Other Projects: Todd's Writing for Other Artists

  1. Cool Fire
  2. Pretending
  3. Wasp
  4. Selfless Love
  5. Heaven's Falling
  6. Dreams of Ordinary Men
  7. Western Girls
  8. Midnight Sun
  9. L-5
  10. TV is King
  11. Love's A Mystery (I Don't Understand)
  12. Piece by Piece
  13. Come As You Are
  14. One Good Reason
  15. For A Song
  16. Feel It (Tubes version)

Cool Fire

  I remember, but I don't remember
  I was captured, I was hypnotized
  Look away from the cool fire
  Look away, you could burn your eyes

  Take it easy, 'cause it's much too easy
  To surrender, to be drawn inside
  Look away from the cool fire
  Look away 'cause you might go blind
  Look away from the cool fire

  Look away, look away
  It's Satan who is calling
  Look away, look away
  Listen to my warning
  Look away, look away
  From the light of the cool fire

  All my fortunes, all my strength and power
  Taken from me before I realized
  Look away from the cool fire
  Look away 'cause you might go blind
  Look away from the cool fire

  Look away, look away
  Hear me calling brothers
  Look away, look away
  Listen to me sister
  Look away, look away
  From the light of the cool fire

Pretending

  I was right the first time
  But I outguessed myself
  You sympathized so sweetly
  When you sent me to hell
  What have I got to complain for
  Had to throw myself overboard
  Like to see that my dues are paid
  It's just the way I was made

  And when I cry, I was burning inside
  You're out there pretending
  And though I lie, I had nothing to hide
  You're the one who's pretending

  I live in anticipation
  Things that never occurred
  Turned my back to the loving ones
  On the strength of your word
  What's the answer I'm looking for
  You mix your meanings with metaphors
  Glass bricks and a ten foot wall
  You really don't care at all

  And when I came to relieve all the pain
  You were somewhere pretending
  And I'm still here, and it's still just as clear
  That you're only pretending

  I believe in believing
  And I hope that there's still hope for me
  'Cause I need to be needing
  And you're free to be free as you please
  But I'm not the kind
  Who can live with life
  And I never could
  'Cause I'm just no good at pretending

  What's the truth after all this time
  Is it your perception or is it mine
  Sometimes you're better off alone
  You can't get blood from a stone

  And while you cry, I'll be laughing inside
  'Cause I know you're pretending
  Look me straight in the eye
  When I tell you good bye
  'Cause I won't be pretending
  You could beg me and fall down on your knees
  But you'd just be pretending
  Maybe someday you'll have something to say
  And you won't be pretending

Wasp

  Hey, hey cowboy, hey cowboy
  Ain't I seen you hanging around the Nashville?
  Didn't you used to be a packy back in the west end?
  Is that right, is that right?
  Well I see you been through so many changes
  Heavy changes
  I can't say I'm hip to where you're coming from
  I can't say I hip to where you're going

  Well I see something's growing in the back of your mind
  I give you the willies
  You don't like my kind
  But I can sing like a jingle
  Sting as bad as any

  Hey, that you? Is that still you?
  You're looking mighty new wave
  I hardly recognize you with that shish kabob through your face
  But that's all right, yeah, that's all right
  I guess you're trying to make a statement
  You been out on the street
  Looking for somebody to carve on
  Well you can ramble,
  Just don't go carving on me

  'Cause I don't mind the fashion
  I've lived with your mind
  I dig on the passions
  The rest is just crap
  I can sing like a jingle
  And sting as bad as any

  Hey, don't I know you?
  Ain't I seen you before?
  Yeah, you're the one doing a pyramid party
  	down in Marina del Ray
  	with their spoon and friends
  Still going through them changes
  You got your pants full of money
  And your nose in the air
  You're a record producer
  I don't really care
  'Cause I can sing like a jingle
  Sting as bad as any

Selfless Love

  I went down to the river
  To see what I could find
  I cried out, "This world is not for me
  They don't appreciate my kind."
  And the river called my name out,
  "I'm afraid you must be wrong.
  It's much too shallow here for suicide.
  You had better move along."
  And ...

  Selfish love will just bring you pain
  But selfless love is never in vain
  Selfish love will just bring you pain
  But selfless love is never in vain
  It's never in vain

  So I climbed up to the mountain
  And I saw my purpose clear
  I was just about to take the leap
  When a voice rang in my ear
  "I am just a little mole hill.
  You made a mountain out of me.
  No man is as blind as he
  Who will refuse to see."
  Because ...

  I was standing in the city
  In the dirty grey of dawn
  And I looked up at the sky and cried,
  "How can you let this go on?"
  And a voice said, "I know things are tough,
  But I'm doing all I can.
  Just don't tell me how to do my job,
  You just wouldn't understand."
  Remember ...

Heaven's Falling

  I will believe what I want to believe
  Nobody needs to do my thinking for me
  I know the score, I'm always out of line
  It's as if I was born at the wrong place and time
  And nobody understands just what's in my mind
  But when I face the light, somehow it all seems right

  You know it feels like
  Heaven's falling down on me
  And I can hear them angels calling
  Calling me

  Speak your mind, you know you've got a right
  You're not afraid, you're going with me tonight
  Everybody stops to whisper and stare
  'Cause we're not afraid to do the things
  	they wouldn't dare
  But they would never know the secrets we share
  And when you squeeze my hand
  I know you understand

  This cannot work if lovers are fools
  Schemers and dreamers who don't follow the rules
  We got to run while our legs are still young
  We got to run 'til our heaven comes
  And when we face the light, somehow it all seems right

  Don't you know it feels like
  Heaven's falling down on me
  And I can hear them angels calling
  Calling me

Dreams of Ordinary Men

  There is an essence in the water
  There is a spirit in the sky
  There is a spider drawing webs
  To crucify a fly

  The fly is drawing nearer
  Just as if he knew
  How we all must fit the pattern
  How the pattern must fit you

  Everybody say amen
  These are the dreams of ordinary men
  This is the world that we'll be living in
  Out of the dreams of ordinary men

  I mistook all your intentions
  But you never did deceive
  I have a helpless fascination
  For the web you wove for me

  We had nightly public beatings
  But we slept in private hells
  And I feel no guilt or vengeance
  We just couldn't help ourselves

  So what's the answer I have to find
  To change my world like I change my mind
  And change my life
  If I could only change my dreams

Western Girls

  First of all you have to make enough money
  Get your look right, feel right
  Get yourself into the perfect style
  Wear your heels high
  	and your skirts tight
  Out on the weekend in the city lights
  Showing your friends you can
  	party all night
  But tinsel town at the crack of dawn
  Leaves you cold and wondering
  	where you could belong

  Now you're standing
  	at the fork in the road
  All alone
  	and wondering which way to go
  Any minute something's going to explode

  Break out you western girls
  One day soon you're going to
  	change the world
  Break out you western girls
  Hold your head up high

  Though you think
  	that life will pass you by
  You are fine thing, never say die
  Get your face out of that magazine
  It won't keep you warm,
  	another paper dream
  Another evening in a cafe' for two
  Another memory to haunt you
  Soon he's going to want to take you home
  Darlin' are you better off alone

  The clock is ticking
  	but you still can't decide
  To turn around or go along for the ride
  Make up your mind because there is
  	nowhere to hide

  Where's there's life,
  	there's changes
  Destiny arranges something for you
  	to hold on to

Midnight Sun

  They say you know your way around
  They say you are a man of the world
  You say she is a new kid in town
  You think she's just another girl

  You get suspicious that something is wrong
  No explanation why it lasts so long
  And by the look on your face, everybody knows
  You can't deny that you feel exposed

  You can feel the heat when the night is gone
  You been burnt by the midnight sun
  When you look for relief but you can't find none
  You been burnt by the midnight sun

  Like a train running down the track
  It's too late, things are out of control
  There's no way she can take you back
  There's no release for the brand on your soul

  You never noticed the touch of her hand
  You messed around with things
  	you don't understand
  Now you sit in darkness while a new day dies
  Her face is shining when you close your eyes

  When you feel the heat when the light is gone
  You been burnt by the midnight sun
  When you look for relief but you can't find none
  You been burnt by the midnight sun

  I know the feeling, you wish you'd been warned
  Now you and I are brothers in arms
  'Cause I know the pain 'cause I know her kind
  One left a feeling burning in my mind

  And you feel the heat when the night is gone
  I been burnt by the midnight sun
  And I look for relief but I can't find none
  I been burnt by the midnight sun

  I can feel the heat when the light is gone
  I been burnt by the midnight sun
  And I look for relief but I can't find none
  I been burnt by the midnight sun

L-5

  Yesterday a postman
  Delivered to me
  The pictures that I've longed to see
  A special place

  A wheel in the sky
  Half a mile wide
  Will they have a place for me
  Up in space

  I'm on my way to L"5
  I want to stay in L"5

  I'm about to empty
  My savings account
  Hope I have the right amount
  To pay the fare

  If I can't leave today
  I might stow away
  Hiding in a storage tank
  I'll get there

  I'm on my way to L"5
  I want to stay in L"5
  Save me a place in L"5
  Give me some space in L"5

  Paperwork in triplicate
  And endless delays
  Waiting for the departure day
  I hope it's soon

  If you hear from my wife
  I've got a new life
  Somewhere between this town
  And the moon

TV is King

  All right! Yeah!
  I wish I was a man with a mechanical heart
  I'd conquer all my enemies alone
  I'd tear the guys apart
  Then scatter the pieces
  I wish I was the man in the sound proof booth
  I wish I had a chance to stump the band
  Or maybe tell the truth
  And maybe I could win a color television

  I really love my television
  I love to sit by television
  Can't live without my television
  TV is king
  You're my everything

  I wish I had the girl with the bouncy hair
  We'd ride off in a brand new car
  	or fly a plane somewhere
  Like probably Jamaica
  I'll brush my teeth, shampoo my hair,
  	and shave my face
  Apply the necessary aerosol
  	in the appropriate place
  And we'll spend the night together
  	watching television

  I can't turn off my television
  Don't really know why television
  I understand my television
  You've got your works in a drawer
  And your color's on track
  You have to brave the way
  But you always come back
  You make a hundred changes
  But you're always the same
  You make me so excited
  And you make me so lame
  You're just a cute ball of gas
  And a box full of tin
  But you show me your junk
  And I want to jump in
  Oh if only your chassis
  	was covered with skin
  'Cause TV you're my everything

Love's A Mystery (I Don't Understand)

  Real, almost real
  I could feel the life flow into my veins
  Done, now it's done
  I have fallen for the final time
  I can't get up again

  Love's a mystery I don't understand
  Love's supposed to make you glad
  Tell me why I feel so sad
  Love's a mystery I don't understand
  I won't see you anymore
  And if that's what love is for
  Then I don't understand

  Free, now you're free
  You don't need me
  And you don't want what I give
  (Baby here is my heart)
  Please, help me please
  'Cause if life is made for hearts in love
  Then how am I to live

  Love's a mystery I don't understand
  It's so hard to be alone
  When the one you love is gone
  Love's a mystery I don't understand
  You won't stay another day
  And if that's all you can say
  Then I don't understand

Piece by Piece

  She looks good
  But she's not all together right
  All the parts are not screwed on tight
  There's a touch of tragedy

  When she moves
  I can see the secret showing through
  She'd deny it if she thought I knew
  But she could never hide from me

  Anyone would think there's nothing wrong
  She looks so satisfied
  But I've known about her much too long
  She can't conceal what she feels inside

  I'm going to show her that
  Piece by piece
  Inch by inch
  I can put her back together again
  I'll supply the love she lacks
  And give her back
  Exactly what she needs
  Bringing it piece by piece

  All I need to find a way around her defense
  	is just a little common sense
  I don't have a strategy
  I'll be there, like I have so many other times
  She'll reveal to me a certain sign
  	that only I can see

  Anyone would think there's nothing wrong
  She seems like she's complete
  But it's obvious it's been too long
  Since she believed what she needs is me

  Anyone would think there's nothing wrong
  But she's not fooling me
  Everybody wants to lead her on
  But I believe what she needs is me
  	(what she needs is me)

Come As You Are

  Would it be wrong of me
  To interrupt your little fun
  You always run away
  If I've got something serious to say
  But you belong to me
  If you belong to anyone
  And when I call you, you must come
  Come as you are

  It isn't every day
  I have to ask you to come out
  I've never tied your hands
  Just don't like to make demands
  I've never needed you
  The way I need to have you now
  So when I call you, you must come
  Come as you are

  Don't you change a thing
  Don't make a move
  Only come as you are right now
  Think I'm dying for your love
  This is everything I ever need
  So won't you come as you are right now
  Before I die without your love
  Forever, crying for your love
  And maybe someday
  You could be dying for my love

  Just remember I'll always belong to you
  If I knew if I belong to anyone
  And if you need me I will come
  So if I call you, you must come
  Come as you are

  Don't you change a thing
  Don't make a move
  Only come as you are right now
  I think I'm dying for your love (I'm dying)
  This is everything I ever need
  So won't you come as you are right now
  Before I die without your love
  I think I'm dying for your love
  Can't you see me crying for your love

  Dying for your love
  Crying for your love
  Dying for your love
  Can't you feel my love
  Don't you want my love
  Feels like I'm dying without your love

One Good Reason

  Just give me one good reason
  I know somehow, there's got to be one
  I wasn't born every minute of every day
  I never feel this way

  I fought hard to keep my freedom
  But when I think of things that we've done
  I give what I keep, and I keep what I give away
  Is this a good sign, I'm on a thin line

  One good reason is all I need
  Say the word and I'll cut you free
  What was nothing just yesterday
  Could be something that's here to stay
  One good reason and I might go either way

  Give me some indication
  It's not my imagination
  Something is born every minute of every day
  Something could come my way

  I just need one good reason
  To make me stay instead of leaving
  I never knew how to be any other way
  Maybe there's still hope
  I'm on a tight rope

  One good reason is all I need
  To take the heart that is tempting me
  Make a move that could change your life
  Never know if it's wrong or right
  One good reason is all I need tonight

  It just takes one good reason
  My body sweats, my hands are freezing
  I don't make decisions like this every single day
  What do I have to say
  Just give me one good reason
  Give me one good reason

For A Song

  What good is money unless it brings
  That certain something
  	for the girl who's got everything
  Here is an item you can't pass by
  Won't even cost you one thin dime
  I won't give up until you own me
  Lock me up and throw away the key
  Precious possession, your private property
  The price is right so won't you buy me
  For a song, you can have me, for a song

  Just for a minute stand in my place
  You'll understand what I want you to say
  Give me a whisper or give a shout
  Clue me in, I'll work it out
  I'll never break down, I'm maintenance free
  And I come with a life time guarantee
  You just can't pass up this opportunity
  Don't hesitate 'cause if you want me
  For a song, you can have me, for a song

  I belong to you (hand in hand together)
  I belong to you (love in two forever)
  You're the only song I need
  So let your heart sing, sing for me
  If you're serious then you can sample me
  I'm nearly yours but you know nothing comes for free
  You don't need money, you have security
  I'm sure you've got one somewhere, you can keep me
  For a song, you can have me, for a song

Feel It (Tubes version)

  I look at you and go mad
  With thoughts of things that I'd do
  If one chance I had to show you
  What this man really wants to do

  When I'm through, you would say
  It's been done never that way
  And I know you can learn something new every day

  And it feels so good
  If you don't think too much
  Don't even try to be serious
  Just let my hands take control
  And give me all of your soul

  You know I tried
  To run away but I can't hide
  From the moment that's suspended deep inside
  When you were mine
  Now I need to feel it
  One more time

  Won't you try to feel it
  Let me try to feel it

  Feels so good when you lean into me
  In the dark I can see
  I can feel in my mind what is reality
  Why can't you see
  Things like this are meant to be
  Yet somehow once again
  You have thrown me aside
  But always this feeling survives


Lyrics v. 2.4.2
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