I've also released three cds of original songs, BASSMAN'S HOLIDAY, IN HARM'S WAY and THE SECRET TO SUCCESS.
Gossip made it to the top 20 in the jazz/blues category of the 10th Unisong International Songwriting Contest. Brown Paper Bag (from Bassman's Holiday) received an honorary mention in Billboard's songwriting competition.
SONGS
22A Different Man
A Dream Come True
A Right Place
African Teas
Als Het Kon
Als Ik Dans
Another Town
Apocalypso
Baby It's Me
Bad Day
Bassman's Holiday
Better Days
Big Woman Blues
Bluegrass Boogie
Boogie Woogie Man
Boy Beats Girl
Brown Paper Bag
Capelino Hunting Season
Caramba Samba
Caroline
CHAOS
Charivari Brillante (Etude In E Mineur)
Curacao
Dansles
De Kat Op Pad
Disco From Frisco
Do What You Have To Do
Don't Do Me Wrong
Don't Treat Me Like A Stranger
Don't Want To Talk About It
Drowning In My Tears
Dust And Wilderness
Dutch Blues
Falling Out Of Love With You
Feel The Beat!
Foi Foi
Geen Leven Zonder Jou
Geloof In Mij
Goin' Back To Paris
Goodbye
Good Morning Blues
Gossip #2
Happy Song
Harm's Blues
Health Food
Hey Marylou
Holy Boogie
Homemade Brew
Hot Summer Evening
Hunting For Love
Hurry Up
I Am The Moon
I'd Do It For You
If It Don't Look Good
If You See Me Walking
If You Went Away
Ik Ben Bastian
I Love My Baby
I'm Crying
I'm On The Road Again
I Need Help
I Should Know Better
It Burns For You
It's You
I've Never Seen Hawaii
I Wanna Be Happy
I Want To Believe
I Was Born In Mississippi
July (The Promised Land)
Kassa!
Katie Come Home Tonight
Kom Je Bed Uit
La Salsa De Los Muchachos
Leave Me Alone
Lethal Love
Let Me Tell You
Let's Try Again
Liefde Is Als Een Magneet
Little Girl
Lonesome Highway
Lost My Home
Love Song
Loving You
Lovin' On My Mind
Magdalena
Makes Me Feel Bad
Nature Calling
Ngoro Ngoro
Niet Eens Zoveel Verschil
Oh What A Feeling
Old Man Blues
One Day
One Step Ahead
Paris Paris
Precious Time
Pre Death Requiem
Real Man
Rejuvenation
Rock And Roll Is All It Takes
Running Out Of Tears
Sagres
Salsa
Samba Lifestyle
Saturday's Blues
Scherzo
She's Looking For Me
Sinner/Songwriter
Sioux Falls
Special Friends
Standing On The Edge Of Life
Superheld
Sweet Love
Take Me To Swine Lake
Talking To The Lord
The Clown
The Emptiness Inside
The Funk Will Take You Higher
The Grass Is On Fire
The Immaculate Conception
The Joy Of Life
The Leaves On My Tree
The Secret To Success
The Turning Point
The Weight Of The Cross
Three Pound Fist
Too Drunk To Quit Drinking
Trouble
Trust Me Baby
Twilight Of The Gods
Tijd Voor De Strijd
Under Control
Variaties Op Een Eenvoudig Thema Of (Een Man Op Een Zwart Paard Gaat Naar De Markt En Drinkt Nooit Koffie)
Verkleden
Walking
Was Het Maar Vakantie
Wat Een Ontvangst
We Leven Als Een God In Frankrijk
Wet Asphalt
What Goes Around
Where I Feel Fine
Why Don't You Love Me?
Why Do You Look So Sad?
Why Must I
Winter
You Better Move On
You Dance With Me
You Don't Live Here Anymore
Young Boys And Girls (On The Old Side Of Town)
You Really Hurt Me
Your True Desire
22
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
A DIFFERENT MAN
words & music: Harm van Sleen
A DREAM COME TRUE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
A RIGHT PLACE
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
AFRICAN TEAS
words & music: Harm van Sleen
ALS HET KON
music: Harm van Sleen words:Marian van Gog
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
ALS IK DANS
music: Harm van Sleen words:Marian van Gog
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Mei by Benny Vreden Produkties
ANOTHER TOWN
words & music: Harm van Sleen
In another town I'd never worry about right or wrong
In another town I could speak my native tongue
I'd know the tune, I could play the game
When things went wrong I'd know just who to blame
In another time
In another time, to you ity's all a mystery
In another time, you wouldn't know my history
You wouldn't know what happened way back when
I wouldn't pay for the same mistakes again
In another time
It was a better world lost in space and time
Down here I can't find peace of mind
I keep getting into trouble as I go running around
Until I find my way, until I find my way
To another town
In another world, I wouldn't be a wanted man
In another world the things I do wouldn't be condemned
You'd mind your own business all the time
What I did, man, you wouldn't give a damn
In another world
APOCALYPSO
music: Harm van Sleen
BABY IT'S ME
words & music: Harm van Sleen
Once you were smiling, you even tried to laugh out loud
Sweet curls were falling, you know you made your old man proud
In a naive way your eyes always seemed to be open wide
You looked so strong, nothing to hide
That is the way I want to hold you in my arms
But now you're so dirty, it's a disgrace to your charms
Sometimes I can't answer the questions you want to ask
You force me to drop my loving mask
Baby it's me, baby it's me, uh huh
I've come to punch your pretty face
Baby it's me, baby it's me, uh huh
The devil's come to take my place
Baby it's me, baby it's me, uh huh
It's your turn now to feel
The scars that do not heal
I guess it's a role that I sometimes have to play
Don't try to blame me, I've got nothing to say
I'd never hurt you, of that you can be sure
But sometimes you seem to ask for more
BAD DAY
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Sleen Gang - In Harm's Way
Tonight I want to hit the bottle in a big way
You caught me at the wrong time on a bad day
The blues won’t save my soul
Got no use for rock & roll
All right, okay, you caught me on a bad day
Everyone I ever ever loved has disappeared
I hate my own reflection in the mirror
Sometimes I want to cry
Sometimes I want to die
All right, okay, you caught me on a bad day
In every life some rain must fall they say
But the rain keeps falling down down down every day
So tonight I’m gonna hit the bottle in a big way
You caught me at the wrong time on a bad day
The blues won’t save my soul
All I need is alcohol
All right, okay, you caught me on a bad day
BASSMAN'S HOLIDAY
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
BETTER DAYS
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
She's got a mind of her own, a striking personality
She can make it on her own, a spirit independent and free
Dark clouds start to roll away
Trouble ain't here to stay
Get ready for better days
There were enemies to defeat, there were hurdles to overcome
Now you know you can beat any challenge that's yet to come
Dark clouds start to roll away
Trouble ain't here to stay
Get ready for better days
If you see her walking by and you know what is good for you
No empty words or promises, no, you'd better come through
Dark clouds start to roll away
Trouble ain't here to stay
There'll be no more skies of grey
The world becomes bright and gay
Misery, come back another day
Can't you hear what I'm tryin' to say
Get ready for better days
BIG WOMAN BLUES
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
Big woman she was shouting
She chased me down the road
Big woman she was shouting
She chased me down the road
Jumped right off the train
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Gonna dig myself a grave
Wanna lay right down and die
Gonna dig myself a grave
Wanna lay right down and die
Last night you were laughin'
Tomorrow you will cry
BLUEGRASS BOOGIE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
BOOGIE WOOGIE MAN
words & music: Harm van Sleen
My father used to tell me, better go to school
Don't let the neighbours think you're an uneducated fool
I didn't care what the neighbours would think
All I ever needed was some liquor to drink
Something went wrong, they put me behind bars
All that is left are my dreams and my guitar
Let me boogie, boogie woogie with my boogie woman
Let me boogie, boogie woogie with my boogie woman
Watch out baby, the boogie woogie man is comin'
I paid my dues, I served my time
DA said you're an encyclopedia of crime
I didn't care what the DA said
Who are they to tell me that my attitude is bad?
Never could understand the meaning of those bars
I'm just a boogie boy with a rock & roll guitar
Let me boogie, boogie woogie with my boogie woman
Let me boogie, boogie woogie with my boogie woman
Watch out baby, the boogie woogie man is comin'
BOY BEATS GIRL
words & music: Harm van Sleen
BROWN PAPER BAG
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
Softly she washes her paws and her fur
I stroke it gently, she starts to purr
She follows my footsteps, touches my legs
I produce a tin can from a brown paper bag
She knew what would happen, it's a daily routine
We were happy to be where we'd already been
No need for surprises, life was no drag
We got along fine with our brown paper bag
Life had its moments, they were not meant to last
Memories remind me of what happened to fast
Now you can find me downtown, dressed in rags
All that is left is in my brown paper bag
CAPELINO HUNTING SEASON
music: Harm van Sleen
CARAMBA SAMBA
music: Harm van Sleen
CAROLINE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
CHAOS
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
CHARIVARI BRILLANTE (ETUDE IN E MINEUR)
music: Harm van Sleen
CURACAO
music: Harm van Sleen words:Marian van Gog
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
DANSLES
music: Harm van Sleen
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
DE KAT OP PAD
music: Harm van Sleen
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
DISCO FROM FRISCO
music: Harm van Sleen
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
DON'T DO ME WRONG
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
Don't do me wrong, don't make me run and hide
Don't keep another man by your side
Don't wanna feel dissatisfied
You really hurt me by the way you lied
I come home every morning
To see a man walk out the door
Come home early without warning
Out walks a man I never seen before
Don't do me wrong, don't make me run and hide
Don't keep another man by your side
Don't wanna feel dissatisfied
You really hurt me by the way you lied
You shouldn't treat me like a stranger
We've been together many years
You make me think my love's in danger
Don't wanna drown in my own tears
DON'T TREAT ME LIKE A STRANGER
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
I come home every mornin' to see a man walk out the door
I come home every mornin' to see a man walk out the door
Don't fool me little lady, I been down this road before
Well my kids they call me "uncle", my dog she bites my leg
Well my kids they call me "uncle", my dog she bites my leg
Tell me straight my little angel, should I crawl or should I beg
Tell me straight my little angel, should I crawl or should I beg
DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT
words & music: Harm van Sleen
He kissed her sweetly, but she knew there was something wrong
So she asked him angrily "Honey, why has it been so long?"
He held her in his arms, the smell of toothpaste in his breath
The way he said "I love you" almost scared her to death
This feeling wasn't very new, she started talking to herself
She remembered the day she found a strange hairpin on the shelf
Well if she'd known that the hairpin had been found on the floor today
And had belonged to a friend of hers, then she wouldn't have felt this way, but he said:
"Don't want to talk about it because I'm tired,I've been working too long
Don't want to talk about it I love you, I told you, nothing is wrong
Let's make love, go to bed, get your worries out of your head
Don't want to talk about it, I love you"
And so she gets suspicious whenever he is working late
She's distrusting every woman, especially the ones he seems to hate
So slowly he starts to notice that something's bothering her
He asks her "What's the matter?" but she just shrugs her shoulder
DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
If you break the law, if you eat it raw, I don't mind
If you talk real loud, if you act real proud, I don't mind
I've got my own game to figure out
My own questions, my own answers, my own doubts
Do what you have to do, it's all up to you
I can't do it for you, nobody there but you
Do what you have to do, if it feels right to you
If it's what you're called to do, to your own self be true
If I can't understand your rules or your plans, that's okay
I want you to be free, so please let me be in my own way
I've got my own game to figure out
My own questions, my own answers, my own doubts
Do what you have to do, it's all up to you
I can't do it for you, nobody there but you
Do what you have to do, if it feels right to you
If it's what you're called to do, to your own self be true
I've got my own life to figure out
My own questions, my own answers, my own doubts
Do what you have to do, it's all up to you
I can't do it for you, nobody there but you
Do what you have to do, if it feels right to you
If it's what you're called to do, to your own self be true
Do what you have to do, it's all up to you
I can't do it for you, nobody there but you
Do what you have to do
Do what you have to do
DROWNING IN MY TEARS
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
The blues come through the window
The blues come through the door
The blues come through the window
The blues come through the door
When I look a little closer
It's a man I've never seen before
Don't treat me like a stranger
Don't shout these words into my ears
Don't treat me like a stranger
Don't shout these words into my ears
If it's true my love's in danger
You know I'll drown in my own tears
I don't wanna drown in my own tears, oh no
DUST AND WILDERNESS
words & music: Harm van Sleen
DUTCH BLUES
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
I'm a little bread rooster, I can toast all night long
I'm a little bread rooster, I can toast all night long
You can hang me from the cap stick, if you think I'm wrong
I can talk like Bridgeman, if you let me go my gang
I can talk like Bridgeman, if you let me go my gang
I can sing a Dutch blues, hoor, if you let me do my thang
European white boy blues from Holland
European white boy blues from Holland
You can do that - you can sing the blues
FALLING OUT OF LOVE WITH YOU
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
We said “I do”
And now we're through
All that's left for me to do
Is to be falling out of love with you
I was sad and blue
And angry too
It takes some time and I know it's true
This falling out of love with you
People think I'll spoil the party
They see the look of anguish in my face
It seems they're always in a hurry
I'm left humiliated and disgraced
We said “forever”
But failed in our endeavour
Now teach me how to do this, 'coz I don't have a clue
Falling out of love with you
People offer unsollicited advice
They say time will heal the wounds
I try to , just to be nice
But doubt always kicks in too soon
“Till death do us part”
Can't prevent a change of heart
One little thing I need to do:
It's falling out of love with you
Falling out of love with you
Falling out of love with you
FEEL THE BEAT
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
Hey! Feel the beat
Ooh, let's move
Hey! Feel the beat
Ooh, let's move
We hebben nu genoeg gehoord en willen aan de slag
Vroeger was best leuk maar we leven bij de dag
Volumeknop op tien, TV op MTV
En als de clip verveelt gaat de radio op drie
Hey! Feel the beat
Ooh, let's move
Hey! Feel the beat
Ooh, let's move
Het ritme en de beat, daarvan ga je uit je bol
Dus maak je eigen tekst, dan heb je nog meer lol
Zorg wel dat het rijmt en let ook op de maat
Dat is bij een rap waar het allemaal om gaat
Hey! Feel the beat
Ooh, let's move
Hey! Feel the beat
Ooh, let's move
FOI FOI
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
Foi foi dat dialekt, daar hebt wie meuite met
Wie komt niet uut die woord'n, zie gaon ons bov'n de pet
Want wie komt niet uut Twente of uut den Achterhook
Wie hebt er wat femilie maor die hebt geen woordenbook
Foi dat dialekt, dat wurt een heel gezook
Tinus en Marinus, zie hebm dolle pret
Met allemaal rare liedjes en 'n gloodnieuw alfabet
Het is 'n betje rock, en ook 'n hutje roll
De kippen van de leg en de koeien slaon op hol
Ja dit is geels wat anders, dit is boer'n soul!
Foi foi dat dialekt, daar hebt wie meuite met
Wie komt niet uut die woord'n, zie gaon ons bov'n de pet
Want wie komt niet uut Twente of uut den Achterhook
Wie hebt er wat femilie maor die hebt geen woordenbook
Foi dat dialekt, dat wurt een heel gezook
GEEN LEVEN ZONDER JOU
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
Leg het werk maar naast je neer
Omhels me nog een keer
Wat lijkt me dat toch lang geleden
Door mijn werk ben ik zelden thuis
Nooit meer samen voor de buis
Maar zonder dat ben ik niet tevreden
't Is toch geen leven zonder jou
Je bent waar ik het meest van hou
'k Had jou beloofd dat ik thuis zou komen
Mijn carrire kost veel tijd
Daarvan heb ik echt geen spijt
Maar nu is de tijd gekomen
Ook al werk ik met plezier
Er bestaat toch nog veel meer
Maar het valt soms slecht te combineren
Het is even zwaar geweest
Maar vanavond is het feest
En wat niet lukt, dat kun je leren
't Is toch geen leven zonder jou
Je bent waar ik het meest van hou
'k Had jou beloofd dat ik thuis zou komen
Mijn carrire kost veel tijd
Daarvan heb ik echt geen spijt
Maar nu is de tijd gekomen
't Is toch geen leven zonder jou
Je bent waar ik het meest van hou
'k Had jou beloofd dat ik thuis zou komen
Mijn carrire kost veel tijd
Daarvan heb ik echt geen spijt
Maar nu is de tijd gekomen
Om weer eens samen weg te dromen
GELOOF IN MIJ
words & music: Harm van Sleen
GOIN' BACK TO PARIS
words & music: Harm van Sleen
Way down in Paris they don't understand a word I say
Way down in Paris I can never have things my way
Can't get no coffee, can't get no tea
Unhappy looks is all I see
Paris is a funny crazy town to stay
Way down in Paris things are upside down
Big city Paris is just a little country town
Sirens wailing in the night
Means a cop's just having a bite
I love Paris like a rabbit loves a hound
To get used to Paris takes a lot of time
Yet somehow Paris gives me peace of mind
Far away from daily chores
We're favourite friends from distant shores
Goin' back to Paris to break away from the daily grind
GOODBYE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
When you feel down and blue
One more love affair is through
You feel lost, near the end
And all you want is a friend
And yet no-one returns your calls
And now you feel so lonely
No-one cares why you are suffering
You only have yourself to blame for all your pain
Well ain't that a shame
GOOD MORNING BLUES
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Sleen Gang - In Harm's Way
GOSSIP
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on albums by Capelino, Lisa Otey and Fem@il
In a small town, word gets around
About this couple living uptown
Watch what they're doing, look how they dress
Life must be a terrible mess!
Doesn't he work, he's always at home
Who is she seeing, she's never alone
They're always smiling, it's just a game
To hide they have a son who's insane
So, are they happy, or in misery?
I know what you're thinking, it's driving me mad
Oh, how I hate this strange mystery
Tell me the truth, I need it so bad
Gossip is fun, you can take it from me
Pay lots of money or get it for free
It's a small town, word gets around
Never let it bring you down
Isn't it funny, isn't it sad
Imagination is all in the head
Draw your conclusions, it's Judgement Day
THIS story won't fade away
Tell all your neighbours and all of your friends
A rumour may start but it never will end
I will listen, that's for sure
Just keep telling me more
I want to hear every sordid detail
I want to buy it when it's for sale
I want to see it with my own eyes
I want to watch beyond its disguise
Gossip is fun, you can take it from me
Pay lots of money or get it for free
In a small town, word gets around
Never let it bring you down
HAPPY SONG
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
Why are you whining?
There's something wrong with you
The sun is shining
The sky is clear and blue
The birds are singing in the trees
Summer's not the season to feel bad
I'm not denying
Your pain and misery
But are you crying
For what may never be?
So what if yesterday was dull?
Nobody can tell what lies ahead
Sometimes I'm sunk in gloom
Obsessed with doom
Such a negative attitude!
But the I see your eyes
I realize
All I need's a change of mood
When you are hurting
When you're about to die
When you are certain
You really ought to try
You still may feel the urge to laugh
I wish I could be laughing till I'm dead
HARM'S BLUES
music: Harm van Sleen
HEALTH FOOD
words & music: Harm van Sleen
Is this where I belong?
I keep singing this song
For hours and hours and hours and hours
I look atrocious, I wanna die
(I guess I must be crazy)
I don't mind falling apart
They're calling it Art
Cheap red wine is wasting my time
I look disgusting, I wanna die
Health Food
When you wake up in the morning or the afternoon
You need health food
You've got an aching head
So you dream about health food
Howling like a wolf at the yellow moon
I need health food
I feel so dead
Is this where I belong?
I keep singing this song
For hours and hours and hours and hours
I look atrocious, I wanna die
(I guess I must be crazy)
I don't mind falling apart
They're calling it Art
Cheap red wine is wasting my time
I look disgusting, I wanna die
Health Food
Another hangover's waiting just beyond the door
I need health food
Yes I know what must be done
But I don't care about health food
Get some whole wheat bread and lentils from the Special Store
That's health food
Makes me want to run
Is this where I belong?
I keep singing this song
For hours and hours and hours and hours
I look atrocious, I wanna die
(I guess I must be crazy)
I don't mind falling apart
They're calling it Art
Cheap red wine is wasting my time
I look disgusting, I wanna die
Going to a party
(Don't wanna dance all night)
Hanging at the bar
(The bartender's such a groovy guy)
Talking about preachers
(Martini nights)
And how boring they are
(What a lovely way to live)
I'll have another drink
And I start preaching myself
(Drink the bottle till you die)
Now I realize why I'm singing this song about health
HEY MARYLOU
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
Hey Marylou, why don't you tell me why you feel so blue?
Hey Marylou, is life getting harder to bear?
Hey Marylou, why is it so hard to get through to you?
I want to let you know that I really care
Hey Marylou, I still remember the days when the sun would shine
Hey Marylou, we used to be close for a while
Hey Marylou, once everything was super, sweeter than wine
It's been too many years since I've seen you smile
Hey Marylou, in pictures I see sadness in your eyes
Hey Marylou, it's in every memory of you
Hey Marylou, is it too late to apologize
I just couldn't figure out what I had to do
HOLY BOOGIE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
Holy boogie, holy woogie
Holy shake, holy rattle, rock & roll
Holy tutti, holy frutti
Holy boogie woogie gonna save my soul
The grand piano is my bible
Boogie woogie is the gospel that I preach
I’m living in blue-note heaven
With a pint of milk and honey within reach
Holy boogie, holy woogie
Holy shake, holy rattle, rock & roll
Holy tutti, holy frutti
Holy boogie woogie gonna save my soul
Meade Lux Lewis is my saviour
Pete Johnson is my guiding light
Eighty-eight keys are pounding
Take the darkness right out of the night
Holy boogie, holy woogie
Holy shake, holy rattle, rock & roll
Holy tutti, holy frutti
Holy boogie woogie gonna save my soul
I’m like a snake in the Big Apple
Where the lion will boogie with the lamb
Three wise men came to meet me
They said, “Welcome back in town Boogie Man”
Holy boogie, holy woogie
Holy shake, holy rattle, rock & roll
Holy tutti, holy frutti
Holy boogie woogie gonna save my soul
Holy boogie, holy woogie
Holy shake, holy rattle, rock & roll
Holy tutti, holy frutti
Holy boogie woogie gonna save my soul
HOMEMADE BREW
words & music: Harm van Sleen
I've done a lot of things
I never thought I would do
Mistakes are the rule
And exceptions are few
I've hurt so many friends
And I feel sorry, it's true
I forget all my sins
With my homemade brew
So I keep on drinkin'
Until I'm through
Because I'd rather be drinkin'
Than to be thinkin' of you
Paid my debt to my country
When Saturday's due
I'll be comin' back home
To my homemade brew
HOT SUMMER EVENING
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
Driving down a dirt road to a place you'll never know
Following the footsteps of Stanley and Livingstone
Red dust in our eyebrows, flies inside the car
Headed for the last stretch where they'd covered the road with tar
We were quite wealthy then, but luxuries were few
Our house was slightly ragged, we were only passing through
Poison snakes, mad dogs, were among the daily thrills
But I felt safe and happy in our house up on the hill
On a hot summer evening I still walk that dusty road
On a hot summer evening I'm still there
Something takes me back to way back when
And I'm just a little boy again
So much has changed forever, we've burned the bridge and locked the door
People I used to know back then don't live there anymore
The country's just a mess today, its future's grim and black
But on a hot summer evening something always takes me back
HUNTING FOR LOVE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
Looking all around, looking up and down
Gonna smell the country, gonna paint the town
Looking to the left, looking to the right
Hunting every day, hunting every night
Looking high, looking low
Inside I hear a voice I don't wanna now
I deal in love, I deal in pain
Pleasure's short but the pain remains
I'm hunting for love
Tonight you're gonna be my game
Hunting, hunting, hunting for love
Hunting, hunting, hunting for love
Hunting, hunting for love
Girl walks up, she likes my style
We sit and rap for a little while
Then she makes a move, ready for the kill
I'm gonna respond, yes I know I will
Feeling high, feeling low
She says the words I don't wanna know
I deal in lust, I deal in pain
Pleasure's short but the pain remains
I'm hunting for love
Tonight it's gonna be my game
Hunting, hunting, hunting for love
Hunting, hunting, hunting for love
Hunting, hunting for love
Gotta succeed, gotta catch my prey
Don't let it be another losing day
Gotta give in 'coz I can't say no
I can never leave when it's time to go
I deal in love, I deal in pain
Pleasure's short but the pain remains
I'm hunting for love
Tonight you're gonna be my game
Hunting, hunting, hunting for love
Hunting, hunting, hunting for love
Hunting, hunting for love
HURRY UP
words & music: Harm van Sleen
I AM THE MOON
words & music: Harm van Sleen
I'D DO IT FOR YOU
words & music: Harm van Sleen
IF IT DON'T LOOK GOOD
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
Some drink whiskey, some drink wine
Some keep drinking all the time
If it don't look good
If it don't look good
If it don't look good, tell me why you think it should
This door could use a coat of paint
But I won't pretend to be what I ain't
If it don't look good, no-one ever said it would
It's up to you, it's up to me
To change the world or let it be
If it don't look good, no-one ever said it would
Honey, let me speak my mind
Those things I said, well, I was lyin'
If it don't look good, no-one ever said it would
Let me do it like a man
If I can't do it, no-one can
If it don't look good, there's no reason why it should
Don't judge right or wrong
I could sing this all night long
If it don't look good, if it don't look good
If it isn't right, if it's a terrible sight
If it hurts like hell and never rings a bell
If it don't look good tell me why you think it should
IF YOU SEE ME WALKING
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
If you see me walking, down the street today (3x)
You can tell I'm comin'your way
If you see me walking, all dressed in blue (3x)
You can tell I'm comin' back to you
If you see me walking, all dressed in white (3x)
You can tell I intend to spend the night
If you see me walking, all dressed in brown (3x)
You know I've been playing around
If you see me walking, all dressed in red (3x)
You will know for certain that I'm dead
If you see me hanging, from yonder tree (3x)
You can tell that someone was mad at me
If you see me walking, all dressed in black (3x)
I might be a ghost just comin' back
IF YOU WENT AWAY
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Sleen Gang - In Harm's Way
I could cheat, I could lie
Never care how you feel
What money can’t buy
I could easily steal
I could misunderstand you
Every word that you say
But I could never face the day
That you went away
I could break every promise
I swore I would keep
Pretend to be honest
And forget all the lies that made you weep
I could stab you in the back
Like a wild bird of prey
But I could never face the day
That you went away
Bad habits come easy
But they’re so hard to quit
It’s easy to do wrong
And easy to get used to it
Blame anybody for all I care
Even put the blame on society
Say it’s a sign of the times
But please don’t blame me
I could change all my ways
Even turn my life upside down and round and round
I could say, “It’s just a phase”
Like I said I’d never never never let you down
Oh baby, forgive and forget
Give me another chance I pray
For I’d surely die today
If you went away
Yes I’d surely die today
If you went away
IK BEN BASTIAN
words & music: Harm van Sleen
I LOVE MY BABY
words & music: Harm van Sleen
She takes all my money, throws it all away
Now I'm in the gutter, and the only thing I say
I loves my baby, I loves my baby
I loves my baby but I don't know why
She been cheatin' on my for many many years
But the only thing I say after drying all my tears
I loves my baby, I loves my baby
I loves my baby but I don't know why
She been telling lies, my reputation's gone
People are avoiding me and I am on my own
I loves my baby, I loves my baby
I loves my baby but I don't know why
I'M ON THE ROAD AGAIN
words & music: Harm van Sleen
There's a story that I just don't want to hear
I start the car and then I disappear
Don't want to talk about it anymore
You told me once, I've heard it all before
My key's in the ignition, I'm ready to roll
A full tank is all I need to save my soul
I'm on the road again
Once again the highway is my friend
I'm on the road again
And I've got a funny feeling that happiness
Is just around the bend
Unpaid bills are pilin' up today
They tell me it's time to make my getaway
Saying goodbye is a painful thing to do
Soon enough we'll both find someone new
The engine is running, I'm on my way
Bye bye love there's nothing left to say
I'm on the road again
Once again the highway is my friend
I'm on the road again
And I've got a funny feeling that happiness
Is just around the bend
I'M CRYING
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
I NEED HELP
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
It seems like a spell has come over me
I see a funny world that I never used to see
I'm doing weird stuff I never thought I'd do
I'm doing crazy things like runnin' after you
I need help, oh baby I need help
I need help
My dirty filthy mouth suddenly sounds so sweet
I watch the stuff I'm drinkin', watch the stuff I eat
Try to look attractive, gallant as a knight
Try to make a good impression and you know it don't feel right
I need help, oh baby I need help
I need help, professional help
I SHOULD KNOW BETTER
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
I should know better than to whisper your name
I should know better so I am to blame
I should know better but I don't seem to learn
Better prepare to get burned
I should know better than to wait for your call
I should know better – I know nothing at all
I should know better since the last time
I must be stupid and blind
I should know better than to hope for the best
I should know better 'coz I've failed every test
I should know better and I shouldn't complain
When things go wrong once again
I should know better but I don't
After this time, somehow I still won't
I won't admit it's not to be
IT BURNS FOR YOU
words & music: György Vigh, Bart Prinsen & Harm van Sleen
IT'S YOU
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
It's not the moon or the stars
It ain't champagne or caviar
None of the kind, not a doubt in my mind
It's YOU who makes me feel this way
It's not your car, so big and grand
Or your influential friends
And although your gold is a thing to behold
It's YOU who makes me feel this way
Something's stirring in my heart
Vital organs fall apart
Lungs go crazy, bowels go wild
I get excited like a child
Could be your eyes, could be your toes
What's happening God only knows
Don't know what to do and it's all because of you
It's YOU who makes me feel this way
Something's stirring in my heart
Vital organs fall apart
Lungs go crazy, bowels go wild
I get excited like a child
Could be your eyes, could be your toes
What's happening God only knows
Don't know what to do and it's all because of you
It's YOU who makes me feel this way 2x
Don't ask me why, I'm telling no lie
It's YOU who makes me feel this way 5x
I'VE NEVER SEEN HAWAII
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
I've never seen Hawaii
It's calling out to me
Bananas and poi
For me to enjoy
With my ukulele on my knee
Do the hula dance forever
Play my frypan steel all day
While the humuhumunukunukuapua’a
Swims in the Hilo bay
The new world's growing old so quickly
An old world might be new to me
Far from the roar of judgemental bores
To that paradise across the sea
But if I had to leave my country
And my loved ones, I would cry
So I close my eyes
And without sad goodbyes
I reach the shores of old Hawaii
I WANNA BE HAPPY
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
Guess who called me yesterday?
Someone that once I used to know
He told me that he saw you
Late last night at the midnight picture show
You were walking hand in hand
With Mr. So and so
So I said:"I don't believe a single word you say
Why do you talk in such an evil way?
I wanna be happy, don't wanna be sad..."
Someone got killed last night
Way down on the avenue
Policeman tells me, "Little boy,
The killer he looked a lot like you!"
But this is something
I could never do
So I said:"I don't believe a single word you say
Why do you talk in such an evil way?
I wanna be happy, don't wanna be sad..."
I WANT TO BELIEVE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
We can't understand a thing
Yet we try so hard
We want to control the game
But we don't deal the cards
We're following a path
Destination unclear
I often stop and wonder why I'm here
Got no reason to complain
I'm a fortunate man
Are the homeless and the hungry
Part of the plan?
Cruelty, injustice
Things I can't comprehend
Misery and pain that never ends
I want to believe
There's a reason and a rhyme
That it all has a purpose in the end
The good should be rewarded
The bad should be punished for their crimes
Oh Lord, I've got to understand
Random misfortune
Cuts into your soul
Money may fool you
But you're not in control
Is there a reason why
Fate's treating some of us so bad?
Maybe we'll find out when we're dead?
I WAS BORN IN MISSISSIPPI
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
JULY (THE PROMISED LAND)
words & music: Harm van Sleen
KASSA!
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
KATIE COME HOME TONIGHT
words & music: Harm van Sleen
KOM JE BED UIT
music: Harm van Sleen words:Marian van Gog
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
LA SALSA DE LOS MUCHACHOS
music: Harm van Sleen
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
LEAVE ME ALONE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
LETHAL LOVE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
LET ME TELL YOU
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
LET'S TRY AGAIN
words & music: Harm van Sleen
Let's try again, give it one more chance
Let's try and love each other
Hate's no good, it's understood
We've got to live as brothers
Let's not make fun of an honest man
Who tries to love a stranger
It's easy to sneer at religious cults
That tell you "Love thy neighbour", but...
Let's try again, give it one more chance
Let's try and love each other
Hate's no good, it's understood
We've got to live as brothers
Let's not be put off by the image of
The barefoot flower dancer
Don't need no PhD to know
That hate is not the answer, so
Let's try let's try let's try let's try
Let's try again, give it one more chance
Let's try and love each other
Hate's no good, it's understood
We've got to live as brothers
LIEFDE IS ALS EEN MAGNEET
words & music: Harm van Sleen
LITTLE GIRL
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
Little girl
My precious little girl
In a confusing world you shine your light
I'm amazed
I see things in different ways
It's all so clear today what is right
Still you don't see
All that you do for me
I'm learning to forgive, to let things be
It is strange
How my perceptions all have changed
Values are rearranged, little girl
LONESOME HIGHWAY
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Sleen Gang - In Harm's Way
LOVE SONG
words & music: Harm van Sleen
I'm looking at the sky tonight
I see the stars, the planets, the moon
I love the darkness and the light
I love the sun in the late afternoon
And I love the trees and the flowers
I've been watching them all day long
I never see them in my unhappy hours
But this is a love song
Was a guy, always complaining
Yes I loved to moan and to cry
Then suddenly it stopped raining
And a sun came to brighten my skies
And I feel like a preacher who's seen the light
I go right where I used to go wrong
And I sing from daybreak till midnight
Because this is a love song
Still it's so hard to say how good it feels
To be loved by someone like you
Because too many love songs sound so unreal
That it's hard to make this one sound true
And it turned my life into something new
You showed me where I belong
And it's about time that I wrote this song for you
This is a love song
LOST MY HOME
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
I lost my home, I can't go back no more
I lost my home, can't go back no more
I lost my home, I can't go back no more
Dusty storms drove me away from my door
I've walked 2,000 miles in threadbare shoes
I've walked 2,000 miles in threadbare shoes
I've walked 2,000 miles in threadbare shoes
I can't go back, got nothing left to lose
Dogs are barking, a guard is at the gate
Dogs are barking, a guard is at the gate
Dogs are barking, a guard is at the gate
A shadow seems to tell me, it's too late
I lost my home, I can't go back no more
I lost my home, can't go back no more
I lost my home, I can't go back no more
Dusty storms drove me away from my door
Dusty storms drove me away from my door
LOVING YOU
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
Mary says I'm a foolish person
Says I'm outrageous and I know it's true
But somehow I'm still not certain
What does she want me to do?
I wear red cherries on my eyebrows
A little bone runs through my nose
You might think I want to die now
I might be strange, I'm afraid it shows
(It's so hard) Loving you
She never shows any weird emotions
When I ask her to light my fire
She tells me tales of topographic oceans
A life that's filled with strange desires
Sometimes a circle is emerging
From the windmills of my mind
Why do sixteen Vestal virgins
Treat me bad, and yet so kind?
(It's so hard) Loving you
She's such a lovely girl
She will follow me into the depths of my electric yellow
Tangerine hotel (Tangerine hotel)
I wear red cherries on my eyebrows
A little bone runs through my nose
You might think I want to die now
I might be strange, I'm afraid it shows
(It's so hard) Loving you
LOVIN’ ON MY MIND
words & music: Harm van Sleen
When I come home to my baby
When I see that lovely lady
I got lovin’ I got lovin’ on my mind
I got lovin’ so much lovin’
And I got so little time
When my business don’t go right
And each struggle becomes a fight
I got lovin’ I got lovin’ on my mind
I got lovin’ so much lovin’
And I got so little time
I love my woman, I love the blues
I love the Lord and money too
I got lovin’ I got lovin’ on my mind
I got lovin’ so much lovin’
And I got so little time
If you don’t want me, can’t help myself
Got to find it somewhere else
Because I need lovin’ I got lovin’ on my mind
I got lovin’ so much lovin’
And I got so little time
MAGDALENA
words & music: Harm van Sleen
MAKES ME FEEL BAD
words & music: Harm van Sleen
NATURE CALLING
words & music: Harm van Sleen
NGORO NGORO
words & music: Harm van Sleen
NIET EENS ZOVEEL VERSCHIL
music: Harm van Sleen words:Marian van Gog
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
OH WHAT A FEELING
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
Once I was lonesome, I was feeling so blue
But then I found out I was just waiting for you
Suddenly a sun lights up the sky
And you, only you are the reason why
Oh what a feeling to know there's more to life than this
Oh what a feeling, that first magic kiss
Oh what a feeling to fall in love with you
These days I feel compassion for everyone I used to hate
I'm not so scared anymore, I put my confidence in fate
Suddenly a smile filled my heart with delight
And I knew, I just knew you'd put everything right
Oh what a feeling to know there's more to life than this
Oh what a feeling, that first magic kiss
Oh what a feeling to fall in love with you
Now that I found true love I can handle any pain
As long as I know I don't love you in vain
Oh what a feeling to know there's more to life than this
Oh what a feeling, that first magic kiss
Oh what a feeling to fall in love with you
OLD MAN BLUES
words & music: Harm van Sleen
I’m over thirty years old, the end is drawing near
Some friends are dying, others disappear
The only faithful friend I know is my bottle over here
Ain’t getting any younger, my hairline’s receding fast
I knew from the start, a life like this can never last
Time to make up for all those things I neglected to do in the past
Girl you gotta help me, got no time to wait
Any day now it just might be too late
Pot belly getting huge, my head is almost bald
Do I have to spell it out? I’m growing old!
So come with me baby let’s boogie all night long
Because you weren’t there when I was healthy, sweet and young
ONE DAY
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
Little boy wanna be a big man
Tryin' to walk like an American
Robert and Ike, wanna thank you again
Wanna tell you I'm a big big fan
I loves the way you plays the blues
Puts rhythm in my shoes
I loves the way you rock and roll
Puts fire in my soul
One day I'm gonna make it in the U.S.A.
One day you gonna see me in the U.S.A.
I likes the country, I loves the land
Wanna team up with a black man's band
Good time music will take me far
Gonna play in them Chicago bars
Gonna play in Memphis Tennessee
Boy that sounds real good to me
Watch me now I'm on my way
See you tomorrow I'm leaving today
One day I'll be living in the U.S.A.
One day I'll think I's born in the U.S.A.
One day I'll be a native from the U.S.A.
One day I'll be a part of good old U.S.A.
ONE STEP AHEAD
words & music: Harm van Sleen
You may be right, you may be wrong
You may be weak, you may be strong
You may be short, you may be long
Just stay one step ahead of yourself
You may be smart, you may be crazy
You may be weak, you may be lazy
Just continue to amaze me
And stay one step ahead of yourself
Keep one step ahead of the others
Impress your sisters and your brothers
Impress your father and your mother
And stay one step ahead of yourself
It may be Fortune and fame
In the end you'll feel the pain
But it's all a part of this game
Just stay one step ahead of yourself
Grab your prize, you're number one
The world will know what you have done
But until that day has come
Just stay one step ahead of yourself
Convince yourself you're a success
When you wind up in a mess
Keep on doing like the rest
And stay one step ahead of yourself
PARIS PARIS
music: Harm van Sleen
PRECIOUS TIME
words & music: Harm van Sleen
You say you're lonesome and you can't stop cryin'
You say I'm wastin' precious time
You don't want to be just another friend of mine
Honey you're always on my mind
Life slips by a little too fast these days
Somehow we can never change our hurried ways
I'm lonesome too, one day we may find
We've just been wastin' precious time
PRE-DEATH REQUIEM
words & music: Harm van Sleen
REAL MAN
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Sleen Gang - In Harm's Way
REJUVENATION
words & music: Harm van Sleen
ROCK & ROLL IS ALL IT TAKES
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
RUNNING OUT OF TEARS
words & music: Harm van Sleen
Once there were no troubles in my life
Rich and always healthy and a very lovely wife
Seems that when you're up, you're always going down
One day I woke up to find you been playing around
And now I'm crying, I'm crying
I've been crying since the day you disappeared
I'm crying, I'm crying
And I'll be crying till I'm running out of tears
So many troubled souls in this unfair world
Hearts broken by unfaithful girls
The guy who lives in Lonely Street was always someone else
Now that I'm the fool, I can't help myself
And now I'm crying, I'm crying
I've been crying since the day you disappeared
I'm crying, I'm crying
And I'll be crying till I'm running out of tears
I'm running out of money, running out of time
Running out of patience, running out of rhymes
And now I'm crying, I'm crying
I've been crying since the day you disappeared
I'm crying, I'm crying
And I'll be crying till I'm running out of tears
SAGRES
words & music: Harm van Sleen
When the red sun comes down
Where the bus comes to town
There's a room that is white like my shirt
Where tyrue peace of mind returns to me
As the leaves on this true wipe the dirt out of me
And so they come, infant visions
Of a sleepy little village
Where I lived in a house cool and white
And the world didn't wear its disguise
When I opened my eyes just crickets and flies
See the woman on thje sidewalk selling peanuts
And I wonder, having run ouit of the church
Why this big city world whips and rapes its children
And yet feeds my expectations as I search
For a better world
The red dusty of the dirt roads in my eyebrows
The salt of the sea burning on my skin
A sense of religion seems not so strange to me
Is it the sense of redemption, or the sense of sin?
Call it wisdom, call it faith(face?)
Call it experience
It's a feeling no words have described
It's apath moving down to the sea
Down to the sea, if you're looking for me
That's where I will be
SALSA
music: Harm van Sleen
SAMBA LIFESTYLE
music: Harm van Sleen
SATURDAY'S BLUES
music: Harm van Sleen
SCHERZO
music: Harm van Sleen
SHE'S LOOKING FOR ME
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
Standing at the station watching the trains roll in
Lookin' at all the faces, hopin' she'll see me again
She's callin' on my friends and waitin' outside my door
How long can this go on, I can't take it anymore
It's a strange situation that never seems to go away
I've made a big mistake, now I'm gonna have to pay
I know she's lookin' for me (LOOKING FOR ME)
I know she's lookin' for me (LOOKING FOR ME)
She's lookin' for me but I am gone (OH)
I know she's lookin' for me (LOOKING FOR ME, YES SHE IS)
I know she's lookin' for me (LOOKING FOR ME, YES SHE IS)
She's lookin' for me but I am gone
She's a pretty little devil, such a lovely sight to see
She's a hot little mama but she's just not right for me
She knows what she wants but she ain't my heart's desire
I keep burnin' my fingers everytime that I play with fire
It's a strange situation that never seems to go away
I've made a big mistake, now I'm gonna have to pay
I know she's lookin' for me (LOOKING FOR ME)
I know she's lookin' for me (LOOKING FOR ME)
She's lookin' for me but I am gone (OH)
I know she's lookin' for me (LOOKING FOR ME, YES SHE IS)
I know she's lookin' for me (LOOKING FOR ME, YES SHE IS)
She's lookin' for me but I am gone
SINNER/SONGWRITER
words & music: Harm van Sleen
SIOUX FALLS
words & music: Harm van Sleen
SPECIAL FRIENDS
words & music: Harm van Sleen
STANDING ON THE EDGE OF LIFE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
SUPERHELD
music: Harm van Sleen
SWEET LOVE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
Don’t need no ten room mansion
No Corvette in my garage, no swimming pool
No high society connections
No boss man to lay down all the rules
Don’t need to do nobody any favors
Any kind of friend’s all right with me
Don’t wanna be judged by my own behaviour
My good intentions is all you’ll ever see
I want your sweet sweet love, sweet sweet love
Sweet sweet love tonight
I want your sweet sweet love, sweet sweet love
Sweet sweet love tonight
Don’t care if things are black or white or gray
Don’t care what is wrong or what is right
Don’t mind if I work by night or sleep by day
Don’t give a damn if you don’t like the songs I write
I want your sweet sweet love, sweet sweet love
Sweet sweet love tonight
I want your sweet sweet love, sweet sweet love
Sweet sweet love tonight
Sometimes love is deep, sometimes it’s funky
Sometimes love can be mysterious
Don’t satisfy me to spank my little monkey
With the good stuff I’m delirious
I want your sweet sweet love, sweet sweet love
Sweet sweet love tonight
I want your sweet sweet love, sweet sweet love
Sweet sweet love tonight
TAKE ME TO SWINE LAKE
music: Harm van Sleen
TALKING TO THE LORD
words & music: Harm van Sleen
I've been talking to my father
Talking to my mother
To my friends and my neighbours
They don't do no favors
I've been talking to myself but I just get bored
Tonight I will be talking to the Lord
Got a house and a swimming pool
They say I'm nobody's fool
Got more stuff than I can mention
And many good intentions
But it's all useless if you can't afford
To spend some time talking to the Lord
Don't believe the stuff they tell you
Don't buy what they wanna sell you
It gets around like a belly dancer
This talk of knowing all the answers
Just open up your heart and get on board
Tonight we will be talking to the Lord
THE CLOWN
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
You told me about your love, how it's all wrong
You told me that she plays around all night long
Let me tell you what you should do to keep her at home:
Put a lock upon that door & unplug the phone!
Tell her when she holds your hand
She gotta understand who is her loving man
But when she wants to mess around, creep around this town
You gotta let her down because you ain't no clown
You told me about your boy how he's gone mad
How he's made you miserable and oh so sad
He's having fun downtown while you are bored
'Coz he unplugged the phone and locked that door
Tell him when he holds your hand
That all his uptown friends might cause your love to end
But if he wants to mess around, creep around this town
You gotta let him down because you ain't no clown
THE EMPTINESS INSIDE
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
THE FUNK WILL TAKE YOU HIGHER
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
Well the funk will take you higher
Lift you straight up in the air
Every night I'm on fire
Watch me wave my long black hair
Dance to the beat baby all night long
Dance to the beat while I sing this song
Shake it faster pretty baby
While you boogie baby all night long
Let's all be happy for another day
Tonight we'll dance the night away
Tonight we're gonna have a party
Dance until the break of day
I said tonight we'll have a party
We gonna dance and let the music play
Dance to the beat put your feet on the ground
Dance to the beat Mr. Groove's in town
It's Saturday night pretty baby
Wanna boogie with you all night long
Let's all be happy for another day
Tonight we'll dance the night away
THE GRASS IS ON FIRE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Sleen Gang - In Harm's Way
The grass is on fire, spreads with the wind
Goes underground, rises up again
Kills vegetatation, animals too
Ain't no telling now the damage it will do
It's hotter than Hell, I aint no liar
The grass is on fire
Kills the grasshopper, and the cobra snake
Fire knows no limits, takes all it can take
Is this purgatory, or fire from Hell?
God only knows, and he doesn't tell
Can't get away, it's melting the tires
The grass is on fire
This thing got started by striking one match
Now there's no way to stop it, that is the catch
Man likes to push things beyond his control
Do something stupid and just let it roll
Fire is spreading all over the land
No one can stop it, no one's in command
Flowers will burn, water will boil
It lights up the night, it blackens the soil
Is this what we need, is it what we desire
The grass is on fire
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
words & music: Harm van Sleen
THE JOY OF LIFE
music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
THE LEAVES ON MY TREE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
THE SECRET TO SUCCESS
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
As the dogs began to bark
I yelled out in the dark
And made my entrance
“Come al ye friends and strangers too
I've come to do what I have to do
With a vengeance
In blind faith and self-possessed
I will dive into the mess
They call the secret to success”
I would walk a road of gold
Witness magic dreams unfold
To the sound of thunder
But knee deep in the mud
Every deal was paid in blood
No time to wonder
If it's worth all you invest
This everlasting quest
To find the secret to success
When the blackest night will fall
A sweet memory might be all
To sustain me
Tearing pages from this book
In the end was all it took
To entertain me
Pity the man who second-guessed
To find his life was second best
Chasing secrets to success
THE TURNING POINT
words & music: Harm van Sleen
THE WEIGHT OF THE CROSS
words & music: Harm van Sleen
THREE POUND FIST
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Three Pound Fist
Come on baby let me look into your eyes
Come on pretty baby let me look into your eyes
Please, please, please don’t tell no lies
‘coz if you mess around with Mr. Boogie Woogie, gotta tell ya, got a three pound fist so you better be wise
I’m like a steaming engine and you just can’t make me stop
I’m like a steaming engine and you just can’t make me stop
Please, please, please don’t blow my top
‘coz if you mess around with Mr. Boogie Woogie, gotta tell ya, got a three pound fist you better wisen up
Wisen up, wisen up, wisen up, wisen up
I’m like a steaming engine and you just can’t make me stop
I’m like a steaming engine and you just can’t make me stop
Please, please, please don’t blow my top
‘coz if you mess around with Mr. Boogie Woogie, gotta tell ya, got a three pound fist you better wisen up
TOO DRUNK TO QUIT DRINKING
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
Those precious moments, where did they go?
Aeons of struggle, so little to show
That promising future has moved to the pastv A vision of glory that was not built to last
Beloved friends in and out of our lives
Fell off the radar or didn't survive
Let's raise our glasses to dreams unfulfilled
Uncork these bottles and fire up the stills
Until we're too drunk to quit drinking
Too high to come down
Too low to quit sinking
Too lost to be found
Choices not made, decisions postponed
All that I'm asking is to leave me alone
Right now only one thing I need to do
Is to join the party and get a load of this brew
Until I'm too drunk to quit drinking
Too high to come down
Too low to quit sinking
Too lost to be found
TROUBLE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
I’m in trouble, I’ve been in trouble all my life
I’ve been in trouble, in trouble all my life
Now my baby’s gone and I’m stuck here with my wife
When I didn’t have a woman I was lonesome all the time
When I finally got a wife she was a burden on my mind
Found a mistress down the street – no responsibilities!
Says she’s found another man she’s goin’ away from me
I’m in trouble, in trouble all the time
The way she’s treating me, it’s a doggone dirty crime
I used to be unemployed the money was always gone
Got a job, I was always late, I had to travel on
Finally do the crazy things that bring me peace of mind
Now I’m rich, the phone keeps ringin’ – taxman on the line
I’m in trouble, in trouble every day
Demons at the door don’t ever go away
When I believed I’d make it big I was always bound to fail
When I was sure what I did was right, I ended up in jail
When I believed in women they cheated and they lied
When I worshipped the Lord above there was a devil by my side
I’m in trouble, in trouble every night
Nothing you can do can make me feel all right
I’m in trouble, I’ve been in trouble all my life
I’ve been in trouble, in trouble all my life
Now my baby’s gone and I’m stuck here with my wife
TRUST ME BABY
words & music Harm van Sleen
Somebody told you I'm unfaithful to you
Don't believe it baby, 'coz it just aint true
You gotta trust me baby
You gotta trust me baby
You gotta trust me baby
Because you'll never really know for sure
You call me at the office, they say I'm not in
Now you start wondering about the places I have been
You gotta trust me baby
You gotta trust me baby
You gotta trust me baby
Because you'll never really know for sure
An unfamiliar smell wafts from my clothes
You need to know which way the wind blows
You gotta trust me baby
You gotta trust me baby
You gotta trust me baby
Because you'll never really know for sure
You want an explanation, I ain't giving you none
I'm not gonna tell you the things I have done
You gotta trust me baby
You gotta trust me baby
You gotta trust me baby
Because you'll never really know for sure
TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
music: Harm van Sleen
TIJD VOOR DE STRIJD
music: Harm van Sleen
UNDER CONTROL
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on Bassman's Holiday
Dirt on the window, dirt on the wall
Two days ago you had it all
Phone in the bedroom can bring bad news
We try to help but you refuse
Under control, rockets to the moon
Under control, tomorrow comes too soon
Under control, you're keeping everything
Under control, but fate don't play along
Your life insurance, what is it worth
When they drop your coffin in the earth
You had your future all figured out
Beyond the shadow of a doubt
Under control, rockets to the moon
Under control, tomorrow comes too soon
Under control, you're keeping everything
Under control, but fate don't play along
VARIATIES OP EEN EENVOUDIG THEMA OF (EEN MAN OP EEN ZWART PAARD GAAT NAAR DE MARKT EN DRINKT NOOIT KOFFIE)
music: Harm van Sleen
VERKLEDEN
music: Harm van Sleen words:Marian van Gog
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
WALKING
words & music: Harm van Sleen
WAS HET MAAR VAKANTIE
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
WAT EEN ONTVANGST
music: Harm van Sleen words:Marian van Gog
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
WE LEVEN ALS EEN GOD IN FRANKRIJK
music: Harm van Sleen
WET ASPHALT
music: Harm van Sleen
WHAT GOES AROUND
tekst en muziek: Harm van Sleen
Three dirty children on a kitchen floor
A fourth one on its way
You didn't take these little pills no more
I guess it had to be that way
What goes around comes around
Feet in the cloud, head on the ground
T shirts when you're tubin' in winter's snow
Furs in summertime
I could've told you it was fourty below
But other things were on your mind
What goes around comes around
You'll laugh and I'll cry the next time 'round
I once used my head, life's been hard ever since
My feelings are hiding, can't feel satisfied and I'm
Almost gone, almost dead, the gratification of sins
Gone easy pleasures, gone all the treasures that I loved, like I've been robbed
I once lost my head, trouble's been part of my life
Problems, confusion, I cannot use them
Almost wish I was dead, lost my job and my wife
I am afraid that now it's too late to start again, do it again
My room is clean, my clothes are tidy
My bills are paid in time
I try to keep my things in order
but it's so hard to ease my mind
What goes around comes around
Who'll get the laughs the next time 'round?
WHERE I FEEL FINE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
The waves of the sea, the light of the moon
Salt on my skin, exotic perfume
No demands on my attention or time
Here's where I feel fine
Far from the noise of big city life
Unbridled rush, merciless strife
No one cares and I don't mind
Here's where I feel fine
Old fisherman hauls his boat on the sand
He knows what is still news to me
Silhouettes pass as I lay on the grass
I can feel what I'm too blind to see
Just a few days, I'll be back home
All of my duties, my telephone
It's okay, I know that in time
That's where I'll feel fine
v
WHY DON'T YOU LOVE ME?
words & music: Harm van Sleen
Tell your daddy where have you been last night?
I don't know but I'm sure it ain't right
You don't tell me what you're doing in bed
So I gotta hear it from the neighbours instead
Baby why don't you love me?
Baby why don't you love me?
Baby why don't you love me?
Baby, what is it you want from those ugly little men?
Strange smells rising up from your cheek
I don't wanna hear those lies when you speak
Baby you know it's you that I need
My socks are torn and I need something to eat
Baby why don't you love me?
Baby why don't you love me?
Baby why don't you love me?
Baby, what is it you want from those ugly little men?
Perhaps I'm not the man you want me to be
Tell me babe what you're expecting from me
Bear in mind, I'm only a man
I'm trying to do the best I can
But if you want me to be like them ugly little guys
This time I'm gonna treat you real nice
Tell me who they are and I'll be just like them
One day you'll fall in love with me again
I've got the names and I've got the gun
Be quick little darling I've got to run
Sweet love I've got some killing to do
This time the joke's on you
Baby why don't you love me?
Baby why don't you love me?
Baby why don't you love me?
Baby, what is it you want from those ugly little men?
WHY DO YOU LOOK SO SAD?
words & music: Harm van Sleen
WHY MUST I
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
The door fell shut, trapped inside this room
Angry voices and penetrating eyes
Where only fools would go, to meet their doom
And those mistaking truth for lies
He remembers how he had been warned
Everbody told him not to go
Good advice was met with ridicule and scorn
“If it's not allowed, then I really need to know”
Why must I wonder?
Why do I care?
Why should I find out for myself?
Not too long ago, the sun was shining
There were friends to see and wondrous things to do
When a cloud appeared it had a silver lining
But it couldn't take away these dreadful blues
There he walks beyond the rainbow
A one way road that leads to misery
A silent silhouette, a lonesome shadow
A dark reminder of the way things used to be
Why must I wonder?
Why do I care?
Why should I find out for myself?
WINTER
music: Harm van Sleen words:Marian van Gog
released on Liedjes Met Soundmix Januari by Benny Vreden Produkties
Kom je mee, ga je mee naar buiten
Er ligt weer sneeuw op straat
't Is zo koud, de vorst staat op de ruiten
't Is glad als je naar buiten gaat
Kom je mee een mooie sneeuwpop maken
Een wortel wordt zijn neus
Een oude pijp geklemd tussen zijn kaken
Mijn sneeuwman is een echte reus
Mijn handen zijn koud, en mijn neus is haast bevroren
Wat is het fijn om naar buiten te gaan
Wat voel ik nou? Zit die sneeuw nou in mijn oren?
Waar kwam die koude sneeuwbal nou vandaan?
Pak je slee, je felgekleurde wanten
Vergeet je schaatsen niet
Er is geen tijd om te lanterfanten
Als je al die sneeuwpret ziet
Mijn handen zijn koud, en mijn neus is haast bevroren
Wat is het fijn om naar buiten te gaan
Wat voel ik nou? Zit die sneeuw nou in mijn oren?
Waar kwam die koude sneeuwbal nou vandaan?
Winterse erwtensoep
Glijbaan op de stoep
Glijden met de slee
Schaatsen met z'n twee
Neem je .........* ook maar mee
Mijn handen zijn koud, en mijn neus is haast bevroren
Wat is het fijn om naar buiten te gaan
Wat voel ik nou? Zit die sneeuw nou in mijn oren?
Waar kwam die koude sneeuwbal nou vandaan?
*door kinderen zelf in te vullen
YOU BETTER MOVE ON
words & music: Harm van Sleen
The say that I should try and get you out of my mind
But it's hard 'coz we see each other all the time
I know it's not meant to be, our love is wrong
You better move, you better move on
I feel like I am cheating but my hands are clean
I try to forget you but I see you in my dreams
You know I care about you, but this is wrong
You better move, you better move on
Don't want to break any promise I once made
Don't want to ruin our lives, or is it too late?
Sometimes it seems my heart is out of control
I'm sick, I'm guilty, it feels like I'm losing my soul
When everybody's hurting I guess it must be wrong
You better move, you better move on
YOU DANCE WITH ME
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
You dance with me, and I'll dance with you
Ain't nothing else that we're gonna do
Just clap your hands, just stamp your feet
We're gonna boogie out in the street
I come home every evening
Tired and hungry that's for sure
Some say life ain't got no meaning
But when you dance you never got bored
You dance with me, and I'll dance with you
Ain't nothing else that we're gonna do
Just clap your hands, just stamp your feet
We're gonna boogie out in the street
Life is tough but it don't matter
We ain't rich but I don't care
Because you know I feel much better
The beat keeps liftin' me up in the air
You dance with me, and I'll dance with you
Ain't nothing else that we're gonna do
Just clap your hands, just stamp your feet
We're gonna boogie out in the street
YOU DON'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
released on The Secret To Success
Cigarettes are burning holes
Through the coffee-stained carpet on the floor
Mouse droppings all around
Strange scratching sounds I never used to hear before
The few friends that remain declare I'm insane
That's easy to ignore
It's not how it should be, you keep telling me
But you don't live here anymore
The room smells pretty bad, it used to drive me mad
Now I don't notice it at all
How it pleases me to be perfectly free
To dump my empty bottles in the hall
You want me to confess this house is just a mess
It's not the way it was before
That's not for you to say, don't criticize my ways
You don't live here anymore
So much that I don't crave like a haircut or a shave
Or your remarks about the clothes I wear
Don't tell me what to eat or where to put my feet
Whatever makes you think I care?
You ran off so suddenly and made a new man out of me
I'm not the man that I was before
I'm so happy on my own, glad to be alone
You don't live here anymore
I'll have another glass of wine, tell myself I'm doing fine
You don't live here anymore
Oh, and there's just one more thing I want to tell ya
YOUNG BOYS AND GIRLS (ON THE OLD SIDE OF TOWN)
words & music: Harm van Sleen
YOU REALLY HURT ME
words & music: Jan van den Hul & Harm van Sleen
released on Mag Die Radio Wat Harder?!!
YOUR TRUE DESIRE
words & music: Harm van Sleen
When the foggy night is clearing
The moon and the stars appear
A happy mood makes me feel like cheering
Because you are near
But when I'm confused, uncertain
And I don't know what's on your mind
I might peek behind the curtain
But I wonder what I'd find
Is there nothing but contempt?
Are you making a fool of me when push comes to shove
Do you think of me the way that it should be -
That thing we know as love?
There's an easy way to find out
I could walk up to you and inquire
But I'd rather live in fear and doubt
Than to know your true desire