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Desperate Man (Song For Leonard)

from Travel On by Indio Saravanja

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I wrote this one for L.C. and myself and a few others as well I suspect. This isn't the first version, nor is it my favorite, but this one fit the record.

A lot of my songs live with me for 10 years or so before they come to see the light. This one is no different.

Leonard. 15, 16, 17 yrs old I'm in Montreal living, working, sometimes studying, all in Leonard's neighborhood. For 3 yrs I kept just missing him at the pool hall, the bar, the Main restaurant on St. Lawrence street. My friends would tease me all the time, as would the bartenders. 'Hey kid, your friend was just here, the Poet, he was playing pool with your gang'. I had an Aunt there who would talk to him often!
It wasn't meant that I should meet him at that time.
He was just this beautiful ghost. A legend. My hero 'The Poet'.

lyrics

Desperate Man Indio Saravanja

You traded words for groceries and fingers in your hair
the women all got roses in your theatre of despair
and how i longed to be like you and know such discipline
to sit down with the teachers who helped you stay so thin
I loved your old world elegance your clothes your chinese mind
i loved the thousand women that you had to leave behind
the way you courted sadness with bouquets on bended knees
and let her lead you in and out of love so easily

Playing a game of catch me if you can
and may the devil or the angel win the hand
they can find me but i'll never take the stand
a desperate man
desperate man

I've heard some call you Angel yes the ones who seem to care
they say you're over here and then they say you're over there
like a ghost that walks the city streets invisible and free
then you're up there on your mountain trying to find some dignity
You grew up in the winters and a black man drove your car
your people tried to change you but they didn't get too far
you gave them back their money you said you wanted something pure
you spoke with such great certainty you thought you might be sure

Chorus

Now the cross is on the mountain but the churches will not fill
all the lovers pray in rooms from where they see it standing still
there are killers on our radios and their poisons fill the air
but tonight i heard a drunkard sing your sweet songs in the square

credits

from Travel On, released December 1, 2012

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Indio Saravanja Toronto, Ontario

Argentine born, Arctic Canada raised, Indio Saravanja is a poetic songwriter, talented multi-instrumentalist, and adventurous composer, whose poignant, honest words cut to the bone. A dynamic performer who charms the crowd with his candid and often humorous tales, he is an also an exciting musician - solo or with a band, acoustic or electric. ... more

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