EMILY HURD

Rivers In My Shoes

I don't need the rain to know how to cry.

I'd do it the same even if I were dry.

But to add to it all I've got rivers in my shoes.

And I don't need the birds to teach me to fly.

You just kick up some dirt and you look to the sky.

Well, that's easy to say, but it's hard to do.

Love, if you look, is a function of time

Like a page in a book that's a day in your life.

And that's all well and good if that's the page he's on too.

And leavin is way more than turnin a bend:

It's chancin you may never find love again.

Well, that's easy to say, but it's hard to do.

It's sayin you don't want his eyes upon you.

And who can say that they don't like bein known?

It's sayin you don't want his arms around you.

And I can't say I'm better off alone. No no,

The matter is not if it matters enough

How flattered I got when you spoke of your love.

Or whether I think your intentions are true.

The issue is can I just cast you aside

With that tissue in hand and those stars in your eyes

Man, that's easy to say but it's hard to do.

It's sayin you don't need a good companion.

And I don't need to tell ya, you know that I do.

I'm choosin between leapin from a canyon

Or sayin I'm content here with this view.

And I don't need the rain to know how to cry.

I'd do it the same even if I were dry.

But to add to it all I've got rivers in my shoes.

And I don't need the birds to teach me to fly.

I know all the words including goodbye.

Well, that's easy to say, but it's hard to do.

I don't need the birds to teach me to fly.

You just kick up some dirt and you tell him goodbye.

Well, that's easy to say, but it's hard to do.

Written by Emily Hurd

February

February callin. Winter's got you crawlin.

You wonder if you'll ever find your way back home.

Baby lay your head down. Maybe we could bed down

And make a little weather of our own.

The wind is blowin sideways up and down this highway.

And I'm feelin like a feather askin to be blown.

Baby lay my head down. Maybe we could bed down

And make a little weather of our own.

The night don't recognize us and the ground don't know our names

And the stars will see us years after we came.

So why look for a reason for the way things have to be

When you could make a season with me?

Darker are the days now. Harder falls the rain now.

I feel it's been forever since the sun has shown.

Hey baby lay my head down. Maybe we could bed down

And make a little weather of our own.

The cold is gettin to ya. I can see it's movin right through ya.

You're feelin like you'll never warm your weary bones.

Hey baby lay your head down. Maybe we could bed down

And make a little weather of our own.

Chilly little breezes are blowin me to pieces.

What's been holdin me together is slowly lettin go.

Hey baby lay my head down. Maybe we could bed down

And make a little weather of our own.

The cold ain't gonna hold ya and the sleet'll only stone ya.

But I could move you better than any wind you've known.

Hey baby lay my head down. Maybe we could bed down

And make a little weather of our own.

Written by Emily Hurd

Second Move

I caught a glimpse of her and him on a late night saunter.

Parading down the tiny town with his eyes fixed upon her.

But judging by those saddened eyes, I saw his heart was hurtin

And he would make the second move if she would make the first one.

He would make the second move if she would make the first one.

He did all he could to stall and get her wit abandoned.

She talked around the thing she found too good to get her hands in.

And he prayed at the night the wheels inside her head would soon be turnin.

'Cause he would make the second move if she would make the first one.

He would make the second move if she would make the first one.

Love in flats takes acrobats to know how to maneuver.

He would do what she wants him to if he knew how to move her

To take the time required to find the words to show her yearnin

Then he could make the second move, 'cause she had made the first one.

He would make the second move if she would make the first one.

Though the strong can hold out long, a wounded heart starts bleedin

And dreams are dashed when one don’t match the things the other’s needin

And so he’ll think of another love, but he’ll leave a small light burnin

'Cause he’d still make the second move if she would make the first one.

He would make the second move if she would make the first one.

Written by Emily Hurd

Catch My Breath

He asks me to leave, then he begs me to wait.

He jumps to his feet, then he hesitates.

One day he’s here, and the next day he’s gone,

And he calls me his dear just before he moves on.

He treats me poor when I treat him best.

I guess he loves me more when I love him less.

But he lets me catch my breath before I hold it again.

The door that he made, it locks from both sides.

My key is engraved, but my clearance denied.

One day he’s the sun, and the next he’s the storm.

And he calls me the one, just before I am scorned.

He treats me kind, but he treats me cruel.

I guess when I’m doin fine I’m just bein his fool.

He lets me catch my breath before I hold it again.

 I call him my love and he calls me a liar.

When I’ve given up, he asks me to retire

Back to his room, but out of his heart again.

He calls me his babe when I feel like an orphan.

His weather, it changes every morning.

So I’m bundling up, and I’m stripping down again.

He means me no harm, but I know what that means:

I am half in his arms and half at his feet.

'Cause one day he’s a rock, and the next, he’s the wind,

And he wants it to stop, but don’t know where to begin.

He forgets my name when I call him my man,

But I am his dame when I don’t give a damn.

He lets me catch my breath before I hold it again.

 He calls me his babe when I feel like an orphan.

His weather, it changes every morning.

So I’m bundling up, and I’m stripping down again.

So I’m hitting the trail, I can’t stay here no more.

I’m setting my sails, and I’m leaving this shore.

But he’s flaggin me down, and I’m watching him wave,

And I’m turning around because he asks to be saved.

I treat him poor and he treats me best.

I guess he loves me more when I love him less.

He lets me catch my breath, and then I hold it again.

And then I hold it again. And then I hold it again.

Written by Emily Hurd

Selfish

I snuck in last night, thinking I might get to say hello.

Oceans and lovers can drown you in covers like undertow.

With something so good, I would do all I could not to let it go.

I’m feeling so selfish. And it’s real hard to help it; I should know.

Selfish is only the fear of a lonely heart.

And lonely is just how I’m feeling with us apart. Leaving me selfish.

When I’ve got you close, it’s so easy to know who I want to be.

Bodies ensnared are as deep as the layers of a symphony.

You’ve given me purpose, and I’m getting so nervous for when you leave.

It’s made me so selfish, but it’s so hard to help it. Just look at me.

Selfish is only the fear of a lonely heart.

And lonely is just how I’m feeling with us apart. Leaving me selfish.

I’m wishin the best things for you. I just wish they were best for me too.

I will pretend that I’m cool if you end up far away.

And I’ll watch you go, and you know that I won’t have a word to say.

But after you’ve gone, I will reminisce on a brighter day.

And keep being selfish, 'cause it’s so hard to help it, ain’t it babe?

Selfish is only the fear of a lonely heart.

And lonely is just how I’m feeling with us apart. Leaving me selfish.

Written by Emily Hurd

Curtains Drawn

The fire in the corner makes it warmer, makes it home.

With the curtains drawn, the burning dawn has got nowhere to go.

And there ain’t a soul or saint who knows just where you are,

So won’t you fall back down. Fall back down. Fall back down into her arms?

The early morning traffic’s only static; drown it out.

And the coffee—how you take it—don’t have to make to your mouth.

And the paper’s probably safer just a-laying in the yard,

So won’t you fall back down. Fall back down. Fall back down into her arms?  

Let me paint this painting so you see it very clear.

The world outside ain’t waiting. Ain’t nobody know you’re here.

Juxtapose the bed with all the trials of the town.

Please. Suppose there’s something to be said for lying round?

You don’t need to be standing on the landing to feel high.

And you don’t need to be working, always earning, to feel pride.

And you don’t need to climb a tree to see the best of stars,

So won’t you fall back down. Fall back down. Fall back down into her arms?  

You will git the chance to fit your life into a line.

And you will have some ample plans on how to make a dime.

They’ll be time enough without this love that you’ll have to discard,

But for now fall back down. Fall back down. Fall back down into her arms?

Written by Emily Hurd

Under The Influence

I’m gathering these roses to give to you in doses to prove I’m not too much in love.

But I’m under the influence so it don’t make any difference.

If I’d had my limit, I still couldn’t give it up.

Your time is a drink in which I could sink and chase it with one of your smiles.

Your love is a stream that moves cool and clean but you dam it if it runs too wild.

So I’m learning to weigh what to give you today and what I should save for tomorrow.

'Cause heaven forbid I should ever forget. And I gave what you don’t need to borrow.

I’m gathering these roses to give to you in doses to prove I’m not too much in love.

But I’m under the influence so it don’t make any difference.

If I’d had my limit, I still couldn’t give it up.

In the depths of a Tuesday, I dove down to hear you say that you took what you thought you were after.

And the water was pouring, and my soul, she was souring, and I shook with my best nervous laughter.

There in your lap was the prettiest map. You traced roads like never had seen em.

While moving your finger, I let my eyes linger on the lips that were wet with your freedom.

I’m gathering these roses to give to you in doses to prove I’m not too much in love.

But I’m under the influence so it don’t make any difference.

If I’d had my limit, I still couldn’t give it up.

I’ll be holding my reigns standing over your grave and believe you instead of the omens.

And I’ll drink very slowly of what I am holding and receive what I can from our moments.

There still isn’t a ceiling or a floor on my feelings and they could flow without being rationed.

But I don’t want to waste you or the times I can taste you, so I’m going through all of these actions.

So I’m gathering these roses to give to you in doses to prove I’m not too much in love.

But I’m under the influence so it don’t make any difference. If I’d had my limit, I still couldn’t give it up.

I’m gathering these roses to give to you in doses to prove I’m still in love.

But I’m under the influence so it don’t make any difference.

If I’d had my limit, I still couldn’t give it up.

Written by Emily Hurd

Evening Clothes

There’s something easy in the way that you please me this evening in your hat of white.

Your Spanish belt suits you well, so I tell you quite freely, I’d like to see it by the morning light.

Come meet the dawn with your evening clothes on. The day don’t have to end with the day.

Tonight’s got a light of it’s own, and besides, the morning’s just an evening away.

There’s something fitting in the sun as it’s sitting on horizons that outline your face.

Don’t take stock in the clock, it’s just something that’s ticking behind the walk and the talk that we make.

When there’s no reason to go, then there’s no reason to go.

It ain’t our business to spin just where the sunshine has been.

Because the way that it goes is just the way that it goes.

Don’t let the dark comin in mean that we’re parting again.

Come meet the dawn with your evening clothes on. The day don’t have to end with the day.

Tonight’s got a light of it’s own, and besides, the morning’s just an evening away.

There’s something holy in the way that you hold me tonight. I could be baptized by dew.

If you could try not to fly as the sky begins gloaming, I could give myself wholly to you.

When there’s no reason to go, then there’s no reason to go.

It ain’t our business to spin just where the sunshine has been.

Because the way that it goes is just the way that it goes.

Don’t let the dark comin in mean that we’re parting again.

Come meet the dawn with your evening clothes on. The day don’t have to end with the day.

Tonight’s got a light of it’s own, and besides, the morning’s just an evening away.

Written by Emily Hurd

Hosannas

Your glass is colored baby. Your glass is stained.

My glass is clear now baby. And I can’t complain.

All is right with me now. Is that all right with you?

I still fall to my knees now for a different view.

But one of these years I’m gonna get back to sing hosannas

One of these years I’m goin home.

Yeah one of these years I’m gonna get back to sing hosannas

One of these years I’m goin home.

You find it in a steeple, inside a flame.

I find it in these people and in the rain.

But I’m a believer darling. I can be moved.

When I’m lost, my darling, I just believe in you.

But one of these years I’m gonna get back to sing hosannas

One of these years I’m goin home.

Yeah one of these years I’m gonna get back to sing hosannas

One of these years I’m goin home.

I still desire a chapel and a gown of white.

But this was a losing battle when we cared enough to fight.

But I just love you, honey. And I always will.

So I’ll sing a hymn now, honey, and mean it still.

But one of these years I’m gonna get back to sing hosannas

One of these years I’m goin home.

Yeah one of these years I’m gonna get back to sing hosannas

One of these years I’m goin home.

I’m goin home. I’m goin home. I’m goin home.

Written by Emily Hurd

He Does

You cried so hard, I nearly drown. You fall apart, and I go down.

And all of your scars are on me now somehow.

We are so very intertwined. I carry everything you find.

And I’ll feel I’m buried when you die sometime.

When there ain’t sun, the world is black. And the night ain’t done til it comes back.

So I’m only cryin now because he does.

All of your doin’s are my deeds. All of your ruins, my debris.

Your pride is wounded and I bleed something.

You grow quiet and I’m hushed. Your family riots, and I’m crushed.

My hands hold tight to what you clutch.

When there ain’t sun, the world is black. And the night ain’t done til it comes back.

So I’m only cryin now because he does.

I’ll light a fire with my face of my desire for your grace.

Which I hope you acquire in your space someway.

I do not worry for your soul. You can surely take the cold.

But I don’t know how you’re enduring being so damn low some days.

When there ain’t sun, the world is black. And the night ain’t done til it comes back.

So I’m only cryin now because he does.

Written by Emily Hurd

Down The Street

Bags in tow under my eyes. I've seen the highest lows and lowest highs.

I went past shallow hills and a valley deep just to find you livin down the street.

Stopping lights and the docking yards, under the satellites and the dying stars.

I went over fields and a rocky beach just to find you livin down the street. Just to find you livin down the street.

Now when I holler, he comes runnin. Oh my baby keeps me comin.

He gives me what I don’t know that I need.

Every time I’d chase the wind I’d only find your face again.

So I’ll lose my shoes and rest my tired feet.

And find you livin down the street.

Gravel voice and pavement roads.  I heard some empty noise from the noisy shows.

I followed love on hollow leads just to find you livin down the street.

I took some bitter drinks from fruitless vines, all the jagged brinks and stony climbs.

The beating drum had got me beat and I found you livin down the street. I just found you livin down the street.

Now when I holler, he comes runnin. Oh my baby keeps me comin.

He gives me what I don’t know that I need.

Every time I’d chase the wind I’d only find your face again.

So I’ll lose my shoes and rest my tired feet.

And find you livin down the street.

Through alley ways and Raleigh haze, I was searchin for some brighter days

And someone I could be someone to.

Through dead canals and live corrals and old-time men and good time gals,

I wondered til my wonderin was through. And I happened to happen onto you.

Bags in hand and ragged skies.  I saw some golden bands and broken ties.

I took careless rides at breakneck speeds just to find you livin down the street.

Faulty starts make happy endings, and hardened hearts take hearty mending.

Now to the wind I must concede. I found you livin down the street. I just found you livin down the street.

Now when I holler, he comes runnin. Oh my baby keeps me comin.

He gives me what I don’t know that I need.

Every time I’d chase the wind I’d only find your face again.

So I’ll lose my shoes and rest my tired feet.

And find you livin down the street.

Written by Emily Hurd

Rest

I would be blessed if you would rest here tonight.

One easy evening without leaving by the light.

I’d like to cave in to the cravings that I hide.

I would be blessed if you would rest here tonight.

I would be saved if you would make your heart a home.

I would make ready all the bedding that I own.

I’d sit real still on a window sill inside your soul.

I would be saved if you would make your heart a home.

The winter’s always bitter. Don’t confuse that with yourself.

Please discern between what’s burning you and what you fear you felt.

If it all goes fine, don’t let him find a way to say it won’t.

And if it all just goes to pieces, Jesus, please just let him know. I

would be healed if you revealed just what you need.

I would make haste to any place at any speed.

I’d like to learn why you’re so concerned with being free.

I would be healed if you revealed just what you need.

I would be honored if you pondered being mine

For a little or a lot of all I’ve got of my spare time. 

I’d be no less than flustered if you could muster up that line.

I would be honored if you pondered being mine.

There’s no good course of action for the things we want the most.

Very pricey, very dicey, are two people getting close.

If it all goes well, don’t let him sell us short before we try.

And if it all just goes to pieces, Jesus, please just let them fly.

I would be hurt if you should turn me down, my dear.

I’d think myself cursed if you just burst right out of here.

I’d say I’m fine, but in my mind, I’d shed a tear.

I would be hurt if you should turn me down.

But I would be blessed if you would rest here tonight.

Or we could make it a habit, and we could have it all the time.

When our days are through we harken to the things we stayed beside.

I would be blessed if you would rest here tonight.

I would be blessed if you would rest here tonight.

If you would rest here tonight.

Written by Emily Hurd