Harley Poe: Satan, Sex and No Regrets

…So I freaked out.

I was ready to go record a new album, but it was going to be a long time until the band would be able to get the new songs down.  It was hard enough getting together for practice, let alone booking studio time.  Plus, I started this band as an acoustic project, and though Wretched. Filthy. Ugly. Is one of my favorite albums, we had definitely strayed from my original vision and I wasn’t content with the sound anymore.

Wes had recently joined the band, Travis had joined and quit, and Kevin wasn’t able to dedicate enough time for the amount of practice we were trying to fit in.  Members kept changing and the acoustic sound was getting lost.  Over the years, I had allowed a cocktail kit, keyboards, and electric guitar to jump into the mix, but now I was ready for some quietness. 

I wanted to emphasize the lyrics and slow things down a bit.  I wanted to go solo.  I booked some studio time without talking to the band, and I gathered some of my favorite songs to play by myself along with some new ones I had planned to use for our next “punk” album.  I wasn’t sure what was going to happen with us since I knew Cris liked to play the kit, Wes liked electric guitar, and Gregg was comfortable on the keys, but I was so tired of how loud everything had gotten and I missed that acoustic sound.

On December 16^th, 2011, I met Anthony Fanger at his apartment in Fort Wayne.  We listened to music, watched movies, got fucked up, and stayed up most of the night.  After a few hours of sleep, we got up, got breakfast, and met Geoff Montgomery at his studio.  I spent most of the 17^th laying down eleven songs for Harley Poe’s new album Satan, Sex and No Regrets.  Geoff recorded my vocals and guitar simultaneously without a metronome.  If I fucked up a song, we’d just start over.  Toward the end I lost my voice and settled for some imperfections, but was ultimately very satisfied with what was happening.  I called Gregg after a bit to come over and throw down some upright and things were beginning to come together.

After Christmas, the rest of the band joined in and we spent a day adding the guitjo and upright bass, a day doing some backups and brushes, and a final day mixing.  We recorded an album over a couple Saturdays on a whim, and I think it’s our best work.  There was a moment that I almost left the band out, which would have been a huge mistake, but good thing for me I was forced to my senses and realized Harley Poe doesn’t function correctly without those assholes.  We all channel the same Spirit.  The members that make up Harley Poe are a body.  We live by the flesh, we are controlled by our sexual nature, and we regret nothing.

      

http://www.chainsmokingrecords.com/store/item/CSR018/

So here are the lyrics to the new album.  No more guessing and no more emails, please.


STILL HERE.  This song is Harley Poe’s first real love song.  It’s dedicated to the girl of my dreams; the girl I’ve shared my life with for the last seventeen or so years.  When things turn to shit, the end will come quickly, and it will be short and sweet just like this song.

Plants are brown sky is red everyone we know is dead

And I’m happy for them ‘cause we’re still here

You’re still alive and so am I the world belongs to us now

Except for those who’ve lost their minds they’re still out there

But so what? I haven’t seen them in awhile

Don’t lose hope just give me one more smile

‘Cause I’m still here

So now will you do shrooms with me? no one here to judge you as far as I can see

And the government can’t do shit about it

Pick your favorite car we’ll take the keys and drive it far

And then make love in the back seat while we’re still lit

It’ll be fun you know we’ll have a good time

Until the Earth chooses not to provide

We make such a lovely pair with our middle fingers in the air

EVERYBODY KNOWS MY NAME.  I’ve already explained this song in the Wretched. Filthy. Ugly. post a year or two back.

I’m the one I am ignored when your teenagers are bored

Foolishness will hand their careless lives to me

They don’t fear what they don’t know

Through their ignorance I glow

As they flicker from this dream I’ll set them free

Through cancer and disease I’ll take with me whom I please

No need to run you can fight and face defeat

Through religion and deceit and science and conceit

Try to stop me but in the end I can’t be beat

I’ll be at it once again you’ll all face me in the end

It should be fun as I swat you down like flies

So when it’s time for you to go don’t you cry ‘cause don’t you know

It’s appointed once for every man to die

But what happens when you’re dead ain’t my problem but I’ve read

You’ll burn in Hell for all eternity

Life wasn’t all that great but please make no mistake

It gets much worse after you’ve met me

I’m the reason your sick ones pray to God as they lie there still

I’m the reason they cry out because I kill through different sources I may use

And everybody knows my name everybody knows my name

Everybody plays my game and everybody knows my name

As I close my eyes to die I will not fear I will not cry

As I travel down this road I gave my all I took my load

As I lay my head to rest God you know I did my best

Was it you or I who turned? Whose fault is it that I must burn?

IMA KILLER.  This song was originally written for Joshua Hull’s new film Idiot Gore, but the production has been delayed.  The song is about two people that might have once loved each other, but as time goes by, people change, motives are revealed, new truths are realized.  People can be so deceitful, and sometimes the ones closest to you can be complete strangers.

Olive green was the color of her pretty eyes

Soft and warm was the feeling in between her thighs

69 is the number that we used in bed

I forget how many times that you fucked with my head

God damn I don’t think I’ll ever understand

God damn could I ever really be your man?

I know I never want to be alone

How’d I ever think that I could call you my own

I used to think I really knew you well

Who’d-have-thought you’d go astray? Oh baby

After years and years of following

Who’d-have-thought that we’d end this way?

And I’m a killer everything’s gonna be alright

I’m a killer everything’s gonna be alright

I’m gonna kill her if I see her at that party tonight

‘cause I’m a killer everything’s gonna be alright

94 was the year that you said I do

95 was the year that you said we’re through

96 tears is what I cry cry cry

But I’ll never ever know why you lie lie lie

I don’t know what my spirit needs

But right now I want to watch you bleed

We both know that you’re no good for me

Que sera sera whatever will be will be

Used to think you really knew me well

Who’d-have-thought I’d go astray

After years and years of following

Somehow I knew that we’d end this way

I love you I need you I want you I cut you up

Please help me I can’t see but our Father has shown me

Without you I can’t feel I’m useless but you’re not real

‘Cause you’re not mine and I’m a killer

FATHER McKEE.  You can thank Cris for this one.  He came up with the title and the first line back when we were on tour in New York, and I just went with it.  I don’t like religion. I don’t care for people who follow it blindly.  I hate hypocrites.  I hope this song upsets people.  It’s supposed to.

Father McKee touched me in more ways than one

I learned of sexuality through God’s chosen son

I sang for him and I prayed with him and I did it on my knees

Father McKee taught me how to say please

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

He used to make me sing that tune as he was going down

I’d meet him in confession and we’d drink up all the wine

Me and father McKee we had a good time

Father McKee said that we were free

He keeps me safe from the enemy

Father McKee laid his hands on me

He helped me to see the Devil lives inside of me

Father McKee doesn’t love me as much as I hate him

I found out just the other day that he’s been touching Tim

An orphan and a choir boy he’s got one up on me

As I lay them down I pray God forgive thee

Father McKee I know not what I do

But it was you who made those videos

Atheists and pagans hear my plea

I’ll be set free to manifest the beast in me

TRANSVESTITES CAN BE CANNIBALS TOO.  This song first appeared on Harley Poe’s debut album “In the Dark.”  It’s one of my favorites, so I’ve included a stripped down version on the new record.  Besides, our first album is out of print.  I consider myself different from most people.  It’s hard to find others that share in my enthusiasm for the garbage in which I revel.   It’s not a big surprise that I get made fun of a lot by others.  But I like being different, I like walking alone, and I like feasting on the sheep who’d feel much safer if I were just like them.

Original illustration from In the Dark by Joe Whiteford

I hate the way that I look in my own clothes

So I wear my wife’s when I go to the town

You think it’s gross when I’m wearing her pantyhose

You call me sick and you call me a clown

I think I may I think I might have human tonight

Don’t come to me ‘cause I’m coming to you

I think I may I think I might have you for a bite

I’m gonna cook me up some he-man stew

‘Cause transvestites can be cannibals too

And I’ll feel better after I eat you

‘Cause I hate people when they’re not polite

If you end up on my table then it serves you right

And when I was young I wore my sister’s clothes

I liked to paint my nails and I had secrets no one knows

But now that I’m grown up I cook dinner for my wife

I still carry my secrets along with a butcher’s knife

I hate the popular people ‘cause I ain’t popular

I’ll eat these words tomorrow ‘cause I’m bipolar

It’s okay to be different unless you’re all by yourself

You think you’re so fucking special but you’re just like everyone else

I just don’t understand the reason why I sin

Why can’t I be a bigger man and walk away when

You tear me down and make me feel like I’m worth nothing?

But then again I’m sure that you deserve what you’ll be getting

So you don’t like being tied up well I don’t like being me

You’re so shallow-minded you think I’m only what you see

Take me out of the herd and put me on display in front of your friends

Not knowing that this mistake could lead to your miserable end

‘Cause I’m rude I’m ugly I’m everything you hate

And I’m here tonight to put you on my plate

I don’t care for your opinion I don’t want your point of view

Tonight I’ll have a feast with compliments to you

 THE HEARSE SONG.  This isn’t my song and there are many different versions and lyrics to it.  It is also called “Worms” and it’s an old Halloween song that I heard as a kid.  My version is just a combination of some of the different lyrics I’ve found for it over the internet and in books.  Look it up.

       

      TAXIDERMY GIRL.  Someone once said to me, “For a guy who’s only been in one serious relationship, you sure write a lot of songs about heartache and breakin’ up.” Well this is another one of those songs.  The relationship I share with my wife is pure bliss, so it’s easy for me to imagine how shitty life would be without her.  It would be such a shock to ever find out that it’s all just a lie.  If I lost her to someone else I don’t think anyone in this world would be able to fill the void.

You were young you were bright you were a star in the night you were gorgeous

How it turned me on as you danced on our lawn in your wedding dress

Then one day out of the blue you said baby we’re through I don’t love you

You said I found someone new who does all of those things you can’t do

Well you left with your things in his car you went far but I found you

 I burst through the door as you were playing his whore oh how could you?

And I held up my knife and screamed you stole my wife now you’ll pay

You cried as I slashed him and I yelled shut up and hear what I say

This is what I said: you are my wife and I am your husband

God brought us together but I’m fixing to take you apart

I’ll pack you with sawdust and dress you up in pretty things

Without you as my wife I’ve no reason for life but I’ve still got my art

I’ve got my art

I tied you to a chair ‘cause life just ain't fair but what can you do

You broke my heart so I’ll tear him apart and soon I’ll kill you too

Unless you repent of your sin and come back home to your husband where you belong

I’m gonna tear out your eyes and your insides as I sing this song

 THAT TIME OF THE MONTH.  These lyrics are also explained in an earlier post.

The moon tonight it shines so bright reflects off your teeth as you snarl and bite

Your breasts grow hair you know I don’t care you’re still my gal but I would not dare

Upset you now there’s sweat on my brow I swallow my pride as you start to growl

That time again because of your sin you’re on the rag and the killings begin

Up and down the streets of town I look for a wolf but she can’t be found

Oh girl is it wrong when you’re in that thong

When I know that you won’t be a girl for long

You slut you tease you dancing sleaze I’m on my knees and I’m begging you please

Come home before you change for the worse

It runs in your family girl you got the curse

You’re emotional to say the least but you make a lovely beast

It’s not your fault that you’re a bitch not like a vampire or a witch

You’re on all fours it turns me on but I think that I should run

You’re ravenous it’s your time of the month

Sometimes I wish that you were dead

Despite the way you move and how you play with my head

And God has left you empty and the mark is on your hand

A silver bullet in your heart I hope you understand

There’s blood all over your face and there’s hair all over the place

And there’s hair all over your face and there’s blood all over the place

I AM THE LIVING DEAD.  This song was written for the soundtrack of a zombie film supposedly being shot here in Kokomo.  It’s simply about living in this city, growing up, and doing your best not to become like the other sad souls that are trapped here.  Many people think this town is a dead end, so they leave just to find another dead end in a bigger city.  But it’s not Kokomo that is dead—it’s the people that choose to stop living.  If more people with ambition and a sense of adventure would stick around long enough to make things exciting, then this town wouldn’t seem so sad.  Instead it’s left here with those who are brain dead and would rather exist only to consume.  But one doesn’t need to live in Kokomo to become the living dead.  I do my best to stay alive no matter what city I’m in.

Wake up look around everybody’s dead living in this town

But we’re bright and young and we don’t care

‘Cause we know that we’re gonna get out of here

It’s their fate their luck it’s where they belong

They drag themselves around with the same old song

Who’d-have-thought they’d get a bite out of me

Fuckin’ up the cards and my destiny

I always thought I was different from the bunch

Now all I can think about is eating you for lunch

I am the living dead a single thought floating in my head

I got a hunger growing deep inside it’s alive it’s alive

Now I know it could be worse but is a zomibied humanity really a curse?

No fear I’m already dead never have to worry about who’s in my bed

Or friends a job it’s all obsolete the only thing that matters is what I will eat

Blood brains the Holy Grail I got my eye and it’s focused and I’m not gonna fail

I always thought I was special but I’m not

I’m nothing but another piece of meat making up the lot

There was a time I was alive but now gone are the good old days

I had my dreams but so it seems that living was just a faze

VAMPIRE’S NIGHT OUT.  There are a lot of users in this world, but that’s okay, because some people really like being used.  Sometimes I think we’re each destined to be one or the other.

Original illustration from In the Dark by Joe Whiteford

Went to a bar I saw you sitting there pretty as sin and your skin so dang fair

You offered me a drink I said “no, but that’s sweet”

You didn’t have a clue I saw you as meat

Talked for awhile you started to smoke a cigarette

You said you wanted to party I said “I bet”

College girl like you with nothing to do

Let’s go back to my place and I’ll show you a thing or two

Went back to my apartment started to mess around

But when I showed her my fangs she showed me a frown

I said I don’t want you I want your blood

Nothing personal but you got to do what you got to do

To make it in a world that doesn’t even care about you

You were in the wrong bar during the wrong night

These are the cards you were dealt so why fight?

I wish it could be a better way but we really weren’t given the choice

You see I’m at the top of the food chain baby and in my world you don’t have a voice

I shouldn’t complain you shouldn’t complain

In a world where death is so much gain

OUIJA. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I’d made different choices; taken a different road.  Though I treasure the life I’ve been given, what if…?  Life is all about making choices and then living with those decisions.  I do my best to accept the consequences of my actions while I’m alive, but who knows—there might be hell to pay when I die.

Gonna play a show at a house tonight

Gonna turn up the tunes gonna turn down the lights

Kids lookin’ ripe and lookin’ good

Who’s to say I wouldn’t only if I could?

I feel I missed my road when I said no

But you can’t have it all that’s how things go

So I’ll just play my guitar and when I’m through

I’ll sit all by myself thinking of you

After awhile getting high in the bathroom gets old

Drinking too much well it’s making my face look oh so old

Now let’s do something different now that we’re all here

Nothing wrong with dancing and drinking beer

But I’m without my Lord so I brought my board

Place your hands on the Ouija in one accord

Friend are you near? Friend can you hear?

Enter our lives you have nothing to fear

How did you die? Possess me and cry

Do as you will but don’t you lie

Can’t you see can’t you see can’t you see I’m in pain?

Give me some truth to the other side

At least tell me your name

Do what you want

If you were evil then do evil (then I’ll do evil)

If you were good did you regret it?

Were you successful? Were you clever?

When you wanted it did you get it?

Well here’s your chance do it again

Do it through me but it’s still your sin

I want to taste it no consequences

We’ll give each other our second chances

Who’s to say I won’t ‘cause I know I could?