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The Ballad of Frankie Mann

from Songs to the Dust by Ian David Green

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lyrics

I came from the other side of this side of the world
With a suitcase full of roses and a jump-suit sewn with pearls
Got high fives for the guys, I’ve got a sweet smile for the girls
Sha la la, sha la la la

Mama was a waitress from the north side of Milan
Daddy was a soldier boy I hope you understand
Got a green card in my pocket, I’ve got a guitar in my hand
Sha la la, sha la la la

Well I touched down at JFK feeling 10-feet tall
Fixed myself a room in Queens, put my pictures on the wall
Well they say I never paid the rent but that’s not what I recall
Sha la la, sha la la la

Well I woke up in Pueblo, the place I call my home
Oh you can see me do my thing ‘most every afternoon
Between the entrance to the mall and the girl who sells snow cones
Sha la la, sha la la la

Sweet Gina she’s a keeper, she knows I’ve got the moves
She loves me tender, loves me true, she don’t touch my blue suede shoes
And if the King could see me now I know he would approve
Sha la la la, sha la uh-huh

Mama said “Don’t let your life pass you by
Flowing through the frightened holes of your eyes”
Daddy said “Son, no-one sees what you hide
And time is never on your side”

So I am bound for Vegas, you’ll know when I’ve arrived
People point and people stare but I pay them no mind
‘Cause when the curtain finally falls at least I’ll know I tried
Sha la la, sha la la la

credits

from Songs to the Dust, released October 6, 2023

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about

Ian David Green London, UK

A singer, songwriter and composer from Liverpool, Ian's influences range from folk greats like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Van Morrison to more contemporary folk / indie / Americana artists such as Damien Jurado, Phosphorescent and Iron & Wine.

With a gift for rich, compelling storytelling and layered lyricism, Ian builds his songs with carefully crafted, evocative and striking language.
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