To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=41278
9 messages

Lyr Req: Wisdom or a Drink (Mike Cross)

18 Nov 01 - 08:02 PM (#595331)
Subject: mike cross-wisdom or a drink
From: GUEST

Does anyone have the lyrics for "wisdom or a drink" by Mike cross. Thw album is child prodigy?

18 Nov 01 - 08:35 PM (#595341)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: mike cross-wisdom or a drink
From: Sorcha

Doesn't look like they are on line, which doesn't surprise me.

18 Nov 01 - 11:50 PM (#595429)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: mike cross-wisdom or a drink
From: Lin in Kansas

I have it on one of my tapes. Will take about an hour to find the tape and transcribe the lyrics, so check back after awhile.

Lin

19 Nov 01 - 12:03 AM (#595435)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: mike cross-wisdom or a drink
From: raredance

This is a flashback. That song got some radio play in Chapel Hill, NC back in 1975 when Mike's first album came out. That always surprised me because I never thought it was the best song on the album ("The Scotsman" is also on that album). But I did transcribe it and actually sang it a few times back then. Alas the lyric sheet was in with a Gibson guitar that was stolen from my apartment and I haven't sung the song since. I still have the LP and will try to make time to retranscribe it if it doesn't show up here soon.

rich r

19 Nov 01 - 12:05 AM (#595436)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: mike cross-wisdom or a drink
From: raredance

Go get it Lin

rich r

19 Nov 01 - 01:00 AM (#595443)
Subject: Lyr Add: WISDOM OR A DRINK (Mike Cross)
From: Lin in Kansas

Here you go. (And rich r--I have to admit that this one runs a close second to "Dead Willie Blues" for my favorite Mike Cross tune.)

Lin

WISDOM OR A DRINK
Words & Music by Mike Cross
Copyright 1978 Vic-Ray Publishing (ASCAP)

You've asked me if I love you,
I don't know what should be said,
So I lay my body down
Upon the altar of your bed.

And if you'll look into my eyes,
You'll see you own my soul.
Believe my eyes and actions, love,
They leave no thoughts untold.

CHORUS:
'Cause I need you, more than the air I breathe.
And I need you, more than something to believe.
My life was just a broken chain, but you're the mendin' link,
And I need you, more than wisdom or a drink.

Close your eyes, hold me close, and imagine if you can,
The heart that you feel beatin' lies meltin' in your hand.
Now look within that heart you hold, and there you'll find my soul.
Both of them are yours to keep, and under your control.

CHORUS

Your eyes tell me all I want to know
As they peer into mine
And the flavor of your kisses
Is as sweet as summer wine.

No words in any language that is spoken on this earth
Can half describe what havin' you beside me here is worth.
But if it's words you want to hear, I'll do the best I can,
All I was or want to be is simply all I am.

CHORUS X2


19 Nov 01 - 01:07 AM (#595444)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: mike cross-wisdom or a drink
From: Sorcha

Good on Ya, Lin!! As far as I know, none of Mike's lyrics are actually posted on line, so we better watch out for the Lyric Police.........I wonder just who the Guest was and if "it" will come bac after the request???

19 Nov 01 - 01:24 AM (#595451)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: mike cross-wisdom or a drink
From: Lin in Kansas

Dunno, Sorcha--

I did debate posting it, 'cause I know Mike is pretty tight with his music. (Not that I blame him; he's definitely entitled to be.) It's highly unlikely it will go in the DT, so I'm hoping it's okay buried in a thread!

Have managed to make every Mike Cross concert at Winfield since I started going eight years ago, and never been disappointed yet. The man is flat good, ya know?

BTW, rich r, Mike's site here does have some sound samples, including "The Scotsman".

Lin

19 Nov 01 - 07:27 AM (#595501)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: mike cross-wisdom or a drink
From: raredance

Thanks Lin. I haven't seen Mike live since I moved from NC in 1980. I have managed to acquire 7 of his albums plus a tape I made from a radio broadcast of a live concert. He was very good even in those early years around Chapel Hill. You are correct about him being close to the vest with his lyrics. He doesn't have them on his web site and doesn't include them with the recordings.

rich r