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Greg: Ok, Irving often needs to tweak my lyrics to get them to where he needs them, and usually, I don't mind. However, there was a line he changed here, and since this is part of a rock opera or something, I understand. But, I want to let you, the consumer, know what the original line was, "Maybe they'll make the grass look greener/ maybe they're extensions for the vacuum cleaner". Now, when I wrote this song while on duty at the Martha Ellison Library at Warren Wilson College, my intention was to steal the music from a Fetchin Bones song and put better words in. The singer of the makeshift band I had at the time looked at me quizzically when I handed him these lyrics, but sang it anyway. He also had to sing a song called "It's Re-upholstery Time Again". I never heard from him again.
It's a true story, but Irv took it out of context to satisfy his perverse vision. History will never know the truth, and it's unlikely any one will give a rat's ass.

Adam: Say what you will about new technology and digital this and that. I will not give up my analog keyboard for anything. I use the Korg DW-8000 keyboard for all of my cool analog sounds like the one in the solo and at the end of this track. I also used the DW-8000 for the constant boing-ing in 'A Little More'. This is the same synthesizer that the guy from Bon Jovi uses in the 'Living on a Prayer' and 'You Give Love a Bad Name' videos. So, you see, the analog keyboards are perfect for anyone, talented or not.

lyrics

It's a mistake,
well I hope it's a mistake,
I got a room
full of tracheas.
They came in a box
in the mail today
If I find out you did it,
you'll pay
Windpipes blowing a summer song

It's the same old song
and it's a little too long
Windpipes shaping the way I live
It's the same old life
and it's a little too long
How did they get here?

What's their destiny?
The dog just fetched one
far away from me
Maybe they'll make
the grass look greener.
Maybe they'll make
the past a little clearer.
Windpipes blowing a summer tune

It's the same old tune
that fits in a spoon
Windpipes dancing an Irish jig
It's the same old jig
but they're a little too big
For this kind of silliness

that I cannot foresee
Honest to God, Tracheas,
piled next to me!
What will I do now?

Just what can I do?
Maybe I'll mail them
all back to you?
I take in air,
but I no longer breathe
If the end was closed off
I could use one for a sheathe
Windpipes mumble a winter prayer

It's the same old prayer
but there's nobody there
Windpipes paint my greenhouse roof
Supposed to be a see through roof
but they made a goof!

credits

from Chameleon In A Kaleidoscope [25th Anniversary], released January 1, 1996
music: Adam Rabin
lyrics: Greg Skillman

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all rights reserved

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Adam Rabin Burlington

Where Prog Rock meets Geek Rock. Adam Rabin is a Vermont songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who has also played with Elephants of Scotland, Mailbox, and musical improv troupe She Thicc. You can also hear Adam’s music on the podcasts: Improvised Weapons, Improv Overdrive, What The Hell Are You Watching, and Vermont Favorites. ... more

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