resume. 'My first solo album was co-produced and co-engineered by (Jamestown DJ and sound engineer) Jim Blomquist, as I was taking digital recording lessons with him at the time and I didn't quite know my way around Pro Tools (the recording software) yet. The new CD was entirely self-engineered and self-produced though,' he says.
In addition to his solo work, Hawkins has also joined a group of young musicians in 2008. He is now the keyboardist for The Bluesers, a Toronto-based band. The group is set to perform in the 2009 International Blues Challenge and a dual disc album is also in the works, set to be released later this year.
It's safe to say Hawkins has been very busy with music. But even with all that he's been doing musically, he still does his best to stay focused on his school work. 'It's a tough balance!' he admits. 'Especially with tough classes like AP Chem and Pre-Calc in my schedule. It's definitely hard to keep the grades up while focusing on practicing, performing, and making the trips up to Toronto. I wouldn't rather be doind anything else though.'
Hawkins also says he has a great support group to help him stay focused. 'I think I've been successful thus far due to the dedication of my parents, family, and friends. They're the ones who rearrange their schoedules and go out of their way so I cam perform and release CDs. They're always supportive of everything I do and I owe it all to them.'
As for being considered a 'prodigy', Hawkins says nothing could be further from the truth. 'I've still got a long, long way to go. I just try to push my own goals and constantly refine and improve my music abilities.' He also has advice for other kids in the area looking to get a start in music: 'Young musicians should definitely check out Infinity, it's a great way to get acclimated to the performance setting, plus you get private lessons from top-notch instructors who know the ins and outs of the music business. They should also be looking for workshops and other new opportunities to learn and network. The whole business is all about who you know.'
When asked where he sees himself ten years from now at the wise old age of 26, Hawkins has set a lofty goal for himself. 'Hopefully I'll be making music that's fresh - something that's completely unique but appreciated by a widespread fan base. My goal is to create a brand new genre of music.'
If you haven't yet heard Hawkins, or even if you have but want to show your support for his new album, you'll get your chance on May 22nd from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Infinity Cafe, 115 East 3rd St. in Jamestown. Hawkins will be throwing a CD Release Party with the Steve Johnson Band's Steve Davis and Daniel Witherspoon. Details on how to purchase his new album can also be found at his website, www.calehawkins.com."
Post-Journal, 3/19/2009
"Arts Council Announces Award Winners" "...Youth Artist:
At the age of 16, Cale Hawkins has already made a name for himself in the Chautauqua music community. He has been a part of Infinity Performing Arts Program for the last 6 years. Through Infinity, Cale has been involved in many ensemble groups, and also performs with other local artists at cafs and for benefit concerts. A multi-instrumentalist specializing in guitar and keyboards, Cale has appeared at a number of festivals, including the Mayville Bluegrass festival and the Chautauqua Region Words Local Music Showcase. In 2007, Cale won the individual competition against seasoned blues musicians at the Memphis Bound Blues Competition in Buffalo. On his own he has completed three CDs of original self-produced music. His latest recording, "Random Acts of Confusion" will be released this month...."
Blues Beat, Summer 2008
"2008 Blues Beat 'Muddy' Awards" "...Most Promising New Talent: CALE HAWKINS
It was so gratifying to see a fresh new face at this year's Memphis Bound Competition. So glad to see that not all young guitar players feel that they have to plug in. Cale went on to win the competition and represent the Blues Society so well at the I.B.C. in Memphis. Although he did not advance, he certainly made the best of the exposure he garnered by making new friends and new admirers. Can't wait to see what the future brings for this multi-talented performer."
WRFA Radio for the Arts, July 2008
Listen at
http://www.wrfalp.com/Podcasts/OSF%205-14-09%20%20CALE%20HAWKINS%20THE%20ORIGINAL%20SOUND%20OF%20FURY.MP3 Word Magazine, 1/31/2008
"Music Scene: Cale Hawkins" "Cale Hawkins is a 15-year old musician from Bemus Point, who started playing guitar when he was 7. In November 2007, Cale Hawkins won the Memphis Bound Blues Competition in Buffalo, NY which qualified him to represent the Western New York Blues Society this week at the "International Blues Challenge" (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee. Hawkins has been active in the Infinity Performing Arts Program since may 2003. He is also a member of the Jamestown band, Midas. Before Cale heads down to TN to compete alongside 100 bands and 60 solo artists, we asked him some questions.
How many instruments do you play now? Cale: 'I play about ten instruments, give or take a few!'
What do you have planned for your set at the IBC? Cale: 'I'm playing three original songs, plus 'Crossroads' by Robert Johnson, 'White Boy Lost in the Blues' by Sonny Terry/Brownie McGhee, and 'Crow Jane' by the Derek Trucks Band.'
Was this your first time entering? Cale: 'Yes, this was my first time entering in the Buffalo competition as a solo/duo act. Last year I entered with the Bruce Peterson Blues Project in the band division, but we didn't make it to Memphis.'
There's 100 bands and 60 solo acts playing the IBC this year, are there any other competitors you're looking forward to seeing play? Cale: 'Well, I've taken a look at all of the other competitors in the solo/duo division and there's a lot of people there who are really talented and are great at playing the blues. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of them play.'
What are you looking most forward to about the trip? Cale: 'I'm looking forward to getting my music out there. If people like what they hear and they pick up one of my CDs, that gets my music out to more people. If I can just get people to hear me and like me, I'll be happy.'
'Blues' is such a loose genre for music these days, how would YOU describe your sound? Cale: 'I guess my sound could be described as a fusion of rock, jazz, blues, and funk, but in any one song you could even hear influences from classical or hip-hop music. My music's got a little bit of everything thrown in.'
Your new CD, 'Chrome' is an impressive collection of original material. About how many songs have you written so far? Cale: 'I've written about 50 songs, but that's not to say that I've kept all those songs. Out of the 10 written to go on 'Chrome', I've thrown away about 25 songs that I didn't think were good enough to make the cut.'
Do you have any other gigs for 2008 lined up that our readers should know about? Cale: 'My next solo gig isn't until this summer but the band that I'm in, Midas, is playing at Yesterdays in Lakewood on Saturday, May 8th. We're also playing at the Sherman Barn Dance on Saturday, May 24th from 1-3pm. But some more shows might come up later, so readers can find those at calehawkins.com.'
If you win the IBC, there's a lot of great gigs that go along with the prizes. Would you go on tour? Cale: 'I don't know about that, it would be great but it would also be really stressful. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. It would be great to get the opportunity to go on tour.'
Anything you want to say to your hometown fans before you head out to TN this week? Cale: 'Sure, to everybody out there, thanks for supporting me and keep the music playing!'
We all wish Cale Hawkins much luck at the IBC this week! WBFO 88.1 Radio, 11/21/2007
Listen at
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wbfo/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1187140.
Post-Journal, 11/18/2007
also published in
The Scene Magazine, 12/20/2007 "Bemus Point Blues Prodigy" "BEMUS POINT - Life has been crazy in the Hawkins' household since Cale, 15, a Maple Grove High School student, won the solo/duo division of the Memphis Bound Blues Competition on Nov. 3. Good crazy, according to his mom, Shane, but crazy nonetheless.
Held in Buffalo, the Memphis-Bound Blues Competition is a qualifying contest put on by the Blues Society of Western New York. And as winner, Cale will fly to Tennessee in January to take on the best blues musicians from throughout the world.
"There are, I believe, 167 blues societies and in order to make it to the international level, you have to win one of these pre-qualifiers," Mrs. Hawkins explained Friday. "Each blues society can send one band and one solo/duo act, so there's a possiblity of there being 166 oher solo acts in Memphis."
A prodigy of sorts, Shane Hawkins describes her son as able to accomplish most anything he decides to master - whether it's memorizing all the presidents of the United States at age 2 or the varying styles of blues and jazz in his teens.
"The people up in Buffalo really liked how I was playing the blues and that I'm so young," Hawkins said. "Jazz and blues aren't the most popular styles of music today, so a lot of people were glad to see that it's still continuing on in this generation."
Describing his win and the whole Buffalo experience as "awesome", Cale said he can't wait to travel to Memphis.
The world's largest gathering of blues musicians, the International Blues Challenge will take place over three days - with winners of the first day moving on to the second and winners of the second day moving on to the final round.
"It's one thing to win in Buffalo, but Memphis is going to be a completely different situation," Mrs. Hawkins said. "The talent there is just going to be unbelievable."
"It's quite an event from what I've read online, and it gets bigger every year," Mrs. Hawkins continued. "He'll be there for three days of competition, if he makes it through all the rounds. And just being there is going to be a great experience for him, seeing and meeting those performers and having other people see him perform."
For Cale, music education started early - with guitar lessons at age 7 and piano lessons at 10. Since then, the self-described music freak has learned to sing as well and play drums, bass guitar and a number of other instruments. In May 2003, he joined the Infinity Performing Arts Program.
And somewhere between school work and Infinity, Hawkins has found time to release two full-length albums of original compositions. The first, an album of acoustic guitar music, was self-released by the Hawkins family two years ago with the help of Infinity. Also recorded at Infinity, Hawkins' second CD, "Chrome", is different from his acoustic debut in that it features a number of instruments - all which are played by Cale.
Just recently put into prodution, the Hawkins' hope to have CDs ready for sale when Cale performs at this Friday's Original Music Showcase.
A first-ever event for Infinity, an original music showcase will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Reg Lenna Civic Center. Known for training area youths in classical music styles, comprised largely of cover songs, this Friday's event will feature new, original music from Milestones, Infinity Jazz Quartet, Stephanie Blake, Kate Furman, Jonah Hathaway, and Cale Hawkins. Special guests will include Andy Minton, Cindy Haight, Brian Hanna, Christopher Bell, and Dust & Bones. The show is the last in a three-part series held in conjunction with the Arts Council for Chautauqua County and a grant from the New York State Music Fund.
Just one of a dozen shows scheduled for the coming weeks, Cale will also play Chautauqua Mall's Evening of Giving at 7 p.m. tonight and with Bill Ward at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving night at the Lakeview in Mayville.
"Life is just going by so fast for him right now, but it's all good stuff," Mrs. Hawkins said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I will do whatever it takes to get him there. His family has also been really supportive of him, including his grandparents and his dad, Christopher."
A complete list of shows as well as media and more about Cale can be found online at www.calehawkins.com."
Post-Journal, 10/7/2007
"Infinity Prodigy Advances in International Blues Competition" "BEMUS POINT - Cale Hawkins has all the makings of a blues music master, which is doubly impressive considering the Infinity Performing Arts student is only 15 years old.
A Bemus Point resident, Hawkins recently won the first round of the Memphis-Bound Blues Competition - a regional contest held by the Blues Society of Western New York.
"It felt great," Hawkins said recently. "I didn't even believe it when I heard it because the other guys were really good. I was sort of surprised, but I was really happy and I was really psyched."
Entered in the solo/duo category, Hawkins will return to the Lafayette Taproom in Buffalo on Nov. 3 for the second and final round of the competition. If he wins, Hawkins will qualify to compete in the International Blues Challenge - the world's largest gathering of blues bands.
"It's amazing for him to be doing this at his age," said Shane Hawkins, Cale's mom. "Just to think of where I was at his age and to see what he's doing, it blows my mind."
What started with guitar lessons at the age of 7 and piano lessons at the age of 10 has evolved into a diehard passion for, appreciation of and eagerness to learn about music.
"He's always been interested in learning things, so music was perfect for him because it's an art form and he can't conquer it," Mrs. Hawkins said. "Everything else he's ever been interested in, he tends to go at full-bore until he feels like he knows everything about it and then he moves on to the next thing."
According to his mother, Cale was memorizing the presidents of the United States and all the state capitals at the age of 2. Only a few months after his third birthday, he was reading.
"He was just one of those kids," Mrs. Hawkins Said "He was very into memorization and learning. And when he found music, it was this open-ended thing that he can never completely learn about. There's always something new to do with it - which is why it's perfect for him."
Further proving himself a musical wunderkind, Hawkins has not been satisfied mastering just the guitar and keyboards. In addition to his two primary instruments, the Maple Grove High School student plays everything fron bass guitar and piano to drums and other percussion instruments.
And somewhere between school and his work in the Infinity Performing Arts Program, Hawkins has found the time to release two full-length albums of original compositions. The first, an album of acoustic guitar music, was self-released by the Hawkins family two years ago with the help of Infinity. Similarly, Hawkins is putting the final touches on "Chrome" - his second CD recorded at Infinity. However, with "Chrome", each song features a number of instruments - all of which are played by Cale.
"The first CD had so much success that it seemed like a good idea to do another one," Hawkins said of his releases. "I guess the interest to play more than one instrument came from my piano lessons and then Infinity really kicked it off because they have a drum set. I didn't even know I was going to have a solo career at first. I started playing in a band and then I was told to write some original music, so I did. I wrote some original music and recorded a CD and it just took off from there."
INFINITY PERFORMING ARTS Established in Jamestown in 1998, the Infinity Performing Arts Program began "as an opportunity for aspiring young musicians to enhance their musical talents and performance skills under the supervision and direction of local artists and musicians," according to the program's Web site.
For its first seven years, the program was incubated by The Arts Council for Chautauqua County. During the 2005 transition year, Infinity became an incorporated 501(3)(c) organization and is run today by a 15 member volunteer board of directors.
Having joined in 2003, Hawkins is now in his fourth year with the Infinity Performing Arts Program. With 125 students currently enrolled in Infinity, Ron Graham, Infinity founder and executive director, has said that musicians like Hawkins are just the tip of the iceberg.
"There are so many mentors at Infinity. We have Bill Ward there and so many other local musicians, like Rich Leeper, that care about the kids," Mrs. Hawkins said. "And with the CDs, Infinity has been very supportive of the recording. Everything was done right at Infinity, which was very generous of them to allow Cale to have free rein for this. Ron's just always been very supportive of Cale and of all the kids. That's what Infinity is there for."
MIDAS & THE BRUCE PETERSON PROJECT In addition to performing alone, Hawkins has performed with a number of Infinity's music projects - including the Bruce Peterson Blues Project, Midas, The Infinity Guitar Quartet, and the Infinity Hip-Hop Project.
With the band's singer, guitarist, and drummer about to age out of the local community music school, members of the Bruce Peterson Blues Project were recently faced with the possibility of no longer performing together. Rather than break up, the quintet formed Midas - one of Infinity's first-ever post-program bands.
In addition to Hawkins, the band is comprised of singer Stephanie Blake, guitarists Steve Lundsten and Jeremy Bunce, and drummer Daniel Witherspoon. As Midas, the band writes and performs a mix of original music and cover songs.
"They have, in four years, become very talented," Graham said of the band. "They have a repertoire of 81 songs and can play for hours. With so many people in the area having supported them as the Bruce Peterson Project, the community needs to know that they will now be out there as their own independent band named Midas."
Though this September was his first time competing solo at the Memphis-Bound Blues Competition, it had not been the first time Hawkins has participated in the event. Last year, as the Bruce Peterson Blues Project, the members of Midas competed in the band category. Returning to Buffalo this year, Midas competed in the contest, but came just short of making the cut.
"Midas missed the Wild Card spot by just one point, but they did very well," Mrs. Hawkins said. "This year has just been a great year for Cale. He's been in this contest, gone to a bunch of concerts, and met all of these people he looks up to, like the Derek Trucks Band and Soulive. He's really living his dream, which is an amazing thing for him to be doing at such a young age."
Cale Hawkins will return to the lafayette Taproom in Buffalo on Nov. 3 for the second and final round of the Memphis-Bound Blues Competition. If he wins, he will move on to the international contest in Memphis.
"I would like to go to Memphis. I've been to Florida before on a family vacation, but never anywhere where it's actually got something that's related to music," Hawkins said. "A lot of people are really interested in my music and they're surprised by how young I am and how I can play my instruments. I'm just glad that I can."
LYRICS
"WELCOME TO CONFUSION" High above the clouds where everyone is all the time
(They don't know what they've been told, they can't speak their minds)
It's not say but what you do that's who you are
(But living by that attitude won't get you very far)
Welcome to confusion
The end of the world
Tell all the boys and girls
Can't you see, it'll be the end of you and me
"HIGH TIME" Well listen up people, have I got news for you
You may be having hard times in your life
But don't get down about your problems don't keep em all inside
Just let em out baby, and everything will be right
You're gettin' low about your problems
Well we all got em, there's nothing new here
So stop complaining, and start explaining
And soon they won't be near
It's high time we've found our reason
We've found our way
We've found our season
I hope it stays
Well I have been at this point for so long I'm getting bored
Seems like everybody's standing still
They say money makes the world go round, but I just see it slowing down
People being held against their will
Always anticipating, just sitting and waiting
For a little change to come
You think you're so different, I think you're so ignorant
Why don't you pay a little attention?
Hope it stays, hope it stays
Stays, stays, stays
I hope it stays, I hope it stays, I hope it stays
Stays, stays, stays... stays, stays....
"TRAGIC" She says she's not to be trifled with
On the account of how she is
She don't know where she's going
And she don't know how she feels
And now she's stuck flipped over with her head in the sand
Didn't even bother to turn around
She needs something that'll make her understand
Before she's lost and can never be found
It's tragic
Tragic how it had to end this way
It's tragic
Tragic, tragic, tragic
She's painting pictures with kaleidoscope eyes
Behind a banner of blue and gray
And all the while she's thinking what a surprise
But I think that in fact she knew all day
And now she's down one to many she done maxed out her life
And now she's leaving it for better days
And inside she's not thinking about why
But how it came to be this way
"I WON'T GO BACK" I've been there, no matter what you say to me
I'm not going back
I wasted all my time, hanging on that line
And I can't make up my mind
But I won't go back
I've been there, a thousand times before today
I'm not going back
I wasted all my time, making stupid rhymes
And I can't make up my mind
But I won't go back
"CAUGHT" I've made up my mind
Don't have to think about it, I'm doing just fine
But when it's not right
Does that justify it just because it was mine?
These random acts are breaking me down
I don't know where to go
These random acts are breaking me down
Am I good on my own?
Sometimes I feel like I'm caught in a sandstorm
When you're caught in the middle
There's no room on each side of you you're stuck there for life
And when you are little
Can someone pick on you even if they're not your size
"RISE ABOVE" There is no end, just insanity
I just can't win, and get rid of vanity
I want to rise above, paint my sky with gold
I want to rise above, soon enough, I'll be gone
We can't tell how the wind is gonna blow
We can just guess but it leaves us feelin low
I can't pull life when I'm running out of breath
But I can do fine with what I got left