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Three's a Charm - Full Album

by Son Roberts

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1.
Morningstar 01:34
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Morningstar (Wayne S Roberts) Oh, my honey left home last night Oh, my honey left home Oh, my honey left home last night Oh, oh it happened last night I went out and looked for my honey one time Went out and looked for that girl Went out and looked but there’s nothin’ I find Nothin’ I can find … in this world
2.
Down on Vaughan Road 03:41
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Down on Vaughan Road (Wayne S. Roberts, Brett MacMillan) Verse She’s got a picture of her daddy on the wall She’ll tell you a story about him leavin’ he never called She’s wearin’ them high heeled shoes and that’s all. Down on Vaughan Road Verse She’ll cut a shadow through the window sun down She’ll cry and wail about tomorrow it’s all sound She’s in her own fine circle Just goin’ around and around and ‘round Down on Vaughan Road Bridge There was a time … She once was someone’s little girl Those afternoons … All her ribbons and curls Way back when … Oh, when her lips were ruby red But those days are dead Where? Down on Vaughan Road Breakdown Down on, Down on, Down on Down on Vaughan Road Bridge Verse She sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night Stares out at a thousand miles of sky lookin’ for light She wanna know who’s out there left to fight Down on Vaughan Road Breakdown Down on, Down on, Down on Down on Vaughan Road
3.
Bad Hard Town 03:05
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Bad Hard Town (Wayne S. Roberts, John Crosbie) Verse I hear that rocket, just rumbling by Groanin’ and grindin’ along Down the line, well da boyz are on the chase Somebody’s crazy, they gonna use a gun. Chorus Cuz we’re livin’ in a bad hard town Yeah, we’re living in a bad hard town Well the boyz are on the loose And the people take a bruisin’ We’re living in a bad hard town Verse Streets are locked, can’t find no key Seems that’s the story bein’ told I hear people’s voices all breaking’ Fists up and all shakin’ Sound like that lie’s getting old Chorus Cuz we’re livin’ in a bad hard town Yeah, we’re living in a bad hard town Well the boss is on the pipe And the rot is getting’ ripe We’re living in bad hard town Bridge If you think I could be wrong, you could right But I think we like to dance, takin’ our chance We hope the music don't end tonight We hope the music don't end tonight Verse I go out, to the places I know I keep seein’ what I’m seein’ I see that the people know the deal They know the fake from the real Streets where we walkin’ getting mean Chorus x 2 Cuz we’re livin’ in a bad hard town Yeah, we’re living in a bad hard town Well the boss is on the loose and the people getting’ goosed We’re living in bad hard town
4.
Cold Black Chair 05:01
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Cold Black Chair (Wayne S. Roberts, John Crosbie, Brett MacMillan) Verse I’m sittin’ here in this cold black chair Waitin for the world gonna spin somewhere My head is ringing, voices singing to me Man, why are you sittin’ there Chorus Well, I got me a plan in mind Oh I know just what to do I’m gonna seek my that treasure and I’ll find … Know I’ll be findin’ you Verse I should burn me up that cold black chair See them Flames up risin’ in the open air Well, now it starts me choking, I get that joke and I’m the only body that cares Chorus Keyboard Solo Chorus Bridge But there’s always a fear and a scare Keepin’ me here from there Gotta be that cold black chair Gotta be that cold black chair Verse I dream you on that cold black chair I see you running your fingers through your soft brown hair You’re kickin’ your heels, spinnin’ my wheels Now I feel the heat n the air Chorus So I got me a plan in mind WelI know just what to do I’m gonna seek my that treasure and I’ll find … I know my treasure is you Bridge
5.
Not 'Nuff Night 04:13
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Not Nuff Night (Wayne S. Roberts, John Crosbie) Verse Hmmm, I want to roll with ya, honey Life’s taken its toll on me, honey (I feel low) But if you talk, I’ll listen I wanna see your lips glisten, baby (talk slow) But I will hope you will understand That this is outta my hand Chorus Hey, I want to love you, baby I want to love you just right I want to love you, baby But there’s just not ‘nuff night Verse I liked you to squeeze my lemon I’d like to taste your lime (Juice it) Cuz I want that secret your sharing I like that dress you’re almost wearing baby (Nice fit) But I hope you will realize That I’m just runnin’ outta time Chorus Bullshit Man, if I leave now, like, he’s out at Keele And you know what it’s like to get our to the west end at this time of night Bridge Well, there’s not enough night Oh, oh, oh yeah Well there’s not enough night Oh, oh, oh, baby Not enough night Believe me I’m tellin’ you the truth Baby, not enough night what can I do? Verse If we could just set a date I promise I won’t be late (On the dot) Then we can roll like thunder Do some of that over and under, baby (Tip top) But I hope you would understand that this outta my hands Chorus Bullshit Look, it’s not a big deal I just .. I gotta go see this guy about a thing It’s, ya know, it’s not something I can talk about on the phone But, ya know, it’s just the way it is! Bridge Booty Call You’re wearing what? … I’ll be there in ten minutes!
6.
See Me Livin' 04:37
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See Me Livin’ (Wayne S. Roberts, John Crosbie, Ed Roth, Hap Roderman, Sergio Faluotico) Verse Man, I’m walkin’ downtown Feel my feet touch the ground Don’t even make no sound Some people say Just a face in the crowd Feel my eyes touch the clouds Hear me cryin’ out loud It’s all slippin’ away Bridge Oh, oh nah, nah, nah oh, oh, nah, nah, nah nah, nah, nah It’s slippin’ away Ooo-ooh nah, nah, nah Baby, nah, nah, nah Nah, nah, nah It’s all slippin’ away Chorus See me livin’ I’m holdin’ tight See my livin’ Between the shadow and the light See me livin’ All the fear and the fight See me livin’ That’s what livin’ looks like Verse I get out on the land catch the sun in my hand And I understand, just today When I see your smile through the eyes of my child just for a little while, it’s okay Bridge Oh, oh nah, nah, nah Baby, nah, nah, nah Oh, oh nah, nah, nah It’s okay Ooo-ooh nah, nah, nah Oh, oh, nah, nah, nah Nah, nah, nah Maybe it’s okay Chorus See me livin’ I’m holdin’ tight See my livin’ Between the shadow and the light See me livin’ Oh,the fear and the fight See me livin’ That’s what livin’ looks like
7.
Keep That Joy Alive 05:32
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Keep That Joynt Alive (Wayne S Roberts, Ed Roth, Brett MacMillan, Alan Zimaitis) Verse Now, there’s a joynt in the darkness over there I see a joynt in the darkness over there If we bring that joynt some light Happy smiles be shinin’ bright Well, if we bring that joynt outta darkness over there. Verse Now, there’s a joynt needs a friend over there Well, there is a joynt needs a friend over there If we make that joynt our friend, That’s a friendship won't end Well, if we make that joynt our friend over there Chorus But you got to keep that joynt alive Keep that joynt alive, keep that joynt alive Won’t you keep that joynt alive? Keep that joynt alive, Keep that joynt alive Keep that joynt alive I beg ya, keep that joynt alive Verse Now, there’s a time and a place for joynt Well, there’s a time and a place for joynt Any time or place will do when you spark that doobie doo Yes, there’s a time and a place for joynt Chorus SOLOS Chorus Verse Now there’s a joynt in the darkness over there Well, there’s a joynt in the darkness over there If we bring that joynt some light Happy smiles be shinin’ bright … If you give that joynt a light …. Give that joynt a light … … over … there
8.
Changed My Mind 02:15
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9.
Tied Up in a Song 03:20
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Tied Up in a Song (Wayne S. Roberts, Ralph MacDonald) Verse My mother tells a tale of an old violin Played by her father tucked under his chin. When his own father died he put the fiddle away “I took it up for my mother but she never heard me play.” Verse My mother lived a time when her husband ran off. He left her four little children and some piss in that pot. Well, he bragged and he boasted until he crashed to the ground. It mighta made some noise - we never heard a sound. Chorus Myths and memories now and gone, threads of my lifetime get tied up in a song … They get tied up in a song. (intro) (verse) Verse My mother shares the grief ‘bout a son who got lost. He gave up his love but he didn’t count the cost. I gotta sister whose mind is all bitter and broken. She buried her name so it never would be spoken. Verse Still, my mother lives a truth ‘bout never givin’ up. No matter how hard it gets, you can never give enough. Oh, you can whine and wail, you can buckle and bend. Oh, don’t you ever dare break ‘til that bittersweet end. Chorus Myths and memories now and gone, threads of my lifetime get tied up in a song … They get tied up in a song.
10.
The Facts 05:32
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The Facts (Wayne S. Roberts, John Crosbie, Brett MacMillan, Alan Zimaitis, Sergio Faluotico) Verse No god lookin’ down on me. No heaven or hell I’ll see. There’s no deity. All those clocks keep turnin’ around. Whole world tryin’ to hold you down. Don’t ask for pity. Bridge Ain’t no war gonna be the last. No future’s gonna fix the past. Well, it’s a cryin’ shame. The only chance you got to take, the rules you gonna break to stake your claim. Chorus You’ve got to know your soul. You need to count the cost and pay the toll. You need to live for now … baby, figure the why, you’ll figure the how. Verse Everything gonna up and end, start all over again. Don't you worry. But all that life you have to live, The love that you need to give, Please, hurry, hurry. Bridge ‘Cuz love is the only way. Save the living, save the day. Save yourself. It’s so tender and it’s so frail the chance that it might fail. Cry for help! Chorus You’ve got to know your soul. You need to count the cost and pay the toll. You need to live for now, figure the why, you’ll figure the how. Verse Walk away from all those lies. Find your bluest sky, Catch that light. Be afraid you ain’t scared enough. Double down and call their bluff. But do what’s right. Bridge ‘Cuz love is the only way. Save the living, save the day. Save somebody else! It’s so tender and so frail the chance that it might fail. Cry for help! Verse All the passion, all the rage, It’s time to take the stage, Play your part. Every moment, every touch, One kiss, one too much, Breaks your heart.
11.
Down On Vaughan Road - Single 03:42
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12.
Keep That Joy Alive - Single 05:33
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about

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2019

SON ROBERTS Third Album is a Different Kind of Blues.
This is music for the here and now.

"Three’s a Charm" is an eclectic, unpredictable and daring album of original tunes. Inspired by real life, this third album continues Son’s mission to honour the Blues by creating original music relevant to this time and place.
The album features the 2019 Cobalt 2nd place winner “Down on Vaughan Road.”
Other stand out songs include the acapella lead off “Morningstar,” written to memorialize the passing of Sharon Morningstar Keenan.
Her father once worked with Son in a print shop on Dupont St. at the time of Sharon’s disappearance in 1983.
The boisterous “Bad Hard Town" was written in light of the Sammy Yatin murder and Rob Ford’s poisonous tenure as Toronto Mayor. “Cold Black Chair” rocks and reels, “Not Nuff Night” is a funky rom-com, and “See Me Livin’” is a haunting take on being lost and found in life. The mix and mastery continue with the LIVE in-studio recording of “Keep That Joy Alive,” and the country infused autobiography of "Tied up in a Song,” the subject of cinematic video to be released shortly.
Son enlisted a masterful crew to create the album, including Brett MacMillan, aka Buff Justice as producer, engineer and lead guitar player, daughters Kate Roberts & Gail Roberts (background vocals), Sarah Thawer (drums), Alan Zimaitis (keys), Sergio Faluotico (drums and percussion), Jesse Whiteley (keys), Gary Kendall (bass), Jerome Tucker (bass), Omar Tunnoch (bass), Ed Roth (accordion), Ralph MacDonald (guitar and mandolin), Canadian country music journeyman Tim Burns (bass) … among others.
The album was recorded on a dead-end street in Toronto amid the raucous revelry of the car repair shops that operated beside the studio – an industrial unit once used as an indoor earth worm farm. It’s affectionately known as the Meatlocker.
ABOUT SON ROBERTS
Not related to the awesome indie-pop-rocker Sam Roberts, they do share Montreal as a hometown. And while Son doesn’t make much of a living from the Blues, he seeks to make a contribution by creating music inspired by this life and this time.
“Storytelling is what music is to me – particularly
the story of how the Blues, born of such brutality,
created a legacy of such enduring beauty.
All of my music honours that legacy by creating
modern Blues for the here and now.”
Award Winner and Award Creator
Son Roberts is an award-winning songwriter being first recognized for “Brakeman” as Best Blues Song of 2013 by the Independent Music Awards. The judges that year included Judy Collins, Tom Waits and Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer.
More recently, he was awarded 2nd prize in Paul Reddick’s Cobalt Blues Song Competition for “Down on Vaughan Road” presented at the 2019 Maple Blues Awards.
At that same event, he announced the new Sapphire Award he has created for best Blues Music Video in Canada. sapphireaward.ca
Other titles from Son Roberts include his debut album “You Don’t Know Yet” and his sophomore CD “Tell That Story.”

For media enquiries, please contact Nancy McGovern • 416.738.1585 • nancy@sonroberts.ca

YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE
Extraordinarily- talented people created this album. We were all charmed into doing it - for lucre, love, lust or larceny. This music brought us together, tore some of us apart - but that's a whole other stroy. Many thanks to all y'all who are still of the cloth.
CHARMED, I'M SURE
Being my third album of original Blues, it's obvious I live a charmed life. Take those three kids. When I just happened to take their picture in Cabbagetown over forty years ago, I had been here about three weeks - and it was only my third trip here, ever.
THOSE KIDS gave me everything I've ever needed to remember about myself and Toronto. Be confident, playful, and charming... and don't give much of a damn about what people think of you - particularly those who don't know you. Toronto knows me. Why else would it have been so generous to me? This is where I got the chance to become a storyteller.

credits

released September 30, 2019

Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Son Robefrts and Brett MacMillan in Toronto, Canada
All lyrics by Son Roberts
Mastered by Noah Mintz
Photography by Son Roberts
All songs SOCAN -
Made in Canada - MAPL
Copyright 2019 Gate Productions Inc.

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Son Roberts Toronto, Ontario

“Breathtakingly fresh, adventurous and emotionally satisfying songs that take the Blues genre in new directions while staying true to its roots and rhythms.” Blues Matters UK

Toronto-based, award-winning singer songwriter creating Blues for the here and now. ... more

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