torstai 28. marraskuuta 2013



BAABELI

Parhaan kaverin pikkuserkku, cowboy
Tukholmasta tulee kylään.

Risaiset farkut & musta T-paita:
KISS, kaksi salamaa.

Näyttää suurimman arpensa. Huda, huda!
Ensimmäistä kertaa on tyttöjä mukana.

Parvi pärähtää pihalta metsään.
On vain etsijöitä. Apinoiden planeetta.


© AP KIVINEN

keskiviikko 27. marraskuuta 2013

Valley Below II - Dog Day

My lyrics for the Dog Day-album (Valley Below, 2010).

01. The Taming
02. Demolition Derby
03. Clicks
04. Good Killer
05. Dog Day
06. Prairie Rose
07. And the Mourning
08. Primitives
09. Blue-Collar-Bill
10. Kick-Off
11. No Drama


The Taming (>listen)

So this is Laura, my landlady
lucky me, I can see her through
my window - and I’m well ready
before the door is closed in her T-Ford.

And she can see that this is me
wearing nothing but her kind of tweed.
And she can see that this is me
not any thief - this is her belief
And the shining silver is cheating me.

And I’m not tellin’ any jokes
Well, I’m not one of those blokes.
And I’m quite a good fella
And I’m holding my umbrella.

So I’m not singing any old sweet
melody in any corner of the street
but you tell me, are you angry with me
and who’s in need of this taming
when the roaring is about to begin.

And the door is closed in her T-Ford.

© AP KIVINEN


Demolition Derby  (>listen)

You know 
I used to be a driver
long and straight was the road
to the bottom line
what a way to drive
I was divine

Well, you know
I used to be the driver
Now I’m the vehicle.

You know
I used to step on the gas
wear a mask, day after day.
You know I used to say hey, hey
pedal to the medal
is the perfect way.

Well, you know
I used to be the driver
Now I am the vehicle
I’m wearing this costume
and collision is my dress code
has gotten rotten and rusty
worn out – and out of date.

Well, this is the day at a lifelong race
Am I - in a right or wrong place
when I hesitate – take a break
take a break - look at my face!

© AP KIVINEN


Clicks    (> listen)

I hate this
when all the clicks
and the techniques
turn out to dominate.
I hate this - and I need this
god damn plague
when we calculate
and you’re so great!

And it’s easy to cut it out
You don’t have to
shout it out loud.
Easy to cut all the cables
and ---- I hate this.

Plan B
was treating me
automatically.
And of course
we didn’t mean
this kind of sympathy
is breaking me
from A to Z.

And it’s easy to cut it out
You don’t have to
shout it out loud.
Easy to cut all the cables
and empty the drive
then we’re all free - without ID.

It’s the same old TV-comedy, of course
you didn’t mean - I didn’t lean on
this kind of sympathy.


© AP KIVINEN



Good Killer   (>listen)

I need you.
This is the truth.
There is no excuse.
I’m not begging you.
I need to tell you
the truth.

I’m looking - not for trouble
- nor playing for double stakes.
I’m looking - not for trouble.

I’m left here without a trace
without a trace of your pretty face.

I’m lost here without a trace
without a trace of your pretty face.

Not any crazy
horse healer.         
Not any rusty   
dirty dealer       
Not any frenzy  
fortuneteller   
is good enough
a killer for this fever.

I need you.
This is the truth.

I need you.

© AP KIVINEN



Dog Day    (>listen)

This time you don’t need any weapon
Only to choose your companion.

This time you were talkin’ to me
just like the big chief.
And you told me this is the spirit
of your battlefield.

And you told me there were two dogs
deep within your very skin
And unlike peaceful twins
they were pulling the strings

and you were inbetween.

And the whole day long
went on this hunting 
and the dogs were following
even in your dreams - it’s increasing greed

And the dog you greet
is overtaking.
And the dog you feed
is finally leading.

This time you don’t need any weapon
Only to choose your companion.


© AP KIVINEN




Prairie Rose  (> listen)

It could be the edge
of your loneliness
an express - rather
than endless this train
through this desert plain.

It could be the war
you once fought inwards
Maybe your only chord
you better think once more.
What keeps you awake.

What have you got?
Your skinner’s hands?
This open wasteland?
What have you got?
This was your long and lost weekend?

And you may think there’s no limit
in all their bullshit
since you paid your visit once
and came back – without credit
and you don’t regret it.

And in the end, my dearest friend
to leave this prairie and train
for this was once your long and lost weekend.
What I really mean, what I really mean
it’s the healing, the healing rain.

© AP KIVINEN




And the Mourning    (>listen)

Light is sharp
it’s dividing the dark
as well as hiding the stars
and pointing the scars - as landmarks.
I can see clearly now – that I’m
in need of another spark.

And the morning
is loaded up.

Remember the days
when everything between
me and Mylady Spring
was turning green
by the time the morning
was breaking.
Light is sharp
it’s dividing the dark.

And the morning
is loaded up.

Just like this one
could be a ten-ton-truck.

As well as carrying love
what could be troublesome
under the sun.

Light is sharp
it’s dividing the dark.

© AP KIVINEN



Primitives    (>listen)

This is the outskirts
I’m getting closer
reaching my relatives
young and restless
I’m rough and ready.

This is the outskirts
in the crowded room
I’m closer to the Zoo
young and restless
I’m rough and ready.

And all the queens
in their teens
start to kiss.
And all the Gents
and their Ladies
Rebuild the ruins.

Keen on strings
my fingers
digging the dirt
this won’t hurt.
Just immerse.

I’m off. Looking
back and forth.

© AP KIVINEN




Blue-Collar-Bill (>listen)

I’m a man of honour
have I got a brother?
I’m a man of honour
a real blue-collar.

I’m a man of word
if you never heard.
I’m a man of world
so don’t you disturb.

This building is my song,
I’m singing along.
This building is my song.
There’s no other name
it’s working without fame.

This feeling - there was no ceiling.
Only the echoes from the loft.
Were you thinking of
the howling of the dog?

There’s no other name.
It’s blue-collar-bill.

© AP KIVINEN




Kick-Off     (>listen) 

Absolutely, you’re positive
more or less, maybe twenty-six.
Absolutely you’re still young
and definite. You think.

And Absolutely, you’re finally
more or less you’re standing  
Absolutely steady
and solid as brick. You think.

And there’s no other trick, no more
than a good kick, you think. I’m positive.
And you’re positive - through these empty streets
when you’re mourning through, in reverie
and even on your windowsill -  you come
you run across your hearthill.

Don’t you leave me standing here
this is empty street
and I’m following my heartbeat
- and absolutely I’m free.

© AP KIVINEN




No Drama      (>listen)

When I first met you
after walking miles and miles
somewhere in between the two isles.

When I first met you
It was as if I’ve read the whole script
and all of this in good spirit.

There’s no drama – no more
than wordless peace
as small as one can be – everything
in good spirit, sha-la-na.

When I first met you
somewhere in between the two isles
there must be a bridge - and it goes on for miles.

There’s no drama – nor any
sort of karma
no other words - instead the ones
you’ve just heard, sha-la-na.

(Epilogue)

And you’re still burning, yearning
to find out what was this message
you were given in the first place.
Was it something between you and me
a kind of bridge, this eclipse?
Or were they written on skin, the words
and the deeds – buried deep within?

But no sign or ink on your skin
and I believe you made a promise
not to mess with too big a fish
on this lonesome pilgrimage.

End is the new beginning
when you feel – alright, it’s a long way
to the light, in the middle of the night
there is another turnstile.

And somebody held your hand
for this little while tender was the night
before the reptiles took your time
and what could be

The door to the oldest church,
among colourful birds
a small, black bird - your soul
take good care and listen.

© AP KIVINEN



Dog Day lyrics © AP KIVINEN (2010) 


perjantai 22. marraskuuta 2013


Valley Below I: Running Rites (2007)



These are the lyrics I wrote for the first Valley Below -album, Running Rites (2007). 
Preface - as well as the lyrics - appear also in the album cover / booklet. 


00. Preface: A Prodigal

Well, it’s been a long journey, but I’m still burning, yearning to find out what was this message I was given in the first place. Was it something between you and me – a kind of bridge, this eclipse. Or was it written on skin, the words and the deeds, buried deep within. But there’s no sign of ink on my skin - and I have to begin from the beginning, by floating in this driving cage. And what a speed! It is to rage. Over the land, over the dreamland, I spin over the hills, over the cities and their prairies; not knowing what I’m carrying, bringing home – seeds or stone, a volcano. Next thing I remember I’m gasping, floating to the next station. There’s no-one around, no other incarnations. Except this lonesome rover, dressed in rags and holding a fancy bowler hat. What was it he gave me? A walking stick? And what it was I was doing here, I don’t care. The only thing I’m looking for is a new door. And I open the first door, the green door - and suddenly the wind blows - and opens all the doors - and I slide from one room to another. In the first one there are fancy wall to wall papers with thistles and of course, young couples playing poker all over the place, each one has got a fireplace – ablaze.

As if I’ve seen this all, I’m off. In the next room, in this particular doghouse there is music, god damn there is music, and everybody’s dancing and among all others I can see there is Johnny, Mike and Mr. B and the whole band of good old sisters and brothers and friends, bookends, and they are all still running, running and chasing, taming the poor old dog, it’s a working-man-waltz. Tori on piano. And there, before my very eyes the same old rover is tranformed into a beautiful young lady and she’s holding the strings and the guitar rocks and weeps - and this brings me out on the street. As soon as I get closer I recognise it is neither a coin nor a four-leaf-clover she’s holding, but a snail on the palm of her hand. And she reveals the snail itself is the message. Relief. And  I can feel somewhere out there the Galway Bay is breathing, bringing wreckages on the shore and more than ever before I’m aware of the waves and their weight, and everything is wide open and green, green and I realise this is not just a dream. Nothing is. And I feel this is just the beginning.

Fishguard - Capel Curig, Wales 1993 - 2003





01. Souvenir

Many happy returns
were mislead or never sent
And your sentence, all over again
you’re chasing Zen.

Many happy returns
now or never it’s – heads or tails
And the year of the Deer
running in North Wales.

All along the road
stories were told
All along the coast
on and off like waves
Break on to the shore
the line they walk along
and hold on strong.

All along the road
stories were told
All along the coast
they walk alone – in pairs
Up and down the number of the stairs
and footsteps you were to share
and take care of your Souvenir.




02. Selling Down the River

This river is running faster 
everyday, my Captain
she brings me another 
chapter - or so they say 
the Dice, my Partner 
in front of my eyes.

On the riverbank
you’re always looking back.
There is another show
that’s sliding slow – you hesitate
and then make a date
where the wild things grow.

My Luck how Fair you run like the River
Double six – now could you fix – I wish
All this makes me shiver.

’Cross the Ocean to the other side
where you want is hard to find
an Iceberg, you’re drifting blind
and river it runs oh so wide.

’Cross the Ocean on the other side
where there’s so much Love to hide
even in the Rising Tide 
and all you want is to be kind.

Take me to the place I know.
Take me to where I belong.

My Luck how Fair you run like the River.
Double six – now could you fix – I feel
like Selling down the River.





03. Jukeboxing

You sleep alone in the dark
corner of this hip-hop block.

Your face of plastic in this harbour
of ground breaking stock.

Is switched off 
your jukebox
is kicked off.

Touch the Button
choose the ground
movin’ – tunin’
the forgotten one.

You stand alone like a stranger here
his hand on the shoulder.

Your colourful armour 
in this harbour of laughing stock.

Just another fingertip
will kick you through this trip

And play this piece all over 
and over again.






04. Handyman 

You can – you take
advantage and blame
the driving rain
it’s all the same.

You’re ready – steady
for every fall
You’re dressed up
for another Ball.

In your Toolbox
all the shame
heavy tools without a name.

In your Toolbox
pride or groom
fills this lonesome living room.

Walking on
his battlefield
a useless tool
without a shield.

Afraid of nails
on the floor
waiting for – another
hammer to fall.

Walking all the way back home
feel it so close to the bone.

You think your balls
and holding hands

could break this wall 
to new romance.





05. Absence

Take a good look in your pockets
What have you got behind the seams?
The face of your running dreams, indeed.
What you really need lies underneath.

Are you carrying the power, bringing the flower
in full bloom in the darkest room?
Or what if you think, you know what I mean
the wall inbetween you and me.

This is your Moor, once more
you enter the Door.
This is your Moor, once more
you’re standing at the Door.
This is your Moor, once more.

Let alone the one who flew to Dublin.
All the way - and just in time, you’re running
through suburban - and what if you think,
the one bringing the ring? You’re genuine.

This is your Moor, once more
you’re standing at the Door.
This is your Moor, once more
you knock on the Door.
This is your Moor, once more.

And you’re watching me - like the TV
could I be like the one
from Notting Hill.





06. In Gratitude

Suddenly 
without any warnings
shedding tears invisible
for the sake of unknown reasons.

Suddenly
the echoes of the nature
covering everything
from heavenly sounds to undertones.

And you couldn’t fall in the Big Sleep
you had that September night
and the dream still in full bloom
in her moonlit room.

Suddenly
without any warnings
shedding tears invisible
for the sake of unknown reasons.

Sometimes you’re not that strong
and the weakness it might scare you
you recall in the moonlight
one of the last days in the fall.

When everything’s so close
you’re too close to be caught
know this what they call solitude.
But this song’s in gratitude for you.

When starting to appreciate
the Beauty of it all
When starting to see those yesterdays
in this light of day – who would you call?





07. The Driver

I’m a Driver
god damn I am
the deep diver
to Nothing’am.
With all the rage
you know this age
in this driving cage.

Would you be my guest
and drive until you dive?
Would you be my guest
and drive until you find
the end of the line
the ways you drive
to the rhythm and rhyme
that shivers down your spine.

I’m a Driver
god damn I am
the deep diver
to Nothing’am.
And it’s taking
me higher than high
ways ’cross this time.

Would you be my guest
Someday you’ll find the rest.
Would you be my guest
Someday you’ll find the rest
back against the wall
you’ll never fall
I could have sworn.

I could have flown, 
my only Jewel, I could have shown
my best Pint of Fuel.






08. Capel Curig

Silence - only streams
continuing, over the hill.
You were to share the view
and this is - you’re standing still.

Higher than the fall of streams
you’re head over heels
Closer than the four-leaf-clover
and you start all over, like the New Rover.

Today – this is a good start
all the way from Fishguard.
Today – will you grow like tree
when you’re living like a falling stream.

Today – today – you keep falling on.
Today – today – she wore a Yellow Ribbon.
And you know we might grow old - or remain unfold.

Silent – only dreams 
continuing, in the Closing Time.
On and off outdoors - you’re given 
nature of your great rewind 
in this fading daylight.

Today – like all the other Knights
you know there are no other times.
Today – you see the setting sun
the only Rover in the long run.

And if I watch carefully
I can see those streams
Flowing in the – flowing in the
eyes of my dear friend.

Today – today – keep on telling the Tale.
Today – today – your own Grail.
And you know we’re a falling flow
in the valley below.





09. Running Rite

Circle is the same.
Running every day.
Release – and this breeze
is taking over you.
Release – wild as child
hound you’re running round
and colourblind
carrying out
the Cheyenne Rite.

Dog, you’re Dancing
on your own way
for the Chief.
Dog, you’re Dancing
running every day
to an easy relief
Circle is the same.

Circle is the same.
Running every day.
Understand – there’s a chance.
This one dance.
Who’s in command?
Understand – you’ll join
or run out of reach
maybe retrieve 
and follow the chief, if you please.

Circle is the same.
Running every day.
Freeze – still this breeze
and the same old melody.
Freeze – still out of reach
you run in Cities 
and their Prairies, in front of me
the same old ceremony.

And the Seekers drumming
the ground in Circles.
And the Seekers drumming
the ground in Circles.






10. Liverpool

You know the Fields
are fine and every day
closed in time.
And every day I try
to work in my own
class without a mask.

Never mind – I’m on your side
I could be sold – I could be tied
skin and bone, your stepping stone 
I know the show and will follow
run the risk maybe sorrow.

Brush the boots
rather than Red Cherries
more black and bitter
are the berries to pick
in this Public House of tricks.

And even if I lose
someone like you
I’ll never choose
their loony tunes
and if I choose
any bride or groom

Must be as cool as you.
And in Liverpool
You’ll never walk alone.


Lyrics by AP KIVINEN (2007)