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BAR WARS

by Jon Strider

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1.
DRINKIN’ SURE BEATS THINKIN’ (Strider) I was down in Nashville, sittin’ in a bar Talkin’ to some sweet thang, wasn’t gettin’ far I said, “Honey, what’s this thing you got against me?” She said, “You’re a man, and I can’t stand your company!” So I said, “C’mon baby, let me buy another round. I could say the same the same thang About women in this town Let’s have a couple of strong ones And give our minds a rest I’m sure we’ll feel better The more that we forget.” That’s why Drinkin’ Sure Beats Thinkin’ When you’re feelin’ lonely When you’re feelin’ blue I said Drinkin’ Sure Beats Thinkin’ Sometimes drinkin’ is the only thing to do (Instrumental solo - piano: Jon Strider) So I said, “Honey, how you doin’ now?” She said, “I can’t remember where I put my handbag down.” I said, “That’s a good sign, you’re kind of lettin’ go In another drink, or two, or three You won’t care no more.” That’s why Drinkin’ Sure Beats Thinkin’ When you’re feelin’ lonely When you’re feelin’ blue I said Drinkin’ Sure Beats Thinkin’ Sometimes drinkin’ is the only thing to do (Dueling instrumental solo - slide guitar: Pelle Jernryd / piano: Jon Strider) And she said, “Bud, you know you ain’t half bad. I thought I’d lost everything, but now I’m not so sad.” She thanked me for the strong ones I helped her find her purse When I asked her to come home with me She left me in the dirt That’s why Drinkin’ Sure Beats Thinkin’ When you’re feelin’ lonely When you’re feelin’ blue Oh___, I said Drinkin’ Sure Beats Thinkin’ Sometimes drinkin’ is the only thing to do Sometimes drinkin’ is the only thing to do! © 2018 Pacific Songworks, BMI ℗ 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
2.
Mr. Right 04:40
MR. RIGHT (Strider) Throw out your dildo Burn up your little red book Your single days are over And I’m too good to overlook They call me Mr. Right Yeah, they call me Mr. Right In case you didn’t notice They call me Mr. Right I got more than enough Of the stuff you really need I’ll be right there on it Satisfaction guaranteed They call me Mr. Right They call me Mr. Right In case you might’ve missed it They call me Mr. Right I’m the one who’s the one for you and there ain’t nothin’ you can do I’ve made my connection in your direction, I know my aim is true I may look a little worn and frayed, but I assure you I’m really well made It would only do you good If I only could Steal your heart away I don’t need a Maserati I don’t need a Harvard degree ‘Cause I know how to love, how to give How to squeeze & please They call me Mr. Right They call me Mr. Right In case you might’ve missed it They call me Mr. Right Nah-nah-nah, Nah__nah-nah__ Nah-nah-nah (etc.) (Instrumental solo - piano: Jon Strider) Well, I’m the one who’s the one for you and there ain’t nothin’ you can do I’ve made my connection in your direction I know my aim is true I may look a little worn and frayed, but I assure you I’m really well made It would only do you good If I only could Steal your heart away So, throw out your dildo Burn up your little red book Your single days are over And I’m too good to overlook They call me Mr. Right Yeah, they call me Mr. Right In case you didn’t notice They call me Mr. Right They call me Mr. Right Yeah, call me Mr. Right In case you might’ve missed it They call me Mr. Right Nah-nah-nah, Nah__nah-nah__ Nah-nah-nah (etc.) Mr. Right! © 2018 Pacific Songworks, BMI ℗ 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
3.
Road Kill 04:16
ROAD KILL (Strider) Too far down this dead-end road I'm a lost and lonely child Got skid marks on my eyelids And fractures deep and wild I tried to play by the so-called rules I tried to court my friends But the more I tried to play it straight The more my mind got bent I feel like Road Kill, Road Kill Slaughtered in cold, cold blood I feel like Road Kill Face down in the mud Well, I used to think I knew my way, but I don't know where I'm goin' I feel like Road Kill, Road Kill With all my insides showin' Huh! Got the buzzards circling over me They can smell the walking dead They can't wait to land on me As the life force leaves my head But I ain't checkin' out just yet I still got room to fight I'll lick my wounds and resurrect Like Lazarus tonight I feel like Road Kill, Road Kill Slaughtered in cold, cold blood Feel like Road Kill Face down in the mud Well, I used to think I knew my way, but I don't know where I'm goin' Feel like Road Kill, Road Kill With all my insides showin' Huh! (Instrumental solo: Pelle Jernryd - electric lap steel guitar) And I dream of sweet transcendence From this barren, bitter town This home of raw ambition Has finally brought me down I should have seen it coming, but my eyes were dim and numb I guess I'm finally waking up To this mess I'm running from I feel like Road Kill, Road Kill Slaughtered in cold, cold blood Feel like Road Kill Face down in the mud Well, I used to think I knew my way, but I don't know where I'm going I feel like Road Kill, Road Kill Slaughtered in cold, cold blood Feel like Road Kill Face down in the mud Well, I used to think I knew my way, but I don't know where I'm going... ©2013, 2018 Pacific Songworks BMI ℗2013, 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
4.
Workin' Girl 04:27
WORKIN' GIRL (Strider/Delén) She gets up before the sun gets up Feet hit the treadmill with her eyes still shut Oh Boy in her coffee every single day Then she hops into the shower while she boils her eggs Got the TV on and the radio blastin’ Husband's got a hangover, she ain’t askin’ Polar caps meltin’, the world’s gonna burn But she’s got more important things to bother her She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world Drivin’ with a coffee cup between her legs Hope it don’t spill when she hits the brakes Tryin’ to do her make-up in the rear view mirror Got one knee on the wheel, tryin’ to steer It’s a struggle out there to stay in her lane When every other driver is completely insane Feels like a miracle she pulls into work Still in one piece despite all the jerks She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world Doin’ her best, doin’ way to much But it never ever seems to be enough She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world A Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world (Instrumental solo: Patrick Ohlsson - electric guitar) Walks into the office with her eyes on the clock Got eight long hours to spend with her boss Not quite sure what makes him tick But she knows damn well he makes her sick Does all his work in his coffee breaks Doesn’t have a clue what a mess he makes Leaves it to her to clean up his act Takes all the credit then stabs her in the back She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world Doin’ her best, doin’ way to much But it never ever seems to be enough She could take two jobs to manage her bills But she would still be standing still She’s tired of fightin’ for her place in the sun Just wanna have some fun when the work gets done She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world Woh yeah___ A Workin' Girl She’s a Workin’ Girl in a whacked out world She’s a Workin’ Girl She’s a Workin’ Girl She’s a Workin’ Girl She’s a Workin’ Girl © 2013, 2018 Pacific Songworks BMI ℗ 2013, 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
5.
BIG BLIND SPOT (Strider) I___ got___ a___ Big Blind Spot When it comes to lovin’ you I got two good eyes, but man, I just can’t see I got a Big Blind Spot And it’s all that I can do To overlook the way you’re treatin’ me Since that day you caught me I’ve been hooked on your spell Like a lovesick flounder on a line You have stolen my good sense And now I cannot tell Somehow bein’ used feels just fine___ I got a Big Blind Spot When it comes to lovin’ you Got two good eyes, but man, I just can’t see I got a Big Blind Spot And it’s all that I can do To overlook the way you’re treatin’ me (Scat vocal solo : Jon Strider with whacky guitar : Andreas Eriksson) I have tried and tried To heed those warnin’ signs All them red flags flappin’ in the air But my heart is defenseless All you have to do is smile You say, “Jump”. and I say, “Tell me where__” I got a Big Blind Spot When it comes to lovin’ you Got two good eyes, but man, I just can’t see I got a Big Blind Spot And it’s all that I can do To overlook the way you’re treatin’ me To overlook You’re cheatin’ me! I got a Big____ Blind____ Spot! 2018 Pacific Songworks BMI 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
6.
RECIPE FOR TROUBLE (Strider/Chrismar) Take a good timin’ woman And a jealous hearted man Pour a little bit of whiskey Put a heater in his hand That’s a Recipe For Trouble That’s a Recipe For Trouble You can smell it in the kitchen You can hear it in the hall That’s a Recipe For Trouble, that’s all Dress a little girl in short skirts Heels and high cut hose Put her right down on the corner Mister, everybody knows That’s a Recipe For Trouble That’s a Recipe For Trouble When the times get tought And the money comes up tight That’s a Recipe For Trouble in the night (Instrumental solo - electric guitar - Steve Chrismar) The whole world’s cryin’ mercy And the lights are flashin’ red You’re bound to deal with bad luck When the devil’s in your bed___ Take a young man, with a bad plan Make his whole life on the street Send him out for dirty money In that shooting gallery That’s a Recipe For Trouble That’s a Recipe For Trouble Gonna shake up your Gonna tear right through your town That’s a Recipe For Trouble comin’ down That’s a Recipe For Trouble That’s a Recipe For Trouble Gonna shake up your city Gonna tear right through your town That’s a Recipe For Trouble comin’ down © 2018 Pacific Songworks, BMI ℗ 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
7.
Take Me Back 02:50
TAKE ME BACK (Strider) I’ve been walkin’ a tight rope Since that day I regret On pins and needles Hopin’ you’d forget But you wanna spite me and rub it in my face I may not be an angel, but you don’t have a case I come with clear intention My love for you on track It’s time for you To change your point of view I’ll give you one more chance Take Me Back All those innuendos All them sneak attacks All them baseless rumors That talk behind my back I’ve been tarred and feathered I’ve been thistled and thorned By a one-woman jury My reputation scorned I come with clear intention My love for you on track It’s time for you to change your point of view Give me one more chance Take Me Back (Instrumental solo - baritone electric guitar: Pelle Jernryd) Holy Moses, there’s so much at stake Do you think I’d blow it, and throw it, in the lake? We can walk on water, we can kiss the sky When we’re reunited, to spread our wings and fly I come with clear intention My love for you on track It’s time for you to change your point of view I’ll give you one more chance Take me back Give me one more chance Take Me Back, Take Me Back Take Me Back, Take Me Back Take Me Back (9x’s) 2018 Pacific Songworks BMI 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
8.
AIN’T NO RIGHT WAY (to do the wrong thing) (Strider/McGilpin) Bah-buh-dah-buh, etc. Sittin’ at the bar mindin’ my own business Sippin’ on a bottle of beer In walks trouble in a tight red dress High heels and long blond hair She took the seat right next to me I could hear my promises break Face to face with temptation I had a tough decision to make Should I pass or take my chances Roll the dice or hold the line Could I take the consequences I better think this through one time I wish just once I could taste that honey And never feel the sting but, there Ain’t No Right Way To do the wrong thing Bah-buh-dabba, etc. Thought to myself there ain’t no harm talkin’ Asked if I could buy her a drink She said, “No thanks, but would you like to dance?” Started slippin’ off my ring I was holdin’ her on the dance floor When she whispered in my ear We could do a whole lot better If we could just get out of here Should I pass or take my chances Roll the dice or hold the line Could I take the consequences I better think this through one time I wish just once I could taste that honey And never feel the sting but, they’re Ain’t No Right Way To do the wrong thing Man, she’s lookin’ sweet as sin tonight! How could something be so wrong, and make me feel so right? Well, I wish just once I could taste that honey And never feel the sting but, there Ain’t No Right Way To do the wrong thing No, there Ain’t No Right Way To do the wrong thing © 2018 Pacific Songworks BMI / 2RTunes ASCAP ℗ 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
9.
IF DOWN WERE UP (Strider/McGilpin) I was makin’ top dollar on the totem pole Climbin’ that ladder when the ladder broke Now the bills are high, and the rent is due My checks keep bouncin’ like a kangaroo Thought I’d hit rock bottom Then the bottom dropped If Down Were Up I’d be on top They cut my credit on my credit cards Closed my tab down at Rosie’s Bar I was prayin’ real hard for a change of luck When a big pine tree fell and crushed my truck I’m on a downhill roll and it just won’t stop If Down Were Up I’d be on top If Down Were Up I’d be flyin’ high Rollin’ in the dough with a piece of the pie I’d pawn my troubles, party non-stop If Down Were Up I’d be on top The way I see it, man, this ain’t no mess I’m just travelin’ on the low road to success____ (Instrumental solo - electric guitar: Andreas Eriksson) The devil called up to buy my soul Said he’d pay me good money, get me out of this hole Well, I thought real hard, but I turned him down With a little more time I can turn this around ‘Cause you can’t lose nothin’ When it’s all you got If Down Were Up I’d be on top Yeah, yeah, yeah___ If Down Were Up I’d be flyin’ high Rollin’ in the dough with a piece of the pie I’d pawn my troubles, party non-stop If Down Were Up I’d be on top Yeah___ If Down Were Up I’d be on top Hmmm-Hmmm © 2018 Pacific Songworks BMI / 2RTunes ASCAP ℗ 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
10.
Old Jukebox 03:15
OLD JUKEBOX (Strider) Old Jukebox keep playin’ My favorite tunes for me There’s always been some special ones Sometimes two or three That set my toes a-tappin’ That set my feet on fire I’m gonna fetch me up some change and play it to my hearts desire Old Jukebox, let’s get rockin’ Old Jukebox, get me on time Something sweet, with a Southern beat Makes me feel so fine Old Jukebox, let’s get rockin’ Old Jukebox, double 4 time I can’t wait to play that Old Jukebox tonight Well, I clink my money in the slot and give the thing a kick And raise hell with the management if that coin decides to stick Now I got 14 quarters, and I got 14 beers I hope that you are quite prepared To hear what I wanna hear Old Jukebox, let’s get rockin’ Old Jukebox, get me on time Something sweet, with a Southern beat Makes me feel so fine Old Jukebox, let’s keep rockin’ Old Jukebox, have a good time I can’t wait to play that Old Jukebox tonight (Instrumental solo - unison : electric guitar: Andreas Eriksson & Tim Carlstedt; with Jon Strider, piano) My true love she got married To one of my best friends I know it’s been a whole damn year, but this pain inside won’t mend I’ve had enough of women I’ve given up on love I’m countin’ on this Old Jukebox To pick my spirits up My favorite songs keep me alive To me their my best friends People die and fade away, but a good song never ends Some people turn to Jesus Some people turn to booze I’ll just turn this jukebox on With music I can’t lose Old Juke box, let’s get rockin’ Old Jukebox, get me on time Something sweet, with a Southern beat Makes me feel so fine Old Jukebox, let’s keep rockin’ Old Jukebox, make it on time I can’t wait to play that Old Jukebox tonight I can’t wait to play that Old Jukebox tonight! © 2018 Pacific Songworks BMI ℗ 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved
11.
I CAN’T PAY THE RENT Words: Jon Strider Music: Jon Strider/Dave Seabury Shake down, hear the sound As they take it all away I know the trickle down Got the urine drippin’ on my face Some buy the pack of lies But their cover’s runnin’ thin If they think they gonna take us down They better think again Out in the country store Where my hard earned money’s spent How can I make it by When I ain’t gotta goddamn cent All hope runnin’ dry I can’t even make a dent When the landlord calls I’ll beg and ball ‘cause I Can’t Pay The Rent They think they can get away, but they’re gonna burn on Judgement Day They can trash the middle class, but the tail don’t wag no dog Every man without a home Will pitch his angry tent Don’t even try to bleed this stone ‘cause I Can’t Pay The Rent No! Top dog’s gonna fall ‘cause he woke up all the sheep We know what he’s up to now And we ain’t goin’ back to sleep I know the bottom line And I know that the game is bent It’s not like me to bend the rules but I Can’t Pay The Rent (Instrumental solo - Pelle Jernryd - electric slide guitar) Wake up Shake it down Break up Break it down Wake up Tear it down The floor caved in From the rich man’s sin I Can’t Pay The Rent They think they can get away, but they’re gonna burn on Judgement Day They can trash the middle class, but the tail don’t wag no dog Every man without a home Will pitch his angry tent Don’t even try to bleed this stone ‘cause I Can’t Pay The Rent I Can’t Pay The Rent I Can’t Pay The Rent I Can’t Pay The Rent I Can't Pay The Rent I Can't Pay The Rent I Can't Pay The Rent The floor caved in From the rich man’s sin I Can’t Pay The Rent © 2018 Pacific Songworks BMI ℗ 2018 New Sky Records All Rights Reserved

about

BAR WARS is a collection of self-written, and co-written, songs “inspired” by all the beautiful/tragic/comic characters and situations I have encountered in my decades of gigging You can learn everything you need to know about life and humanity by observing people in bars. There is an undercurrent of darkness, conflict and sadness there, of course, and that’s where the “war” reference comes in. I always felt through music and song I could uplift heavy hearts, and, at least, help people through their night and life struggles. In a good light, I hope I’ve been a soldier on the side of joy, fun and happiness. And, oh yeah, I’ve made some messes too! This album doesn’t have a slow song on it. It’s raucous and rowdy and full of life. Grab whatever you like to drink and crank this album up! I always hope your glass is at least half full, and this BAR WARS album will help keep it that way.

credits

released November 23, 2018

Produced and Arranged by JON STRIDER*
Recorded and Mixed by EMIL ISAKSSON, associate producer*, at Studio Möllan, Malmö, Sweden
Mastered by PAUL MAHERN at Mahern Audio, USA
*Co-producer track 5: Andreas Eriksson
*Co-producer track 11: Dave Seabury

MUSICIANS
note: Specific credits accompany each song individually...
JON STRIDER Lead vocals, keyboards (all tracks)
acoustic guitar (tracks 7,10,11);
electric guitar (tracks 2,8)
Bass
MACIEJ SZYMCZYNSKI tracks 1,2,3,4,8,9
LASZLO DANCS tracks 5,10
DANIEL PURK track 7
DAVE SEABURY track 11
KENNY GRADNEY track 6
Drums
RASMUS SVENSSON tracks 1,2,3,4,8,9,10
EMANUEL NYMAN track 7
TONY BRAUNAGEL track 6
Electric Guitar
PELLE JERNRYD electric , lapsteel guitar
and electric guitar throughout the whole album (click on individual
songs for more specific info)
MIKAEL GÖKINAN tracks 8
ANDREAS ERIKSSON tracks #5, 7
PATRICK OHLSEN-ÖLANDER (solo/ Workin’ Girl) track #4
STEVE CHRISMAR track #6
TIM CARLSTEDT track #10
Acoustic Guitar
JON STRIDER tracks 7, 10, 11
Keyboards
JON STRIDER tracks 1 through 10
Percussion - EMIL ISAKSSON tracks (need to pinpoint all....)
Lead vocals - JON STRIDER*
Background vocals (female)- JOHANNA THAM tracks 2, 4, 7, 8, 10?
Background vocals (male) - JON STRIDER tracks 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Background vocals (male) - JAKE LINDHOLM & ANDREAS ERIKSSON track 10
DAVE SEABURY bass, guitar, mandolin banjo, drums & drum programming : track 11
Additional backing vocals on Track 4 - ANDERS NORMAN
*“Big Blind Spot” recorded & mixed by ANDREAS ERIKSSON, co-producer
“Old Jukebox” recorded by Andreas Eriksson & Emil Isaksson. Mixed by Emil Isaksson
*Bass & drums for “Take Me Back” were recorded by Erik Lundahl. Emanuel Nyman was associate producer for this session at Malmö Musikhögskolan Studios.
“Recipe For Trouble” was produced, arranged, recorded and mixed by Jon Strider at Pacific Songworks/Intermix Studios, Los Angeles, CA. (USA)

Cover Photo by Tony Köhrsen
Cover Graphics and Design by Tony Wirén
Artistic Direction: Trooper

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Jon Strider Malmö, Sweden

Performing singer-songwriter, musician and record producer from California - 9 solo CD's on New Sky Records - Music style: "Retro rocking' Country with a Blues&Rhythm twist" and "Rhythm n' Folk" - Career migration track: SF Bay Area to L.A., through Nashville & Austin to Sweden, (for19 years) and back... ... more

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