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FRONT ROOM MUSIC CATALOG
RINGS AROUND SATURN - Jim and Leslie Stricklan Silver Anniversary Songs 1988-2013
Americana: acoustic folk, country, jazz, pop, rock, bluegrass, samba, calypso, ballads
ABOUT THE SONGS
Central to this story is the fact that I met my wife, Leslie Capek Stricklan, while dining at the legendary Buckhorn
Exchange in Denver around 1985. The Buckhorn is a historic museum, steak house, and saloon. After we’d been
dating awhile, Leslie took me to stay at an old log cabin very near the Royal Gorge, to go horseback riding. The main
cabin and its smaller companion were both constructed by pioneer Vic Miller. Miller’s tragic story is told—in his own
words—in a book inside the cabin. Leslie’s former boss August Perez (retired president of Perez Architects, a New Orleans firm
with a Denver office at the time), who is quite a colorful character himself, owns the cabin. Leslie and I spent
a magical snowy night in Augie’s Cabin. I wrote the song following our visit. At my request, a band called
Quicksilver recorded it, as a surprise gift for Augie. I lost my copy of their recording long ago. Finally,
the song has come back around, in tribute to Vic Miller…and to Augie.
Since moving back to my native Texas, where we’ve settled in South Austin, we’ve made several pleasurable visits to
New Mexico and Colorado to visit friends and family. On one trip we vacationed in
Santa Fe before heading on to Castle Rock and Denver. We enjoyed a leisurely drive from Taos, down through the Cimarron
Valley where a buffalo herd was grazing. A day or two later I woke up and drank coffee under the awesome view of Mt. Evans
and Pike’s Peak—both visible from my friend Scott Maiers’ mountain home. Buffalo Along the Cimarron
came pouring out of me. Mighty good coffee!
One lovely September day in our Austin home, Leslie and I began thinking about a companion for Kokopeli. We invented
Kokobilly from a sketch I had made. The next logical step was a story song. Leslie wrote the beautiful words while I came
up with a melody, and Tale of Two united the long lost desert twins:
“Coyote sang, Saguaro swayed, as the mystic brothers played…”
Who can forget the heart-breaking end of the Kentucky Derby in May 2008? Eight Belles was the
single courageous filly who, tragically, broke her legs and was put down at the end of the race after nearly winning.
Leslie woke the next morning, with intense emotions and a chorus in her head. We worked
straight on through the morning to finish writing the "Ode to Eight Belles" tribute song,
which weaves together the pieces of Eight Belles real story which Leslie researched as we composed,
such as references to her sire, "Unbridled Song" and her prior stakes race wins at "Fantasy" and "Honey Bee".
"Mr. Dad" is a tribute song for Leslie's father, who was, and still is, a great inspiration to her and her siblings.
Her lyrics refer to many particular family events, yet the universal message of honoring brave fatherhood rings through.
CREDITS
All songs were written by Jim Stricklan or Jim & Leslie Stricklan as noted. Copyright Front Room Music.
PERFORMERS:
Jim and Leslie, Larry Rothwell, Ted Arbogast, Scott Beckwtih, Doug Taylor, Gary Feist, Gregg Lowery,
George Coyne, Richard Bowden, Frank Kammerdiener, Joey Colarusso, Cara Cooke, JP Allin, Alan Wing, Scott Wade,
Joseph & Theresa Brunelle,
and the "Sari Women Chorus" (listed below for "Coconut Tree").
RINGS AROUND SATURN (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — vocals and Martin D-35 and 12-string acoustic guitars; Scott Beckwith — bass.
Recorded at Music Lane, Austin TX with Bill Munyon, engineer and Ted Arbogast, producer.
DANCE THE MILKY WAY (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — vocals; Jim — Washburn EA26 acoustic/electric guitar; Doug Taylor — bass & mandolin;
Doug Taylor & Larry Rothwell - harmony vocals.
Recorded at Flashpoint Studio, Austin, TX with Eastside Flash, engineer.
THE WHISKER SONG (written by Jim & Leslie Stricklan):
Jim — vocals and Martin D-28 000 acoustic guitar; Leslie - backing vocals.
Recorded in south Austin, TX with Mark Viator, engineer.
TALE OF TWO (music by Jim & lyrics by Leslie Stricklan):
Jim — duet vocals and Washburn EA26 acoustic/electric guitar; Leslie - duet vocals; Doug Taylor — bass;
Joey Colarusso — flute.
Recorded at Flashpoint Studio, Austin, TX with Eastside Flash, engineer.
I'M REELIN' (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — vocals, harmonica, and acoustic and electric guitars.
Recorded at Front Room Music Studio, Austin, TX by Jim Stricklan.
AUGIE’S CABIN: (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — lead vocal & Alvarez AD90 acoustic guitar; Doug Taylor — bass; Gregg Lowry — clawhammer banjo; George Coyne — dobro;
Cara Cooke-harmonica.
Recorded at Parrot Tracks Studio, Manchaca, TX with George Coyne, engineer.
BUFFALO ALONG THE CIMARRON (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — lead vocal, harmonica & Alvarez AD90 acoustic guitar; Leslie — backing vocal.
Recorded at Front Room Music Studio, Austin, TX by Jim Stricklan.
LESLIE, MY LOVE (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — vocal & acoustic guitar;
Recorded at Front Room Music Studio, Austin, TX by Jim Stricklan.
COCONUT TREE (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — lead vocal & acoustic guitar; Larry Rothwell - acoustic guitar; Ted Arbogast - lead electric guitar;
Gary Feist - bass; Alan Wing - congos; "Sari Women Chorus" backing vocals - Leslie,
Lin Sutherland, Paula Smuck, Haley Moberg, Anne Ford Boettner, Tree Brunelle, Mary Torczon, Barbara McCandless.
Recorded at Music Lane, Austin TX with Wayne Cathright, engineer and Ted Arbogast, producer.
FORTUNE COOKIE (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — vocals & acoustic guitar; JP Allin – harmonica.
Recorded at Lonestar, Austin, TX by Jim Watts engineer and producer.
MISTER DAD (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — vocals and Martin D-28 000 acoustic guitar; Leslie - backing vocals.
Recorded in South Austin, with Mark Viator, engineer.
SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — vocals and acoustic guitar; Frank Kammerdiener – cellos, bass viola, strings.
Recorded at FK Studio, Austin, TX by Frank Kammerdiener engineer and producer.
ODE TO EIGHT BELLES (written by Jim & Leslie Stricklan):
Jim — vocals and Martin D-28 000 acoustic guitar; Doug Taylor - bass; Richard Bowden - fiddle.
Recorded at Parrot Tracks Studio, Manchaca, TX with George Coyne, engineer.
DO SOME GOOD (written by Jim & Leslie Stricklan):
Jim — vocals and Martin D-35 acoustic guitar; Ted Arbogast - lead electric guitar and bass;
Scott Wade - congas and percussion; Joseph & Theresa Brunelle - backing vocals.
Recorded at Music Lane, Austin, TX with Bill Munyon, engineer and Ted Arbogast, producer.
WHERE LOVE'S CONCERNED (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — vocals and acoustic guitar; Ted Arbogast - lead acoustic guitar;
Recorded at Music Lane, Austin, TX with Bill Munyon, engineer and Ted Arbogast, producer.
LOST TREASURE (written by Jim Stricklan):
Jim — vocals and acoustic guitar;
Recorded at Red Rivers Studio, Bossier City, LA with Charles Smith, engineer.
Compilation audio mastering: by George Coyne, Parrot Tracks Studio, Manchaca, TX.
Graphic Design:
Design concept by Leslie Stricklan, who is an architect.
Design and final production by Michelle Rahbar, Mothership Arts, Austin, Texas.
Photography:
Cover photo by Steve Darnall - Jim and Leslie Stricklan at Palm Court, Drake Hotel, Chicago IL, 2010.
Inside photo by Rick Stricklan - Jim and Leslie Stricklan at park in Albuquerque NM, 2009.
Manufacturing: CD Makers, Cedar Park, TX
LYRICS
RINGS AROUND SATURN
Like an ancient bending river,
like the Flatirons in the snow,
like arrows from a quiver,
knowing just where they will go…
like rings around Saturn, four moon up above,
you surround me with your love.
Like the light feet of a dancer,
like the poems of Robert Frost,
like some Renaissance romancer,
who must win at any cost…
like rings around Saturn, four moon up above,
you surround me with your love.
[instrumental and whistle break]
Like wild geese in the meadow,
like the coral in the sea,
like the taste of Amoretto,
you’re intoxicating me…
like rings around Saturn, four moon up above,
you surround me with your love.
like rings around Saturn, four moon up above,
you surround me with your love.
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DANCE THE MILKY WAY
Will you marry me and carry me
beyond that distant shore…
further than we’ve ever gone before?
Will you stay with me and pray with me
until my heartaches mend…
can I always count on you my friend?
[Chorus]:
After this blessing…
during this lifetime;
will you come along and share this love of mine?
Can I sing to you and bring to you
the precious things I can…
music and laughter from a lonely man?
Can I cry with you and fly with you
and dance the Milky Way…
spreading lots of joy along the way?
[Repeat chorus]
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THE WHISKER SONG
Why do whiskers like to grow on funny faces?
Why do kitty cats like to sleep in guitar cases?
Why do old socks slip down in your shoe?
Why do I like being here with you?
Why do lemons like to squirt you in the eye?
Why do onions always make you cry, why…
is it elementary when Sherlock finds a clue?
Why do I like being here with you?
[Chorus]
It’s one of life’s little secrets—
It’s meant to be that way I guess;
Whenever I’m here beside you darlin’
I’m beside myself, by your side
Is when I’m at my best…
Why do basketball players grow so tall?
Why does winter always follow fall?
Why is that old hoot owl always asking WHO?
Why do I like being here with you?
[Repeat 1st verse]
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TALE OF TWO
Kokopelli, by the fire—felt the rising desert wind,
Gazed into the crimson sky, longing for his long lost twin;
Kokobilly heard the wind call, as the canyon shadows fall,
Flew into the high arroyo, on the wings of a chaparral—
FAR AWAY, ACROSS THE PUEBLO—
PEOPLE HEARD THEIR MUSIC ECHO,
WHAT A MYSTERY…
Kokopelli played a flute tune—Kokobilly strummed guitar,
Once in a million full moons, they could serenade the stars—
Coyote sang, Suguaro swayed, as the mystic brothers played,
Two as one, the sacred sign — ever-living dance of time…
FAR AWAY, ACROSS THE PUEBLO—
PEOPLE HEARD THEIR MUSIC ECHO,
SONG OF MYSTERY…
[Break]
FAR AWAY, ACROSS THE PUEBLO—
PEOPLE HEARD THEIR MUSIC ECHO,
WHAT A MYSTERY…
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I'M REELIN'
I’m reelin’ – better take it slow,
rockin’ in my sox, to and fro-
I’m reelin’
since I fell for you
The ceiling – just can’t be found,
don’t know if I’m lookin’ up or down-
cause I’m reelin’
since I fell for you
[Chorus]
Makes me dizzy gazing in your eyes
or swaying to your kisses,
tell the genie in the lamp, “surprise!”
I won’t need no more wishes
This feelin’ that I’m not alone,
is a feelin’ I have never known,
yes, I’m reelin’
since I fell for you
[BREAK / Repeat Chorus / Repeat 1st verse]
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AUGIE’S CABIN
“Augie goes on the wagon…seven bars go broke,”
Read the Buckskin Bugle headline
That some oldtimer wrote;
Out here in the new Old West
We all know it’s a joke,
'Cuz we’re up in Augie’s cabin in the hills.
Over by the fireplace, hangs Augie’s fur-lined hat-
There’s fishing poles for brook trout holes,
And muledeer gettin’ fat;
Aspen tree and antler in their natural habitat,
yea we’re up in Augie’s cabin in the hills.
[Chorus]
Here’s to old Vic Miller,
That cowboy pioneer-
He built this place in ’38
And he kept it free and clear
Let’s raise a pint to Augie,
Livin’ down in New Orleans,
While you’re up here ridin’ Rainbow
In your cowboy boots and jeans.
[Break / repeat 1st verse and chorus / turnaround]
Back To Top>
BUFFALO ALONG THE CIMARRON
Zipped up the suitcase and we grabbed our traveling shoes,
Hopped on an air-o-plane to lose these working blues,
In an hour or two, me and you’ll be in New Mexico—
Land of Enchantment, where the tall pine and lilac bushes grow.
I’m shedding my skin out where the mountains meet the plains,
And everyday troubles are as rare as desert rain,
Buy some jewelry, from the natives on the square—
See some galleries, drink in the beauty there.
We’ll spend the night in the arms of Santa Fe,
where the turquoise sky and silver moon light up the Blessing Way,
Oh, we’re needing our freedom like the buffalo along the Cimarron.
Up to Colorado breathing in the cool, clean air,
Where the Heavens hug the Rockies in an ancient love affair,
My heart’s convinced my watch, now we’re back on mountain time—
Back to the rapture, to the scene of the crime.
Jamming in Denver with a host of precious friends,
I hope these memories and this music never ends,
I’ve lived my life in the shadow of a song—
Can’t stand goodbyes, so I’ll have to say so long.
Paradise lost and found in the blinking of an eye,
May the circle be unbroken on the ground and in the sky,
Oh, we’re needing our freedom like the buffalo along the Cimarron.
Viewing Mt. Evans from the castle of a friend,
I’ll soon be pouring out these feelings deep within,
Oh, I’m needing my freedom, like the buffalo along the Cimarron;
Yes, we’re needing our freedom like the buffalo along the Cimarron.
Back To Top>
LESLIE, MY LOVE
Leslie, my love—
you’re the sweetest one I know;
I’m thankful that it’s so, I’m the lucky one…
maybe the best is yet to come.
My darling who—
is beautiful and true;
I’m beginning to get a clue to this mystery,
how lovely loving you can be.
Sitting under a palm down in the Bahamas—
drinking rum with my bahama-rama mama,
I don’t need no Dali Llhamas,
you’re still the cat’s pajamas to me—
and as lovely as can be,
from sea to shining sea,
this is what I mean…
you are the architect of my dreams!
Leslie, my love—
when the world is hard to take,
and the blues are hard to shake,
make your way back home—
you know you’ll never be alone.
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COCONUT TREE
Took a vacation down to Belize –
(lying underneath the coconut tree)…
Flew on a mosquito to Ambergris cay –
(lying underneath the coconut tree)…
Eating conch fritters and crab for lunch,
Wash it down with a white rum punch;
Singing and dancing with a real wild bunch –
(lying underneath the coconut tree)…
Here on the island time stands still –
(lying underneath the coconut tree)…
The island boats come and go at will –
(lying underneath the coconut tree)…
Here my troubles seem so small,
The only thing that bothers me at all,
Is I hope them coconuts don’t fall –
(lying underneath the coconut tree)…
[Instrumental break]
Toes in the sand and hair in the breeze –
(lying underneath the coconut tree)…
No le hace descanso aqui –
(lying underneath the coconut tree)…
Last night we went on a moonlight cruise,
Danced on a boat without any shoes;
Purple parrots and barracuda barbeque –
(lying underneath the coconut tree)…
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FORTUNE COOKIE
We bought some take out from the Chinese restaurant,
soup and rice enough for two;
my moo goo gai-pan with sweet and sour sauce,
spicy Sichuan beef for you.
We’re as different as the snow pea from the prawn,
as water chestnut from tofu—
but wisdom teased the fortune cookie,
"Distance lends enchantment to the view".
Just for the halibut we make each other laugh,
with fishy pun and joke dejour;
there’s time enough for crying when we’re left alone,
we’ve both been down that road before.
And we’re as different as Singapore and Austin,
as sake from the local brew—
wisdom teased the fortune cookie,
and distance lends enchantment to the view.
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MISTER DAD ~ Tribute to Bruce W. Capek
Mister Dad, the boy from Illinois was quite a lad,
and the best friend that his neighbor ever had;
with his faithful dog and a fishing pole,
strutting down to that shady hole…
searching for a chance within the stream—
to catch a dream, for Mister Dad.
Mister Dad, the brightest in his class was this young grad;
Wondered why he felt so lonesome and so sad…
till he found true love on the windy pier,
he was grinning then from ear to ear,
she knew the combination to his heart—
never to part, from Mister Dad.
[Bridge]:
Through the woods into the light across the stream-
the way was so familiar, so it seemed…
family waving in the dawn,
reaching out with love that carries on….
Mister Dad, in his uniform was beaming proud and glad;
did he guess this was the first of four they’d have?
he got a telegram saying “Here I am”,
and now he was a family man!
adventure took a happy turn that day—
along life’s way, for Mister Dad.
Mister Dad, held his hat on tight when winds of fate blew bad-
down city streets he strode briefcase in hand;
on the silver train downtown he came,
climbing the ladder in the fortune game.
battles were fought and won at such a cost—
they were not lost, on Mister Dad.
[Repeat Bridge]
Back To Top>
SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO
Back when the two of us first met
we both were learning to forget-
you were an unknown quantity,
I was still wild and fancy free.
Most of my life I’ve been alone
living in the shadow of a song-
until you came and took my hand,
I was a lost and lonely man.
[Chorus]:
like the snows of Kilimanjaro,
our love’s the everlasting kind-
like the snows of Kilimanjaro,
high above the barren plain,
dancing in the clouds and rain,
Heaven’s really not so hard to find.
[Bridge]:
Something I’ve come to know is true:
one’s only half as blessed as two-
by giving freely we receive,
love makes it easy to believe.
[Repeat chorus]
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ODE TO EIGHT BELLES
Down in old Kentucky
in the early month of May—
twenty horses at the gate,
and then they were away;
the sun was shining brightly
on that Derby day…
when the filly flew around the bend
beside the Big Brown bay.
Daughter of Unbridled Song,
she set herself apart—
she won her last four races
and showed a winner's heart;
at Fantasy and Honey Bee,
Eight Belles was the queen…
on that fateful Derby Day
she was reaching for her dream.
[CHORUS]:
Eight Belles was a lady,
a filly fast and free;
kicked up her heels and let it fly,
for all the world to see—
but down in old Kentucky
where she played her final round…
all were there to see,
when she fell down on her knees,
and laid there on the ground,
as they put Eight Belles down.
Hooves pounded like thunder,
spirits all on fire—
all eyes were upon them
as they headed for the wire;
Big Brown surged into the lead
yea, he won the race in style…
while Eight Belles sailed to Glory
and ran her longest mile.
[REPEAT CHORUS]
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DO SOME GOOD
We all can say “It’s not my problem,
just someone else’s cross to bear”;
but when you’re down and out,
who’s gonna hear you shout—
if you never take the time to care?
No living thing was born to suffer,
when a gift of love might ease the pain;
turn a tear into a smile,
help to feed a hungry child,
make a world of difference that you came.
[Chorus]:
Do do do do do do some good,
Do do do do do do some good,
Do do do do do do some good today.
Yes, you can now -
Do do do do do do some good,
Do do do do do do some good,
Do do do do do do some good in your own way.
Each life is touched by many others,
who pass the spark of hope along;
it matters how we live,
we all have much to give,
before we face the great unknown.
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WHERE LOVE'S CONCERNED
You’re in Illinois and this old boy is lonesome tonight –
Greg and Kate both stayed up late, cause friends are so polite;
We had some laughs and had some dinner, and called it a day…
Where love’s concerned, you’re never far away.
You stayed behind in Albuquerque, while I was Texas bound –
In Denver and in Santa Fe our plans got turned around;
While others keep their distance, we grow closer every day…
Where love’s concerned, you’re never far away.
[Bridge]:
You follow me to places where my heart told me to go –
Even when I lose direction, I hope that it won’t show….
As long as we’re together, we can weather come what may –
Where love’s concerned, you’re never far away.
You’re in Illinois and this old boy is lonesome tonight –
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LOST TREASURE
Darlin I’m calling to tell you where I am
I gave up chasin’ rainbows in some unfriendly town-
I’m here alone reading through LIFE magazine,
about the eight greatest treasures that man has ever seen.
[CHORUS]:
From the Superstition Mountains down to the Devil’s Lair,
even out on Treasure Island, you will not find it there—
I’m coming home and I pray that it’s alright,
I hope to find number nine…my lost treasure tonight.
Seven hundred forty feet below the Carribean,
the San Jose lies full of gold that killed 600 men-
like that lost Dutchman, I’m staking out my claim,
never to trade love again for fortune or fame.
[REPEAT CHORUS]
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Photos on this page:
Cover art - Jim and Leslie in Chicago, IL (Photo 2010 by Steve Darnall)
Jim and Leslie in Denver, CO (Photo 1987)
Jim and Leslie on TomBoy Mountain, Telluride, CO (Photo by Scott Maiers, 1996)
Jim and Leslie in Albuquerque, NM (Photo by Rick Stricklan, 2009)
Jim and Leslie at Mohave Point, Grand Canyon, AZ (Photo by Dorothy Capek, 2004)
Jim and Leslie at wedding at Jim's parent's home in Teague, TX (Photo 1988)
Jim and Leslie on SS Norway for honeymoon Carribean cruise (Photo 1989)
Jim and Leslie in the Bahamas (Photo 1989)
Jim and Leslie in San Pedro, Ambergris Island, Belize (Photo 1993)
Jim at Hills Cafe, Austin, TX (Photo 2006)
Leslie at Hills Cafe, Austin, TX (Photo 2006)
Jim and Leslie in Austin, TX (Photo 2005)
Jim and Leslie at the Stanley, Estes Park, CO (Photo 2008)
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