Faraway Land
The opening track introduces the listener to Jane's story telling folk ballad style. The many interpretations leave the listener to make up their own minds.
Faraway Land
This is the story of a faraway land.
There are questions unanswered, some I don’t understand.
Its where the sea greets the sand
And the wind blows the leaves,
Never changing.
There once was a town in this faraway land,
Where the men went to work and the women lent a hand.
And the children would play
In the soft yellow sand,
And they were happy.
Then I woke up one morning and all I could hear,
Was my mother being told "You’ve got nothing to fear.
Just answer my questions
And tell me no lies,
And come with me".
I called to my sister but I heard not a sound.
I looked by the window there was no one around.
They had taken my possessions
And left no dignity,
They were gone.
Many years have passed now but I still live alone.
I hold this memory of this place I call home.
And when I wake up each day
Do I hear the young ones playing?
Its just a dream.
Repeat first verse
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
My Lady My Lover
This song is about a Jessie James type of character who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Finally he is caught for his sins and this song is the letter he writes to the lady in his life.
My Lady My Lover
Give me a little more whisky and a little more time,
I’ve a letter to write for I don’t have a dime.
My lady my lover something you ought to know
Now my hours have been numbered and it’s nearly time to go.
I’ve loved you forever and forever I will
Be wanting you and needing you and loving you still.
It’s a year and a day since they led me away,
And I’m goin to some place where I’ve not been before.
It is there I will wait you, some day I will take you
To be my lady, my lover again.
Your tears of love and your tears of pain
Will be gone forever, I would do it again.
I am sitting here in the dimness of night,
Feeling too tired to sleep and I’m too tired to fight.
There is no more wondering which way I should go,
Or who I should turn to, there is only one thing I know,
I’ve loved you forever and forever I will
Be wanting you and needing you and loving you still.
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Copyright Jane Laws 1998
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Since I've Been Missing You
The beautiful classical overtones of the Violin augment the heartfelt feelings of this love song.
Since I've Been Missing You
There’s a light shines down on me,
What you get is what you see.
No place to hide
Since I’ve been missing you.
Now my lovers lost to the sea
I should be feeling young and free.
But where do I go
Since I’ve been missing you?
But where do I go
Since I’ve been missing you?
Are you feeling young and free
Or are you missing holding me?
When will you be home?
Since I’ve been missing you.
I believed in all you say
That I would share with you my life some day.
Where did I go wrong?
Since I’ve been missing you.
Where did I go wrong
Since I’ve been missing you?
Repeat first verse
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Gypsy Traveller
Jane's inspiration for this album comes from the stories that are told by an imaginary Gypsy Traveller.
Gypsy Traveller
Last night I sang to you
A song on my guitar,
And the sound of voices
They were coming from afar.
But going by my memory
The night was just so long,
And the sound of voices
Of the children have all gone.
I’ve lived my life with you
Wandered from land to land,
And I recall those nights
We slept on desert sands.
Just in search of food and water
And hoping that we’d find
The sound of voices
Of the children on our minds.
I’m getting older now
The tide has reached my shore,
But I have lived my life
I do not ask for more.
Just remember those young children,
For they remember you.
I’m a Gypsy Traveller
And this song I sing is true.
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Carefee Years
While Jane was waiting for a train at a Railway Station she met a middle-aged man. Everything he owned was by his side and she wondered what had happened to bring him to this point in his life. He is the inspiration for this song.
Carefee Years
Chorus
And my kids are home making gingerbread,
Like my mama used to make.
Their rocky road lies way ahead
And they’ll remember each mistake.
Their laughter and their cryin
Is music in my ears.
Though they long to grow up fast,
These will be their carefree years.
Standing at the railway station, no place to go.
Beside him his bags are packed,
Over his shoulder his old banjo.
I asked him where you goin,
He says ‘been here to long.
Don’t matter where I go
As long as I’m moving on’.
His face paints a picture
Worth a thousand words or more,
Life dealt him a bitter blow
A hundred years before.
But there’s no bitterness hiding,
He’s tried to set himself free.
He don’t have the shackles round him
That belong to you and me.
Chorus
Next train at the station is heading south from here,
He takes up a window seat
And I hear him laugh and cheer.
He gets me to thinking
Of the days when I was small,
Riding high on my papa’s knee
And climbing trees so tall.
When there was nothing to do
But school, then home to have some fun,
Or argue with my sisters over the chores to be done.
But nothing lasts for ever
that’s the way its meant to be.
Just a pity when we’re young
We don’t appreciate we’re free.
Chorus
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
For Free
This upbeat number examines the topical premise that we can find happiness outside our current monetary lifestyle.
For Free
Have you ever looked out on a rainy afternoon,
And watched the sun slip below the horizon?
Have you ever looked up at a sliver of a moon,
And wandered what it would be like if you could ride it?
Chorus
Its sure like the feeling I get when you’re holding hands with me.
Something deep inside me says I’m in the place where I should be,
You know the greatest things in life we get for free.
Next time you find someone with a world upon each shoulder,
Show a smile, don’t you turn and look the other way.
Next time you find something that don’t belong to you,
Hand it in, because your friend will be searching for it.
Chorus
Have you ever walked out in the freshness of the morning,
And been the first to make the footprints in the sand?
Have you ever climbed up to the top of a mountain,
To see the world as it would be if we could fly?
Chorus
Next time you see someone whose feeling kind of lonely,
Show you care, don’t hurry with your busy day.
Next time you hurt someone, reach out and say you’re sorry,
Don’t hold back, to forgive will set you free.
Chorus
You know the greatest things in life we get for free.
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Copyright Jane Laws 1997
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Who Are You
The delicate Piano Accordion and soulful Violin played on this love song transports the listener to the French Riviera.
Who Are You
Who Are You
Friend or foe?
Who am I to ask you so?
Deep inside I feel an emptiness,
Can you and I fulfil togetherness?
Who am I
Friend or foe?
Perhaps its best you do not know!
Drink your wine
don’t hesitate,
I’ll give you time to contemplate.
I’m a fool I know it’s true.
What kind of a fool are you?
Who are you
Not a friend or foe,
Just a memory left long ago.
I thought I’d found a friend in you,
But a fools game cannot come true.
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Jack
A delightful story about an old hermit and his interaction with the village children on his occasional visits.
Jack
He wore a long dark coat with a crimson lining,
And he roamed the hills and valleys where we all feared to go.
And they called him Jack, but that ain’t his real name,
When he rode into town no one knew from where he came.
And the children would come running to tie his horse to the stable,
He was rough and he was ready, but they loved him all the same.
They’d say "come uncle Jack, will you come play that stone game",
And he would mutter and he would mumble he was just too tired to play.
Then he would pick up his stones throw them right at the circle
And pretend that he was loosing until the last stone he would play.
And as they thought they had beaten him it would land right in the middle,
"You’d better start your practicing cos I’ll be back some day".
One day I was out riding and I rode further than I ought to,
And I came across old Jack sitting there on his own.
He was singing a song of a lovely Celtic maiden,
Remembering someone he knew long ago.
And he talked with the birds, knew them all by their first name,
And I longed to old jack "I understand your pain".
Then he looked up and saw me, should I run laugh or cry,
And he beckoned I come closer and he greeted me with a smile.
The billy was a boiling, washing hung out to dry,
And his old black coat draped over a rock quite near by.
Hardly a word was spoken "can’t change the way I am,
I live from day to day doing the very best I can".
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Copyright Jane Laws 1997
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Mother
The haunting Cello compliments this complex song about a mother, as seen through the eyes of her daughter.
Mother
There once was a man in search of a lady
And he travelled many a mile just to ask her,
‘If you give to me your love, I’ll give to you a home’.
So she gave to him her love, and he built for her a home,
And she born to him a daughter named Louisa.
But be never saw her laugh, and he never saw her cry.
Chorus
Today’s a new day my mother would always say
And don’t you go thinking about tomorrow.
And never be afraid of what each new day might bring,
Live each day as if there’s no tomorrow.
And then came the day, just a letter left to say,
‘Mother won’t be coming home again’.
He never understood but I knew he never would.
Sometimes while he sleeps I hear him call out her name,
But she is resting where he used to grow her roses.
And he visits her each day, and I’ve often seen him wonder.
Chorus
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Have You Ever Been Before
Jane was inspired to write this track while on a wilderness holiday to the Porongorup Mountains in the south west corner of Australia. It uncovers deep feelings for everyone who has been touched by the ambience of remote locations.
Have You Ever Been Before
One day in seventy eight I met a man
His name I don’t remember.
We were sat by a river
It was spring, late September.
He had the time to listen,
His eyes they did glisten
And he took my hand and held it close and he said.
"Have you ever been before
Where the mountains rest the soul
And the trees grow tall?
Let the silence soothe your mind
And you’ll find there’s no reason
To count the time."
There is little time to contemplate
The beauty of life at the end of each day.
I long to watch the world go by
And enjoy the sight of a bird at play.
I know instead of all this greed,
Food and shelter is all I need,
But it’s hard to change to a life I don’t understand.
Yes I think I hear the call
To where the mountains rest the soul
And the trees grow tall.
Let the silence soothe my mind
And I’ll find there’s no reason
To count the time.
When he stood up to leave
I noticed his face was lined and weathered.
He picked up his walking stick
And reached for his old dog who was tethered.
He knew where he was going
He’d been that place before,
And he looked back o’ver his shoulder
And said once more.
"Have you ever been before
Where the mountains rest the soul
And the trees grow tall?
Let the silence soothe your mind
And you’ll find there’s no reason
To count the time."
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Australia All Over
Inspired and written while travelling through the wheat belt country of Western Australia. This upbeat number describes the tough life of an Australian shearer.
Australia All Over
It’s four thirty in the morning the light is creeping in.
He crawls out of his swag and he takes a swig of gin.
Another day in the saddle can’t wait till it is done.
It won’t be till nightfall he can start having fun.
Chorus
There is water in the dam and there is flour in the mill.
Now spring is here and winters gone and the days are longer still.
The colours of our land are changing from green to brown.
This land we love Australia all over.
The Burra calls twelve thirty it’s time to take a break.
The sun is up, the waters warm and he calls out to his mate,
"This life ain’t getting easier there’s no time to relax.
You talk to John and find out how to avoid paying the Tax!"
Chorus
Give this man his tucker and pour this man a beer.
The shearing’s hard, the day is done and night is drawing near.
He sits up at the bar making roll your own.
He never looks for company he’d rather drink alone.
Chorus
He digs in to his pocket but his hand it comes out dry.
It’s time to go on home now and with a twinkle in his eye,
He grabs his worn akubra and stumbles through the door.
He’ll be back tomorrow like he was here the day before.
Chorus
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Forgive Me
This track examines the pressures of a long term relationship and the need for forgiveness.
Forgive Me
He lives the gypsy life
Wandering where his heart tells him to,
Now and then he feels the call to go back home.
And he wonders will she be waiting
When he arrives home again.
He loves her more than she could ever know.
O’he loves her.
She says ‘Jo its been a while since you’ve been home again,
Where you been, is there something I should know’.
He just takes her in his arms and says ‘hush awhile,
Why do I always hurt the one I love the most.
Please forgive me’.
She was the one left crying at the railway station
When he was young and had to go help fight the war.
And she was the one waiting when he came home again
And he would hold her like he might never let her go.
And he loved her.
He wonders does she understand why he goes away,
Why he can not live in any place too long.
And he asks her ‘How can I ever make it up to you
To put right all these years I’ve done you wrong.
Please forgive me’.
Seems like there’s not much left except a few old photographs,
And his grandma’s ring he gave to her to wear.
And the memories are fading as the years go by
They are the only thing the two of them can share.
Please forgive me, please forgive me, O’forgive me.
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
I'm Leaving
Accompanied by her guitar, Jane explores the tragedy of a relationship breakdown.
I'm Leaving
I’m leaving
I’ve let you down,
Yet something deep inside of me
Says its time to go.
Please understand
Don’t cry.
It’s better that I leave this way
Before I spoil
The love and laughter that we’ve shared.
And I’ll write to you
From some old town
And hopefully you’ll settle down
Without me.
And when the kids come in from school,
Explain to them I’m gone.
And someday when I find the words
I’ll write to them to say.....
That I was young and foolish to
But married all the same,
Your father he’s been good to me
I’m the only one to blame.
I’m leaving,
I’ve let you down,
Yet something deep inside of me
Says its time to go.
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
One Last Time With You
Jane relinquishes her guitar and the piano provides a beautiful accompaniment for this classic love song.
One Last Time With You
Chorus
For one more day
I long to hold you by my side.
For one last time
I long to call your name.
I long to sing and dance with you
Like young lovers do.
One last time with you
Do you feel the same?
Do you ever stop and wonder?
Do you ever stop and dream
Of the time when you were young
And I was only just sixteen?
Now time has passed us by,
It was all so long ago.
But before I slip away
There is one thing that you should know.
Chorus
So many years unspoken,
Perhaps there’s nothing left to say.
But I will go on dreaming
In this special way.
I close my eyes and see you,
Two people young and free.
But you can’t appreciate
All the things you cannot see.
Chorus
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
Carefree Years (Reprise)
This short but wonderful instrumental returns to Carefree Years leaving the listener contemplating life's journey.
Carefree Years (Reprise)
Instrumental
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Copyright Jane Laws 1996
Unauthorised copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental of this song prohibited.
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