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Rome's Burning by rtcooper [Email]
Genre: Folk-Rock

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 1603
Comments: 42
Votes:
Plays: 376
Last Played: Sep 26, 2008 - 09:10:09 AM
Downloads: 30
Fans: 9
Uploaded: Nov 17, 2006 - 08:12:09 PM
Last Updated: Nov 20, 2006 - 08:26:18 AM
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Keywords:
Empire (1), Self Reliance (1)
Description:
Now labeled Folk/Rock this case is a Talking Blues. So, not BLUES Blues, more Rock than that, but from the Folk idiom of the everyday.

Torn From The Headlines, as they say, the observation/declaration of an everyman.

Best,
Coop

Lyrics:
ROME’S BURNING

It’s Four in the morning and the rain’s coming harder
Money clip’s empty and there’s nothing in the larder
My Woman’s crying
Crying in her sleep
I walk the dark hallway
Trying to think
I’m the Man, must be a job for me to do
This ain’t the way it was ‘sposed to be, you know
Rags to Riches was the Story I’s told.

The money drawer’s empty
The cabinets are bare
Everybody’s at a Wal Mart, somewhere.
Factory’s closed. Prob’ly fall down.
By then there won’t be nothing left of this town.
But, I’m the Man
Must be a job that needs doin’
A man without a job’s not a Fortress
He’s just a ruin.

The Boys in Washington are having a Big Time,
They get everything they want,
They got All of mine.
They fight all the time; I wish they’d get a Girl
Fight amongst themselves, and not with the Rest of the World.
I love the soldiers, love the Honor they show,
But I could still do that,
If they all come Home, you know

For a Country to Lead, Others have to follow,
Must be better for all, or else it just goes Hollow.
Sheiks and Mullahs and militia Fong Gong
Got to be someway for People to get on.
We got Fascists, and Rapists, and Liberals, too,
If it weren’t for Oil and Gas,
What the Hell would they Do?

Lots of things out there, waiting to get Right,
But Jesus ain’t around here to lead that Fight.
So, I just try to find the Right thing to do
And hope that others out there do that too
‘Cause there’s only one man that I rule
Others have funny ideas about the number
But they’re not the ones that you find among the Humble.

Halliburton, Brown Root, Enron,
Name your poison.
Washington and Wall Street got you coming and going
Just another Empire,
The Cosmic Joker’s working
Overtime, until the Final Curtain
So long as there’s Bread, and Circus, TV
The Fat Lady may sing,
But who’s going to see?

Fiddling while Rome’s Burning.


Copyright 2006 Stillwater llc




Hardware:
The Beater Strat, Vox ToneLab, PreSonus BlueTube mic pre, Presonus FireBox, AKG condenser

Software:
GB2, TTD ColorTone, PEAK
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I love that &mdash 11/17/06 - 09:06:23 PM
Brings me back to the "contest songs" times. You have something to say, which is not so common, and you say better : you sing it ! Great song, great performer. Congratulations, Coop !

[ Reply to This ]
EH, BIEN &mdash 11/18/06 - 06:44:24 AM
You are the First Person I thought of when I Posted this song. It is So Apt that you are the first to listen and Critique!



Thank You for the Crit and very kind words.



With Best Regards,

Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
peter gunn redux &mdash 11/17/06 - 09:39:38 PM
liked that peter gun style riff with a early beatle flair with alot of drive through out. doesn't run out of gas either. if i was going out to do some heavy drinking tonight this would be the tune to get me up for it. fantastic lyrics.

Vic

[ Reply to This ]
INDEED, REDUX &mdash 11/18/06 - 06:58:42 AM
PETER GUNN! Had not thought of that! Though it adds to the inveterate 60s thing, No? The Riff is, actually, also from the 60s in origin, but a pattern I arrived at trying to mimic MUDDY WATERS' lead guitar player, as a kid.



Speaking of 60s, didn't you Guys just Post RISIN' SUN, or the like? Van Zandt, a Giant of a Man. I will check it out.



Thank You for the Crit. Always good to hear from You.



With Best Regards,

Coop

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
Classic rtcooper &mdash 11/17/06 - 09:44:29 PM
Isn't that the damn truth. Nice job getting that all in there. This is very cool Hugh.

[ Reply to This ]
OPERATIVE WORD &mdash 11/18/06 - 07:08:53 AM
I'm afraid "Damn" is right or, at least, the way it makes me feel.



Thank You for Two things: "Lucky One", foremost (almost enough to get me to buy an iPod!). This is just a Fine piece of TEXAS John Luper, at His Best. A Fine Listen, Brother!



Also, for your Crit and staying for the Whole Movie!



With My Best to You,

Coop

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
Nice! &mdash 11/18/06 - 01:24:36 AM
I loved listening to this and all you had to say here. The lyrics are brilliant!

[ Reply to This ]
HEY, CHICAGO! &mdash 11/18/06 - 07:19:04 AM
This piece is like trying to read on the El, now that I listen to it here!



First time I've tried a Talkin' Blues, and I'm starting to think it takes some practice. If I thought you Guys got mad about this stuff, I'd ReTrx the thing so that it actually scans (it did, in my Head!) and to drop the dreadful Vox Delay, that sounded so Cool in the Phones, laying it down. Think I'm glad Ol' IK didn't get a shot at This production choice!



Thank You for the Crit and the Endurance to Get to the End of the piece.



With My Best Regards,

Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
keepin on brother &mdash 11/18/06 - 07:38:02 AM
the talking blues style seems perfect for your voice and a great way to rant. great lyriccs, guitar, production. a perfect 10!

[ Reply to This ]
THE BOYS! &mdash 11/18/06 - 07:53:03 AM
You Guys record LIVE and I can understand what You're Saying! (The new KATY'S RAT Sessions are Hot! Top Form, Boys!)



Yeah. It IS a Rant, just sort of Straight Through to the Mic. Maybe should have listened to that Delay choice before I Posted - But, I Knew the Lyrics! C'est La Guerre, Eh?



I was afraid you Boys might not like it. Thanks Many for the CRIT.



Very Best,

Coop

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
Ta- &mdash 11/18/06 - 07:55:32 AM
runnah, nanah, nanh....nuhn,
Ta-runnah, nanah, nanh....nuhn
Ta-runnah, nanah, nanh....nuhn
Ta-runnah, nanah, nanh....nuhn

Sure know how to shake it loose, Coop!

Funny, a comment above about Peter Gun, took the words right outta my mouth, the very first thought that popped in my head when the song started. But the song didn't go there really.

You sure know how to wrap a bundle of great prose into a nice tune!

Kudos!

. - Harold

[ Reply to This ]
HEY, HR &mdash 11/18/06 - 07:59:06 AM
Say, HRLUPER, I see you up There.



It started out, Harold, as a Straight Blues, but this other thing Jumped Up, don't Ya know? It sort of, just, Took Over. Now, you have to Read the Lyrics, or call me to Recite the thing! I'll be back to the Real Stuff, next time.



Best to You,

Cooper

[ Reply to This ]
Heh &mdash 11/18/06 - 08:03:46 AM
Singin' it's good going for me!

Thanks again, Best Regards to you too!

. - Harold

[ Reply to This ]
Now that's... &mdash 11/18/06 - 10:49:09 AM
...entertainment! Great jam with lyrics to match. Topical yet eternal I'm afraid. You captured the big picture as seen by a single man, every man. The geetars continue to sound fabulous.

[ Reply to This ]
YOU NAILED IT, AGAIN &mdash 11/19/06 - 07:12:33 PM
You're right, again. The Guitars have a power the narrator is doubtful about, anymore.



Say, there LA, thank you for the Crit.



And Best Regards,

Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
Rocker &mdash 11/18/06 - 05:56:46 PM
This is the best kind of rambling rock, and I like what you're rambling about. I like your song art, but this might also work:

http://www.thenation.com/images/comixnation/parada_upinsmoke.jpg

That first riff did make me think Peter Gunn, and elsewhere I thought of the Georgia Satellites. But overall it's just that cool, raw Coop vibe. Nice going, man!


[ Reply to This ]
MR. PCV TEX &mdash 11/19/06 - 07:17:42 PM
Couldn't get that Page to open, but I'll keep trying.



It's like the Vibe, don't Ya know, I just keep Tryin'.



Thank You, Brother for the Crit.



Very Best Regards to You,

Coop

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
rock in on &mdash 11/18/06 - 06:25:26 PM
As soon AS i started to read the lyrics along with the song I was hooked, couldnt stop. Great song, yeah rome is burning and the rest of the world too

[ Reply to This ]
SAY, EG &mdash 11/19/06 - 07:22:53 PM
Good the Lyrics are there, cause even I can get lost in that Delay FX. I must have been distracted or on Acid. I forget!



Love your New One with BUD.



Very Best,

Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
real nice cadance. (sp) &mdash 11/18/06 - 08:25:49 PM
. lots to say. love the guitar battle at the end. nice eq. not sure what i think of the effects on your voice. i would like to hear it with less i think.
i have been tring to write a song in this style for a while. think i will go back and do some work on it tonight
tim

[ Reply to This ]
Say, MR. TMCFATE &mdash 11/19/06 - 07:27:36 PM
Yeah. LESS would have been MORE this time, Eh? I missed it cause I knew the Lyrics and always Track without FX. Lost Track. I have a Version without the Delay. It's BETTER, big time. Good Call, Brother.



With Best Regards,

Coop

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
Timely, Topical and Terrific!!! &mdash 11/19/06 - 04:57:16 PM
Much more fun than a New York Times Op-Ed piece, but saying all the things that need to be said.

Well done, my friend. I'm glad to see you're on a roll.

[ Reply to This ]
JR "Mississippi" Gurner &mdash 11/19/06 - 07:33:16 PM
Say, Brother,

Been Missing You, around. Almost sent you this one, but I want you to look at "Stolen Hearts", which I mean to send to You. Think You could Really make That one Walk the Walk.



Yeah. Maureen Dowd Digs this One. Heh, Heh.



Very Best to You,

Coop

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
Hey, Coop &mdash 11/19/06 - 08:47:13 PM
what the heck is a "larder?" :)

Lotta truth in them words youra singin'. Nice tune!

[ Reply to This ]
MR. 67 &mdash 11/19/06 - 09:30:23 PM
I mean if you wanted to get some victuals for Miss AMANDA ROSE, you'd get them from the "larder", Eh?



Fabulous job on AMANDA ROSE, I mean Every Which Way, Man! Fran was a Genius Stroke. What a Fine Piece.



Thank You, Brother,

Very Best Regards,

Coop

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
Wordsmith! &mdash 11/20/06 - 12:50:25 AM
Hey Coop, thanks for the headsup - another excellent set of lyrics and terrific performance from you. Much admiation for your ability to string words together - I know it's not easy getting that flow. The strat is in fine form.
Good one!
Neil

[ Reply to This ]
THE GENTLE OCEAN GIANT &mdash 11/20/06 - 08:01:26 AM
Just heard Clouds Across the Sky featuring a beautifully Scanning, quietly Powerful set of JIGUMA Lyrics, and am honored by your compliment, Sir.



Your ability to accept Back Room Barfly music like Rome's after writing/playing Clouds Across the Sky Makes me Marvel.



My Very Best Regards to You,

Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
Good point &mdash 11/20/06 - 04:41:17 PM
Good rock'n roll' tune. Enjoyed the lyrics. 'A man without a job%u2019s not a Fortress - He%u2019s just a ruin'. Good one!

Nice simple choice of hook-line makes it catchy.
Another good song from you my friend:)

[ Reply to This ]
A PLAINT &mdash 11/26/06 - 01:28:38 AM
More of a Plaint than a Prayer, as "Let No One" strikes me, this just happened while thinking about things.



Your song reminds me of "Silent Night", a homily written by my great, great uncle, many Christmas times ago.



My Very Best Regards to You,

Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
great words &mdash 11/22/06 - 05:06:32 PM
snappy song got some of the loosness ya find in Tom Waits later stuff and of course Mr Zimmerman also got bags of sincerity, great tune.

[ Reply to This ]
Say, Brother &mdash 11/26/06 - 01:37:29 AM
On My Mind. Off My Chest.

Isn't that a Great Thing about GB?



Thank You for the Crit.



With Best Regards,

Coop

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
this is supa !! &mdash 11/23/06 - 03:46:05 AM
thats rock my friend ...best kind !!
fav downloads and enjoyed the listen
so much ...this is more fogerty than Dylan
such style you pick ...!!!!!!!
well done !

[ Reply to This ]
My Distant Friend &mdash 11/26/06 - 01:41:07 AM
I'm sure we think about many of the same things.



This piece lists a few of mine, Eh?



Very Best to You,

Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
love &mdash 11/23/06 - 11:30:57 AM
the reverb on the vocal...reminds me of those rockabilly stage vocal bands....nice guitar tones......rock on rock on...

[ Reply to This ]
TOO MUCH &mdash 11/26/06 - 01:51:12 AM
I think I "Loved" the Vox FX, Too Much, here, because I Tracked it Clean and was not being too critical, at the time.



BUT you seem to have guessed that I am BIG on Rockabilly - first guitar lesson were from a West Virginia mountain man!



Your Crit is humbly received, Sir.



Best Regards to You,

Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
Great stuff... &mdash 11/25/06 - 12:17:18 AM
...I thought you'd outdid yourself with Hula Moon (a fave). But you've even topped that one here (but not by too much!). Excellent vox and guitar and driving rhythms!

As for Washington: ABOLISH THE FED!!!

Way to go man!



[ Reply to This ]
MY MAN &mdash 11/26/06 - 01:57:43 AM
How about ALL the Pols, for Heaven's Sake.



While "Hula Moon" was a dream, this is more a nightmare. Constantly recurring!



Very Best to You,

Coop

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
new age bob dylan &mdash 11/25/06 - 09:16:21 PM
got a feeling of bob dylan with lots of effects on the vocals. not sure whether or not i like the ammount of effects, but makes it unique sounding anyways. in some spots i like it. the instrumental is pretty cool. nice lyrics.

[ Reply to This ]
Say, Chance! &mdash 11/26/06 - 02:04:34 AM
There's some Dylan in all of us!



Not sure I like the Vox FX, too much, either. I ReMixed with the FX down; it's really better. I'd Post, but I would lose the page and all the Comments, such as Yours.



Than You, Man.



Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
APPRECIATION &mdash 11/27/06 - 08:29:20 AM
THANK YOU is most often spelled witha K at the end!



Well, You know what I meant.

Thank You, Chance



Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
DOWN N DIRTY &mdash 01/09/07 - 01:38:55 PM
i really like the music on this one - how down and dirty it is, and also how you've mixed it nice and big against your vocal. loved the Walmart line, and the Honor reference was right on. thank you for the ear ride, anne

[ Reply to This ]
HEY, YOU! &mdash 01/11/07 - 02:52:41 PM
I been on a Steady Diet of I JUST WANNA and DANCE! for the last week or so (speaking of FINE RIDES) - it's Very Health Promoting!



May have to consider some fine California Red Wine along with the Bourbon, if You Keep THIS sort of thing Goin' On!



I appreciate your Crit a lot. I know you Know 'bout the Music.



With Very Best Regards,

Cooper

---
"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

[ Reply to This ]
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