Collabtunes · Memorabilia
POEMS IN THE 34 ALBUMS - PAGE 2 OF 12
21 pieces on this page · every one an original · every photograph, nothing hidden · dashed lines are yours to fill
FULL
Item 1989
Ten of my better poems created in this class (December 5, 1999)
In one sentence: Typed pages dated December 5, 1999, 'Ten of my better poems created in this class', with Tom's notes on each, including 'Call It Fate', about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Typed pages dated December 5, 1999, in which Tom handed in Ten of my better poems created in this class, with his notes on each - Symphony in My Head, Call It Fate, The Truth About Turtles, Patching the Hole and Winter of the Dead - and those last two titles written by hand.
- Why it matters
- Tom's typed college handout of Ten of my better poems created in this class, dated December 5, 1999, with his notes on each - Symphony in My Head, Call It Fate, The Truth About Turtles, Patching the Hole, Winter of the Dead - poems that went on into Poems By Tom (2007) and the 34 albums.
- Type
- Printed page
- Collection
- College writings ; 34 Albums ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; Finished Song Lyrics (2011) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line C2, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 4
Picture 2 of 4
Picture 3 of 4
Picture 4 of 4
The words on this page
Tom Jensen
Ten of my better poems created in this class
December 5, 1999
Poem 1
This is a first draft. It is about my own piece of sanity. A future revision may include lengthening the piece. This poem was inspired by a Pete Townsend tune of the same harmony. I was feeling very stressed and I needed a way to put things in perspective. This did the trick.
SYMPHONY IN MY HEAD
There is a symphony playing in my mind
And it only plays for me
Sometimes I try to write it down
Though it somehow remains free
So pure and true
No pen or paper could ever hold
The only thing that's mine
That I hold in this world so cold
Sometimes the music sounds
When life has got me down
It's the only thing that awakes me from my sorrow
Sometimes the music plays
When my happiness goes away
Reminds me there's always hope for tomorrow
Poem 2
This poem was inspired after I was playing around with some catch phrases. I came up with the catch phrase and wrote the rest of the poem around the concept of "You can call it fate." The rest will be here someday, I hope. This poem ponders over the question of why bad things happen. I think it would be better served with 2 more lines in each stanza.
This is the second draft and a future draft would include the last stanza concluding with the defendant commiting a bad crime.
CALL IT FATE
Birds circle around your home
One more time won't they leave you alone
They flap their wings from side to side
From Mother Nature no man can hide
Being punished for crimes - well, that may be
Crimes against humanity
Just when you though there was no one to see
Now look at your life and who's to blame?
You can call it fate
What a shame?
As your family boasts "You're in the prime of your life"
You go under the doctor's knife
For cancer has no name or face
Unfortunately for you its too late
Enter the hospital a dying life
Exit the church a crying wife
---
Poem 4
This is a second draft. This poem was inspired by random thoughts of the uncountable amounts of idiots that this world has to offer. I am good with people yet on a whole I hate humans. I am the type that cheers at plane crashes and killing sprees. This is a taste of my anti-people (especially worthless people) mentality:
PATCHING THE HOLE
There's no parking spaces
Only unhappy faces
Untied shoelaces
Now I've covered all the bases
Puddles of grime
The offspring of slime
For whom the great bells chime
Whose horrors cannot be covered by rhyme
Thoughts like feet buried in cement
On the mind reads space for rent
If only could a conscience be lent
Wasted space - wasted time spent
Cannot fix the flaw - only patch the hole
The potential of diamonds results in coal
Able to race the race though blind to the goal
Only glimpses and pieces never the whole
Never a reasonable thought about why they're here
Ignorance replaces fear
The voice of reason they're unable to hear
Never aware of how far away or near
The truth of it all they could never bear
Answer half-witted responses of life's not fair
Entering every endeavor without much care
Rise above the filth - if you dare?
Poem 5
This is a first draft - I like heat, I hate snow. Tough times are ahead for winter is here.
Winter is here and depression sets in. No more beautiful girls running around in beautiful bikini's and no more warm days. Everybody gets like this when the summer fades away yet few people write it down. I may include a stanza after this one titled summer of the living and make it a comparison piece but I'm still thinking.
WINTER OF THE DEAD
Dying leaves fall from trees
Harsh winds blow as rivers freeze
Birds escape to warmer places
Red cheeks glisten on children's faces
---
Now look at death and who's to blame?
You can call it fate
You can call it a shame
In the next room of the hospital is a mother's joy
The prize of a life - a baby boy
Parents counted the fingers and counted the toes
But what's in the soul nobody really knows
Food, shelter and love - baby got his fill
But no one knows why he grew to kill
You can look at their deaths and who they blame
You can call it fate
You can call it a shame
A man dresses in the mirror and he flashes a smile
In a two-thousand dollar suit he'll wear at the trial
He asks the judge to cut his client a break
Starts preaching about how we all make mistakes
The judge, on these words, reduces bail
Keeps a guilty man away from jail
Freedom gained but is anything lost?
Will he do it again?
They keep their fingers crossed
Poem 3
This is a first draft. This poem was inspired by the turtle that my mom got from my girlfriend. My mom is nuts and she spent a ton of money to keep this turtle alive after a ton medical problems. The average person would have let the turtle play in the street in traffic. Now the turtle lives in an empty glass bowl with daily swims of about an hour in duration. A pointless existence in my eyes. I always wondered how the turtle sees things:
THE TRUTH ABOUT TURTLES
To live one day outside this glass
Even if next I come to pass
I dream of the day of being free
Your life be meaningless if you were me
A fairy tale...once upon a time I swam around
Presently no rock, nor blue sky, can be found
To big cat sitting close I appear as a meal
Every time I untuck my head their eyes I feel
From five sides of invisible walls free me please
While sixth lies open, such a tease
Perhaps I should grow white wings so wide
To free me, release me, from where I reside
And teeth so sharp to bite through screen
Fly back to my home - alone and unseen
To my rock on my pond where I used to sleep
Where I was trapped and sold by nets that creep
Yes, death or liberty
Anything but this
Freedom for my sons and my daughters
And the family I miss
---
Winter of the dead
New poems:
Winter of the dead
Dying leaves fall from trees
Harsh winds blow as rivers freeze
Birds escape to warmer places
Red cheeks glisten on children's faces
Smoke escapes through breath outside
Bears in caves in shadows hide
Rain is eclipsed in the sky by snow
White footprints trace where animals go
Enter the clouds and exit the sun
Find a warm place for winter has come
Patching the hole
New poems:
There's no parking spaces
Only unhappy faces
Untied shoelaces
Now I've covered all the bases
Puddles of grime
The offspring of slime
For whom the great bells chime
Whose horrors cannot be covered by rhyme
Thoughts like feet buried in cement
On the mind reads space for rent
If only could a conscience be lent
Wasted space wasted time spent
Cannot fix the flaw only patch the hole
The potential of diamonds results in coal
Able to race the race though blind to the goal
Only glimpses and pieces never the whole
Never a reasonable thought about why they're here
Ignorance replaces fear
The voice of reason they're unable to hear
Never aware of how far away or near
The truth of it all they could never bear
Answer half-witted responses of life's not fair
Entering every endeavor without much care
Rise above the filth do you dare?
Ten of my better poems created in this class
December 5, 1999
Poem 1
This is a first draft. It is about my own piece of sanity. A future revision may include lengthening the piece. This poem was inspired by a Pete Townsend tune of the same harmony. I was feeling very stressed and I needed a way to put things in perspective. This did the trick.
SYMPHONY IN MY HEAD
There is a symphony playing in my mind
And it only plays for me
Sometimes I try to write it down
Though it somehow remains free
So pure and true
No pen or paper could ever hold
The only thing that's mine
That I hold in this world so cold
Sometimes the music sounds
When life has got me down
It's the only thing that awakes me from my sorrow
Sometimes the music plays
When my happiness goes away
Reminds me there's always hope for tomorrow
Poem 2
This poem was inspired after I was playing around with some catch phrases. I came up with the catch phrase and wrote the rest of the poem around the concept of "You can call it fate." The rest will be here someday, I hope. This poem ponders over the question of why bad things happen. I think it would be better served with 2 more lines in each stanza.
This is the second draft and a future draft would include the last stanza concluding with the defendant commiting a bad crime.
CALL IT FATE
Birds circle around your home
One more time won't they leave you alone
They flap their wings from side to side
From Mother Nature no man can hide
Being punished for crimes - well, that may be
Crimes against humanity
Just when you though there was no one to see
Now look at your life and who's to blame?
You can call it fate
What a shame?
As your family boasts "You're in the prime of your life"
You go under the doctor's knife
For cancer has no name or face
Unfortunately for you its too late
Enter the hospital a dying life
Exit the church a crying wife
---
Poem 4
This is a second draft. This poem was inspired by random thoughts of the uncountable amounts of idiots that this world has to offer. I am good with people yet on a whole I hate humans. I am the type that cheers at plane crashes and killing sprees. This is a taste of my anti-people (especially worthless people) mentality:
PATCHING THE HOLE
There's no parking spaces
Only unhappy faces
Untied shoelaces
Now I've covered all the bases
Puddles of grime
The offspring of slime
For whom the great bells chime
Whose horrors cannot be covered by rhyme
Thoughts like feet buried in cement
On the mind reads space for rent
If only could a conscience be lent
Wasted space - wasted time spent
Cannot fix the flaw - only patch the hole
The potential of diamonds results in coal
Able to race the race though blind to the goal
Only glimpses and pieces never the whole
Never a reasonable thought about why they're here
Ignorance replaces fear
The voice of reason they're unable to hear
Never aware of how far away or near
The truth of it all they could never bear
Answer half-witted responses of life's not fair
Entering every endeavor without much care
Rise above the filth - if you dare?
Poem 5
This is a first draft - I like heat, I hate snow. Tough times are ahead for winter is here.
Winter is here and depression sets in. No more beautiful girls running around in beautiful bikini's and no more warm days. Everybody gets like this when the summer fades away yet few people write it down. I may include a stanza after this one titled summer of the living and make it a comparison piece but I'm still thinking.
WINTER OF THE DEAD
Dying leaves fall from trees
Harsh winds blow as rivers freeze
Birds escape to warmer places
Red cheeks glisten on children's faces
---
Now look at death and who's to blame?
You can call it fate
You can call it a shame
In the next room of the hospital is a mother's joy
The prize of a life - a baby boy
Parents counted the fingers and counted the toes
But what's in the soul nobody really knows
Food, shelter and love - baby got his fill
But no one knows why he grew to kill
You can look at their deaths and who they blame
You can call it fate
You can call it a shame
A man dresses in the mirror and he flashes a smile
In a two-thousand dollar suit he'll wear at the trial
He asks the judge to cut his client a break
Starts preaching about how we all make mistakes
The judge, on these words, reduces bail
Keeps a guilty man away from jail
Freedom gained but is anything lost?
Will he do it again?
They keep their fingers crossed
Poem 3
This is a first draft. This poem was inspired by the turtle that my mom got from my girlfriend. My mom is nuts and she spent a ton of money to keep this turtle alive after a ton medical problems. The average person would have let the turtle play in the street in traffic. Now the turtle lives in an empty glass bowl with daily swims of about an hour in duration. A pointless existence in my eyes. I always wondered how the turtle sees things:
THE TRUTH ABOUT TURTLES
To live one day outside this glass
Even if next I come to pass
I dream of the day of being free
Your life be meaningless if you were me
A fairy tale...once upon a time I swam around
Presently no rock, nor blue sky, can be found
To big cat sitting close I appear as a meal
Every time I untuck my head their eyes I feel
From five sides of invisible walls free me please
While sixth lies open, such a tease
Perhaps I should grow white wings so wide
To free me, release me, from where I reside
And teeth so sharp to bite through screen
Fly back to my home - alone and unseen
To my rock on my pond where I used to sleep
Where I was trapped and sold by nets that creep
Yes, death or liberty
Anything but this
Freedom for my sons and my daughters
And the family I miss
---
Winter of the dead
New poems:
Winter of the dead
Dying leaves fall from trees
Harsh winds blow as rivers freeze
Birds escape to warmer places
Red cheeks glisten on children's faces
Smoke escapes through breath outside
Bears in caves in shadows hide
Rain is eclipsed in the sky by snow
White footprints trace where animals go
Enter the clouds and exit the sun
Find a warm place for winter has come
Patching the hole
New poems:
There's no parking spaces
Only unhappy faces
Untied shoelaces
Now I've covered all the bases
Puddles of grime
The offspring of slime
For whom the great bells chime
Whose horrors cannot be covered by rhyme
Thoughts like feet buried in cement
On the mind reads space for rent
If only could a conscience be lent
Wasted space wasted time spent
Cannot fix the flaw only patch the hole
The potential of diamonds results in coal
Able to race the race though blind to the goal
Only glimpses and pieces never the whole
Never a reasonable thought about why they're here
Ignorance replaces fear
The voice of reason they're unable to hear
Never aware of how far away or near
The truth of it all they could never bear
Answer half-witted responses of life's not fair
Entering every endeavor without much care
Rise above the filth do you dare?
Item 121
Just A Shadow Of Smoke
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Just A Shadow Of Smoke' on pink paper backed by a college student-government election flyer, the words of the song 'Shadow Of Smoke', about 2000-2001.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten poem JUST A SHADOW OF SMOKE ("That's how I appear / Try to reach out and touch me / What you see disappears"), on pink paper whose back is a printed college student-government election flyer - the words of the song SHADOW OF SMOKE (set list 7, track 3).
- Why it matters
- Tom's poem JUST A SHADOW OF SMOKE ("Try to reach out and touch me / What you see disappears"), written on the back of a college student-government election flyer from his college years - the words of the song SHADOW OF SMOKE (list 7, track 3 of his 34 Albums), published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 7 (track 3) - SHADOW OF SMOKE ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; College writings ; Loneliness & Solitude ; Love Not Meant To Bethe old category list says: LONELINESS & SOLITUDE ; LOVE NOT MEANT TO BE (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 7 · track 3 · as the song SHADOW OF SMOKE
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line B20) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 7 (track 3) · Set List 7: Train Off The Tracks, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2000
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
T
180
Just a shadow of smoke
That's how I appear
Try to reach out and touch me
What you see disappears
No living soul can reach me
First you see my face
Then gone without a trace
Vanish into thin air
Just another mystery
A puzzle no one can solve
First I am there
And then I dissolve
Just a castle of sand
Before the tide comes to me
And after a warm embrace
Carries me back to the sea
Back into the fog I fade
My own solitary parade
Back into the waters I wade
I can't undo all I have made
I've lost my soul
Through all the horrors I've seen
Along with past desires
Of everything I could have been
And to the days of old
I can never return
As time passes slowly
The memories still burn
As I see the children laugh
And young mothers dance
I know I have lived my life
There is no second chance
Gospel Singer
eviction
---
Student Government
Association
Freshmen Elections
Do you want to have a voice in what is
happening around you on campus?
Positions are open for Freshmen senators,
and elections are coming up.
*Nomination papers are available now in the Campus Center Rm. 120
*Papers are due back on Monday, Sept. 11th by 3:30PM.
*Elections will be held as follows:
Wednesday, September 13th
8:00 - 10:30............................South Campus
11:00 - 1:30............................Commons
4:45 - 6:45............................Commons
Thursday, September 14th
8:00 - 10:30............................O'Keefe
11:00 - 1:30............................South Campus
4:45 - 6:45............................Commons
(faint stamp: SALEM STATE COLLEGE REGISTERED POSTING)
INTERVIEWS
for
SOPHOMORE & SENIOR SEATS OPEN
ASSISTANT TREASURER SEAT OPEN
PLEASE COME AND APPLY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***COME TO S.G.A. OFFICE, ECC120 OR CALL [private detail]***
If elected, please plan on attending an orientation session
September 29, 30 & Oct. 1 at Merrowvista Educational Center, NH
(LOTS OF FUN!!!)
180
Just a shadow of smoke
That's how I appear
Try to reach out and touch me
What you see disappears
No living soul can reach me
First you see my face
Then gone without a trace
Vanish into thin air
Just another mystery
A puzzle no one can solve
First I am there
And then I dissolve
Just a castle of sand
Before the tide comes to me
And after a warm embrace
Carries me back to the sea
Back into the fog I fade
My own solitary parade
Back into the waters I wade
I can't undo all I have made
I've lost my soul
Through all the horrors I've seen
Along with past desires
Of everything I could have been
And to the days of old
I can never return
As time passes slowly
The memories still burn
As I see the children laugh
And young mothers dance
I know I have lived my life
There is no second chance
Gospel Singer
eviction
---
Student Government
Association
Freshmen Elections
Do you want to have a voice in what is
happening around you on campus?
Positions are open for Freshmen senators,
and elections are coming up.
*Nomination papers are available now in the Campus Center Rm. 120
*Papers are due back on Monday, Sept. 11th by 3:30PM.
*Elections will be held as follows:
Wednesday, September 13th
8:00 - 10:30............................South Campus
11:00 - 1:30............................Commons
4:45 - 6:45............................Commons
Thursday, September 14th
8:00 - 10:30............................O'Keefe
11:00 - 1:30............................South Campus
4:45 - 6:45............................Commons
(faint stamp: SALEM STATE COLLEGE REGISTERED POSTING)
INTERVIEWS
for
SOPHOMORE & SENIOR SEATS OPEN
ASSISTANT TREASURER SEAT OPEN
PLEASE COME AND APPLY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***COME TO S.G.A. OFFICE, ECC120 OR CALL [private detail]***
If elected, please plan on attending an orientation session
September 29, 30 & Oct. 1 at Merrowvista Educational Center, NH
(LOTS OF FUN!!!)
Item 21
MY Garden
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'My Garden', about a future planted by the choices you make, on one spiral-notebook sheet from the early yellow binder, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten poem MY GARDEN (set list 14, track 9), about a future planted by the choices you make, about twenty lines on a single spiral-notebook sheet from his early yellow binder years (age 18 to 23).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten poem MY GARDEN, about a future planted by the choices you make, from his early yellow binder - it became list 14, track 9 of his 34 Albums and is in Only The Best (2018).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 14 (track 9) - MY GARDEN ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Love ; Nature ; Inspiring ; Motivationalthe old category list says: LOVE ; NATURE ; INSPIRING ; MOTIVATIONAL (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 14 · track 9 · as the song MY GARDEN
IN A BOOKTom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line M16, the title written on this sheet) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23. Its lines are already in Tom's Anthology, February 19, 2011 (inside SEEDS SEWN), and the poem itself in Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 - best guess
- On the site
- Set List 14 (track 9) · Set List 14: 6000 Km To Denmark, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
Your future's been planted out / With the choices you've made / Your fate has been Sealed
SHORT
Item 23
BLANK PAGES
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Blank Pages' ('My life's work has been handed to me') on hole-punched loose-leaf, with a second sheet holding the short poem 'Old Eyes', about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten poem BLANK PAGES (set list 3, track 12), which opens "My life's work has been handed to me," about twenty-five lines on hole-punched loose-leaf; the poem is in Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 and later books. A second sheet under this number holds the short poem OLD EYES ('The men who run the country only see things one way'), which is in Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 and, in a longer form inside MUD SLIDES, in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten poem BLANK PAGES ("My life's work has been handed to me"), from his early yellow binder - it became list 3, track 12 of his 34 Albums and is in Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 and A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020); the OLD EYES sheet is the one whose lines reach back to Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 3 (track 12) - BLANK PAGES ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Writing ; Motivational ; Inspiringthe old category list says: MOTIVATIONAL ; INSPIRING (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 3 · track 12 · as the song BLANK PAGES
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007) (the OLD EYES sheet: a draft or variant of part of the poem MUD SLIDES)
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (lines B9 BLANK PAGES and O7 OLD EYES, both titles written on the two sheets) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23. Both poems are in Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011; the OLD EYES lines are already in Poems By Tom (2007) - best guess
- On the site
- Set List 3 (track 12) · Set List 3: Self In The Mirror, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
Moved here from item 24 - the number blocks in this photo read 23
Moved here from item 24 - the number blocks in this photo read 23
The words on this page
My life's work has been handed to me / Placed beneath my feet is a book filled with blank pages / Sometimes I rush and choose the wrong word: 'yes' when I mean 'no'
HALF
Item 28
It looks like I'm stuck inside the house again
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'It looks like I'm stuck inside the house again,' about singing the blues and writing to kill the time, on two spiral-notebook sheets, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · HALF LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · HALF
Tom's handwritten poem "It looks like I'm stuck inside the house again," a restless piece about singing the blues and writing to kill the time, on two sheets torn from a spiral notebook, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten poem "It looks like I'm stuck inside the house again," about singing the blues and writing to kill the time, from his early yellow binder - it is in his 34 Albums and Poems By Tom (2007).draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums (song list not given) ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Loneliness & Solitude ; Music ; Real Lifedraft - not yet proved
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line O10) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 4 (track 11) · Set List 4: Partner To The Crime, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Moved here from item 29 - the number blocks in this photo read 28
Moved here from item 29 - the number blocks in this photo read 28
Picture 2 of 2
Moved here from item 29 - the number blocks in this photo read 28
Moved here from item 29 - the number blocks in this photo read 28
The words below are some lines from this sheet, not all of it - read the picture.
The words on this page
Being straight is kinda tough / That's why I write for you / Thinking up rhymes / Really kills the time
FULL
Item 29
CHECKMATE
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Checkmate', a life played like a chess game against someone watching from way up high, on two spiral-notebook sheets, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten poem CHECKMATE, about a life played like a chess game against someone watching from way up high, on two spiral-notebook sheets - the words of the song PLAYING CHESS (set list 8, track 3).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten poem CHECKMATE, about a life played like a chess game, the words of the song PLAYING CHESS (list 8, track 3 of his 34 Albums), published in Poems By Tom (2007) and Only The Best (2018).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 8 (track 3) - PLAYING CHESS ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Faith ; Internal Struggle
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 8 · track 3 · as the song PLAYING CHESS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line P16) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 8 (track 3) · Set List 8: Boss Logic, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Moved here from item 30 - the number blocks in this photo read 29
Moved here from item 30 - the number blocks in this photo read 29
Picture 2 of 2
Moved here from item 30 - the number blocks in this photo read 29
Moved here from item 30 - the number blocks in this photo read 29
The words below are some lines from this sheet, not all of it - read the picture.
The words on this page
I'm playing a game / But I'll never beat it / Someone watching from way up high / Is playing chess with my mind / [And I think] The general, he wants me to die
SHORT
Item 30
BLANK PAGES
In one sentence: A cursive handwritten copy of the poem 'Blank Pages' on hole-punched loose-leaf, a small open book drawn beside the title and four more lines at the foot, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICSbest guess - not yet proved
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORTbest guess - not yet proved
Tom's handwritten poem BLANK PAGES (set list 3, track 12) written out in cursive, which opens "My life's work has been handed to me," on a hole-punched loose-leaf sheet with a small open book drawn beside the title and four more lines at the foot ("I haven't regret what I've done").
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten poem BLANK PAGES in cursive, a reworked version of the words on card 23 ("Placed beneath my feet a book filled with blank pages") - the poem became list 3, track 12 of his 34 Albums and was published in Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 and later books.best guess - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 3 (track 12) - BLANK PAGES ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Writing ; Motivational ; Inspiringbest guess - not yet proved
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 3 · track 12 · as the song BLANK PAGES
IN A BOOKTom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23the title Blank Pages on this sheet is line B9 in Tom's yellow binder, and its words are the poem BLANK PAGES (in reworked wording in Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011, age 33); this cursive sheet may have been written out later - best guess
- On the site
- Set List 3 (track 12) · Set List 3: Self In The Mirror, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
.jpg)
The only picture of this piece
Only the first line is typed so far - read the picture for the rest.
The words on this page
My life's work has been handed to me
FULL
Item 32
Get Outta My House
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Get Outta My House', a full lyric on loose-leaf with a hand-drawn title and a doodle of a house, track 7 of set list 12, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten poem GET OUTTA MY HOUSE (set list 12, track 7), a full lyric on loose-leaf with a hand-drawn title and a doodle of a house, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten poem GET OUTTA MY HOUSE with a drawn title and house doodle, from his early yellow binder - list 12, track 7 of his 34 Albums, published in Poems By Tom (2007) and Only The Best (2018).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 12 (track 7) - GET OUTTA MY HOUSE ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Heartbreakthe old category list says: HEARTBREAK (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 12 · track 7 · as the song GET OUTTA MY HOUSE
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line G8) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 12 (track 7) · Set List 12: Wounded Masculinity, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
They say Diamonds are a girl's best friend
I guess its good to have something left when
The feeling ends
When the love is gone
All that's left is a song
You [struck, unclear: sat] make love to your bong
As quiet as a mouse
When your loving wife
Says get outta my house
After mistakes have been made
Just as the song said
She threw a vase
Smacked you in the face
[struck, unclear] when you said ouch
She made you sleep on the couch
You didn't see the writing was on the wall
[Strikethrough: But then she didn't call]
Kept telling yourself tomorrow she'll call
Days to months to years
Happiness to sadness to tears
Last [struck: thought] memories concern her tight blouse
And the night she said get outta my house
I guess its good to have something left when
The feeling ends
When the love is gone
All that's left is a song
You [struck, unclear: sat] make love to your bong
As quiet as a mouse
When your loving wife
Says get outta my house
After mistakes have been made
Just as the song said
She threw a vase
Smacked you in the face
[struck, unclear] when you said ouch
She made you sleep on the couch
You didn't see the writing was on the wall
[Strikethrough: But then she didn't call]
Kept telling yourself tomorrow she'll call
Days to months to years
Happiness to sadness to tears
Last [struck: thought] memories concern her tight blouse
And the night she said get outta my house
Item 35
HOMELESS MAN / I AM BASICALLY
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Homeless Man', about a sleeping man whose shoes are stolen by children, on two sheets with the companion lines 'I am basically', about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten poem HOMELESS MAN ("Homeless man in the alley / He's paying his dues"), about a sleeping man whose shoes are stolen by children, on two sheets - one from a spiral notebook - with the companion lines "I am basically" on the second.
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten poem HOMELESS MAN, about a sleeping man whose shoes are stolen, with the companion lines "I am basically" - from his early yellow binder, in his 34 Albums and Only The Best (2018).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: HOMELESS MAN ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Only The Best (2018) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; State of the World ; Society ; Chomskianthe old category list says: BE DIFFERENT ; CHOMSKIAN ; STATE OF THE WORLD (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOK200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line P23) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 10 (track 6) · Set List 10: Go Ask Gramm, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 3
Picture 2 of 3
Picture 3 of 3
The words on this page
Homeless man in the alley
He's paying his dues
While he was sleeping
The children stole his shoes
He looks so confused
His pride is hurt
And what's left of his ego is bruised
Hour to hour
Day to day
The faces change
But the story's the same
You live it, you breath it
You hear it, you see it
You learn to accept it
And soon you expect it
Just as the sun rises
Just as the moon shines bright
There's no need to worry
Everything'll be alright
Don't pay attention
Just walk on by
Picture something nice
Don't you bat an eye
It's not your problem
Someone else will solve it
(cut the first two blocks, from the first 'Homeless man in the alley' down to the first '(4) about the way things ought to be')
Worrying about the way it ought to be
---
I am basically:
The world is basically:
Homeless man in the alley
He's paying his dues
While he was sleeping
The children stole his shoes
He looks so confused
His pride is hurt
What's left of his ego is bruised
Hour to hour, day to day
While the faces change, the story's the same
You live it, you breathe it
You hear it, you see it
You learn to [crossed out: expec] accept it (same change, applied in the LAST block: widen OLD to end ...Don't you bat an eye
â - found once - or ① after the circled-number rows)1) It's not your problem
(2) Someone else will solve it
(3) You can leave all the worrying to me
(4) about the way things ought to be
---
Homeless Man in the alley
He's paying his dues
While he was sleeping
The children stole his shoes
When he wakes up
He looks so confused
His pride is hurt
And what's left of his ego is bruised
Hour to hour
Day to day
The faces change
But the story's the same
You live it you breath it
You hear it you see it
You learn to accept it
And soon you expect it
Just as the sun rises
Just as the moon shines bright
There's no need to worry
Everything 'll be alright
Don't pay attention
Just walk on by
Picture something nice
Don't you bat an eye
It's not your problem
Someone else will solve it
You leave the worrying to one
Worrying about the way it ought to be
---
I am basically:
The world is basically:
Homeless man in the alley
He's paying his dues
While he was sleeping
The children stole his shoes
When he awakes
He looks so confused
His pride is hurt
What's left of his ego is bruised
Hour to hour, day to day
While the faces change, the story's the same
You live it, you breathe it
You hear it, you see it
You learn to expec accept it
And soon you expect it
Don't pay attention
Just walk on by
Picture something nice
Don't you bat an eye
① It's not your problem.
② Someone else will solve it
③ You can leave all the worrying to me
④ about the way things ought to be
He's paying his dues
While he was sleeping
The children stole his shoes
He looks so confused
His pride is hurt
And what's left of his ego is bruised
Hour to hour
Day to day
The faces change
But the story's the same
You live it, you breath it
You hear it, you see it
You learn to accept it
And soon you expect it
Just as the sun rises
Just as the moon shines bright
There's no need to worry
Everything'll be alright
Don't pay attention
Just walk on by
Picture something nice
Don't you bat an eye
It's not your problem
Someone else will solve it
(cut the first two blocks, from the first 'Homeless man in the alley' down to the first '(4) about the way things ought to be')
Worrying about the way it ought to be
---
I am basically:
The world is basically:
Homeless man in the alley
He's paying his dues
While he was sleeping
The children stole his shoes
He looks so confused
His pride is hurt
What's left of his ego is bruised
Hour to hour, day to day
While the faces change, the story's the same
You live it, you breathe it
You hear it, you see it
You learn to [crossed out: expec] accept it (same change, applied in the LAST block: widen OLD to end ...Don't you bat an eye
â - found once - or ① after the circled-number rows)1) It's not your problem
(2) Someone else will solve it
(3) You can leave all the worrying to me
(4) about the way things ought to be
---
Homeless Man in the alley
He's paying his dues
While he was sleeping
The children stole his shoes
When he wakes up
He looks so confused
His pride is hurt
And what's left of his ego is bruised
Hour to hour
Day to day
The faces change
But the story's the same
You live it you breath it
You hear it you see it
You learn to accept it
And soon you expect it
Just as the sun rises
Just as the moon shines bright
There's no need to worry
Everything 'll be alright
Don't pay attention
Just walk on by
Picture something nice
Don't you bat an eye
It's not your problem
Someone else will solve it
You leave the worrying to one
Worrying about the way it ought to be
---
I am basically:
The world is basically:
Homeless man in the alley
He's paying his dues
While he was sleeping
The children stole his shoes
When he awakes
He looks so confused
His pride is hurt
What's left of his ego is bruised
Hour to hour, day to day
While the faces change, the story's the same
You live it, you breathe it
You hear it, you see it
You learn to expec accept it
And soon you expect it
Don't pay attention
Just walk on by
Picture something nice
Don't you bat an eye
① It's not your problem.
② Someone else will solve it
③ You can leave all the worrying to me
④ about the way things ought to be
Item 47
Tick Tock back and forth moves the clock
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Tick Tock back and forth moves the clock' on loose-leaf, the alphabet written out as a rhyming aid, the words of 'Hidden Evils', about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten poem "Tick Tock back and forth moves the clock / But time it stands still on this here block," on loose-leaf with the alphabet written out as a rhyming aid - the words of the song HIDDEN EVILS (set list 18, track 7).
- Why it matters
- Tom's poem "Tick Tock back and forth moves the clock," with the alphabet written across the top as a rhyming aid - the words of the song HIDDEN EVILS (list 18, track 7 of his 34 Albums), from his early yellow binder, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 18 (track 7) - HIDDEN EVILS ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Society
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 18 · track 7 · as the song HIDDEN EVILS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
Shorter Lyrics (2013)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line T10) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 18 (track 7) · Set List 18: Corrugation Row, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Tick Tock back and forth moves the clock
But Time it stands still on this here block
All the people here are doing the same as yesterday
They're satisfied with repetition and what a price they pay
There's a man stuck in the gutter with no hope of escape
And a maid in kitchen still cleaning the same old drapes
Have they ever given any thought to leaving this harsh land?
The feudal system has long since passed but they just don't understand
A man with two young children who'll be raised to take on his trade
With every step the torch is passed as their dreams they start to fade
And of course when they have kids the same will happen to them
One big wheel that keeps on turning on and on again
With every step taken forward there's two steps taken back
When the foundation of society is laid wrong you know its bound to crack
And when that time comes just maybe then all of this madness will cease
The people on this block will realize they were no freer than their dog on a leash
Tick Tock back and forth moves the clock
But Time it stands still on this here block
All the people here are doing the same as yesterday
They're satisfied with repetition and what a price they pay
There's a man stuck in the gutter with no hope of escape
And a maid in kitchen still cleaning the same old drapes
Have they ever given any thought to leaving this harsh land?
The feudal system has long since passed but they just don't understand
A man with two young children who'll be raised to take on his trade
With every step the torch is passed as their dreams they start to fade
And of course when they have kids the same will happen to them
One big wheel that keeps on turning on and on again
With every step taken forward there's two steps taken back
When the foundation of society is laid wrong you know its bound to crack
And when that time comes just maybe then all of this madness will cease
The people on this block will realize they were no freer than their dog on a leash
Item 56
RUMORS FROM HEAVEN
In one sentence: A typed page of the poem 'Rumors From Heaven', about rock and roll arriving in heaven, covered in Tom's handwritten additions calling in music legends, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's typed page of the poem RUMORS FROM HEAVEN (set list 21, track 11), about rock and roll arriving in heaven, covered in his handwritten additions - a new opening verse and margin lines calling in Dylan, Elvis, Sinatra and other music legends.
- Why it matters
- Tom's typed page of RUMORS FROM HEAVEN, about rock and roll arriving in heaven, covered in his handwritten additions naming Dylan, Elvis and Sinatra - list 21, track 11 of his 34 Albums, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 21 (track 11) - RUMOURS FROM HEAVEN ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Music ; Funny ; Faiththe old category list says: FUNNY (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 21 · track 11 · as the song RUMOURS FROM HEAVEN
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line R18) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 21 (track 11) · Set List 21: A Cold Plate, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
Now That there's rock n' roll in heaven
Everyone enjoys the hymns
And the only problem the church has
is getting everybody in
RUMORS FROM HEAVEN
Hard to tell just how the conversation sounds
When John's head is just about to hit the ground
The echo of [illegible] in the corner of the room
Plays long after dark as the echo finds his way around
All the while Jim is already out cold
He Bought the ticket but the ride's getting old
The creator never really had a chance
The disciples no longer walked straight
The power of song and dance
Unleashed after ages [crossed out] into the golden gate
John whispers...
no you ain't gonna see what I got in my pocket
but the words that come up are knock it off and stop it
you want to change it all for the better but what's the use?
I have had far beyond my years too much abuse
Jim responds with out even a nod...
The day revolves around one's hard ache
It all spins on one big wheel
Do not have tears as you awake my blacken eel
I also know all the pain you feel
George's
But they all know [crossed out] not the type to be out done...
The pressure of the sky falls onto you back
The clouds laughing behind your face
The weather changes all the time
The black leather soon becomes white lace
Jerry
even decided to add...
The wheel was not invented by men from long ago
Reinvented everyday by discoverer's eyes
Seeking to change the books even though
What drives men to such is what I despise
Philosophy is just fancy pants for someone's way of view
Evolution stemming all the way from even before World War II
The morning after the night called the beginning
Wrote new rules of the times, stamped them in black and blue
They all got the same room upstairs
And Lough the landlord is god there
All know how they never got anyway to tell
But there's never any knocking next here
They're all just grateful to be dead
Because they're the house band at heaven
They sell out every night
Now that's not too upsetting
Hey John it's George whose been knocking at the door
Because of course Paul would've range the bell
John said he must've left the Maharishi
Or else we'd a seen him in hell
There goes Jimi playing again without his hands
wearing only his head band and his underpants
Hey John it's George must have left the Maharishi
Because of course we'd a seen him in hell
John said he must have left the Maharishi without
Or else we'd a seen him in his hands
There goes Jimi playing again his head band
wearing only and his underpants
Jerry go get a bucket
of water
we'll see if we can get
him outta this trance
Elvis Presley's Knocking but
don't let him in
But Sinatra's okay
'cause he always brings
18
Hey who invited Bobby Dylan?
You know we're not allowed to let anyone in early
Keith Richards came all the way up for nothing
But we're sure we'll see him again shortly
Everyone enjoys the hymns
And the only problem the church has
is getting everybody in
RUMORS FROM HEAVEN
Hard to tell just how the conversation sounds
When John's head is just about to hit the ground
The echo of [illegible] in the corner of the room
Plays long after dark as the echo finds his way around
All the while Jim is already out cold
He Bought the ticket but the ride's getting old
The creator never really had a chance
The disciples no longer walked straight
The power of song and dance
Unleashed after ages [crossed out] into the golden gate
John whispers...
no you ain't gonna see what I got in my pocket
but the words that come up are knock it off and stop it
you want to change it all for the better but what's the use?
I have had far beyond my years too much abuse
Jim responds with out even a nod...
The day revolves around one's hard ache
It all spins on one big wheel
Do not have tears as you awake my blacken eel
I also know all the pain you feel
George's
But they all know [crossed out] not the type to be out done...
The pressure of the sky falls onto you back
The clouds laughing behind your face
The weather changes all the time
The black leather soon becomes white lace
Jerry
even decided to add...
The wheel was not invented by men from long ago
Reinvented everyday by discoverer's eyes
Seeking to change the books even though
What drives men to such is what I despise
Philosophy is just fancy pants for someone's way of view
Evolution stemming all the way from even before World War II
The morning after the night called the beginning
Wrote new rules of the times, stamped them in black and blue
They all got the same room upstairs
And Lough the landlord is god there
All know how they never got anyway to tell
But there's never any knocking next here
They're all just grateful to be dead
Because they're the house band at heaven
They sell out every night
Now that's not too upsetting
Hey John it's George whose been knocking at the door
Because of course Paul would've range the bell
John said he must've left the Maharishi
Or else we'd a seen him in hell
There goes Jimi playing again without his hands
wearing only his head band and his underpants
Hey John it's George must have left the Maharishi
Because of course we'd a seen him in hell
John said he must have left the Maharishi without
Or else we'd a seen him in his hands
There goes Jimi playing again his head band
wearing only and his underpants
Jerry go get a bucket
of water
we'll see if we can get
him outta this trance
Elvis Presley's Knocking but
don't let him in
But Sinatra's okay
'cause he always brings
18
Hey who invited Bobby Dylan?
You know we're not allowed to let anyone in early
Keith Richards came all the way up for nothing
But we're sure we'll see him again shortly
SHORT
Item 66
They only say you first
In one sentence: A four-line handwritten verse, 'They only say you first,' on a sheet torn from a spiral notebook, part of the song 'Spreading The Word' in the 34 Albums, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten four-line verse "They only say you first," on a sheet torn from a spiral notebook - part of the song SPREADING THE WORD (set list 17, track 10).
- Why it matters
- Tom's four-line verse "They only say you first," part of the song SPREADING THE WORD (list 17, track 10 of his 34 Albums), from his early yellow binder, published in Poems By Tom (2007).draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 17 (track 10) - SPREADING THE WORD ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Societydraft - not yet proved
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 17 · track 10 · as the song SPREADING THE WORD
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line S47) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 17 (track 10) · Set List 17: Smirks Swears Moans And Cries, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
They only say you first
I only respond that that's absurd
If I was in the back of a hurst
There'd be no one left to spread the word
I only respond that that's absurd
If I was in the back of a hurst
There'd be no one left to spread the word
Item 77
It's not that I'd rather be alone
In one sentence: A short handwritten love poem, 'It's not that I'd rather be alone,' about the feelings he hides, on a small torn sheet of yellowed lined paper, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten short love poem "It's not that I'd rather be alone / Than be at your side," about the feelings he hides, on a small torn sheet of yellowed lined paper.
- Why it matters
- Tom's short love poem "It's not that I'd rather be alone / Than be at your side," from his early yellow binder - in his 34 Albums and Only The Best (2018).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums (song list not given) ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Love
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOK200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line E8) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 12 (track 2) · Set List 12: Wounded Masculinity, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
It's not that I'd rather
be alone
Then be at your side
But the strongest
feelings I have for
you
are the ones that
I hide
be alone
Then be at your side
But the strongest
feelings I have for
you
are the ones that
I hide
FULL
Item 89
DAYLIGHT AGAIN
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Daylight Again', about waiting in the shadows for the light to return, written across two sheets of yellow legal-pad paper, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN (set list 1, track 3), about waiting in the shadows for the light to return, written across two sheets of yellow legal-pad paper, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN on two yellow legal-pad sheets, about waiting in the shadows for the light, from his early yellow binder - list 1, track 3 of his 34 Albums, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 1 (track 3) - DAYLIGHT AGAIN ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; State of the World ; Internal Strugglethe old category list says: STATE OF THE WORLD ; INTERNAL STRUGGLE (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 1 · track 3 · as the song DAYLIGHT AGAIN
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
Chomskian Poems (2011) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012 (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
180 Good Poems (2012) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
Only The Best (2018) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
The November 2024 Collection (2024) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) (an earlier draft of the poem DAYLIGHT AGAIN)
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23this dates the two DAYLIGHT AGAIN sheets - the title on the sheet is line D17 in Tom's yellow binder, which held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23; the poem is in Poems By Tom, December 11, 2007 (age 29), in later wording - best guess
- On the site
- Set List 1 (track 3) · Set List 1: Glass Half Something, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
DAYLIGHT AGAIN
Daylight again
comes now and again
My only friend
that's left in the end
The shadows hide
As the clouds creep by
I take stake in
My mistakes in
The life I know
The one I can't shake
Grabs me by the collar
Won't let me go
There's only one way to live
Only one way I know
I've been taken
And shaken
And send out on my way
I've tumbled
I've stumbled
Going from day to day
The only sunrise ahead
Is the one I see when I go to bed
Wake up in the dark
circled by sharks
cover my head
Until there's daylight ahead
Trapped in a tunnel
---
Light dim in either direction
When you're just trying to escape
There's no time to search for perfection
Day to day
Year to year
Some how, Some way
I'll get outta here
Bars on the doors
Can't climb out
My guide left me
The candle blew out
Where I stand
My feet are stuck in the mud
There's no chance left
I'll rise above
I came to my senses
That was when
I knew I'd be down here.
Until there's daylight again
Daylight again
comes now and again
My only friend
that's left in the end
The shadows hide
As the clouds creep by
I take stake in
My mistakes in
The life I know
The one I can't shake
Grabs me by the collar
Won't let me go
There's only one way to live
Only one way I know
I've been taken
And shaken
And send out on my way
I've tumbled
I've stumbled
Going from day to day
The only sunrise ahead
Is the one I see when I go to bed
Wake up in the dark
circled by sharks
cover my head
Until there's daylight ahead
Trapped in a tunnel
---
Light dim in either direction
When you're just trying to escape
There's no time to search for perfection
Day to day
Year to year
Some how, Some way
I'll get outta here
Bars on the doors
Can't climb out
My guide left me
The candle blew out
Where I stand
My feet are stuck in the mud
There's no chance left
I'll rise above
I came to my senses
That was when
I knew I'd be down here.
Until there's daylight again
HALF
Item 115
It's all bottled up
In one sentence: A blue-ink handwritten poem, 'It's all bottled up, all this love, all this pain,' on a torn spiral-notebook sheet, part of the song 'Messy Room', about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · HALF LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · HALF
Tom's handwritten blue-ink poem "It's all bottled up / all this love, all this pain," on a torn spiral-notebook sheet - part of the song MESSY ROOM (set list 15, track 8).
- Why it matters
- Tom's blue-ink poem "It's all bottled up / all this love, all this pain," part of the song MESSY ROOM (list 15, track 8 of his 34 Albums), published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 15 (track 8) - MESSY ROOM ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; Love ; Heartbreak ; Be Differentthe old category list says: BE DIFFERENT (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 15 · track 8 · as the song MESSY ROOM
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- The first piece, It's all bottled up: written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line A22) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23. This binder line dates the first piece only; the other pieces on this card: Welcome to my new life (its own card 753: written at age 18 to 23, binder line S45); No Rhyme or Reason (its own card 754: written at age 23 to 29, binder line M36); There's blood on the sheets (its own card 1048: not dated yet)
- On the site
- Set List 15 (track 8) · Set List 15: Liminal State, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
It's all bottled up
all this love, all this pain
all these emotions that make me [illegible] man
But I think it sucks
When you think the road runs straight but it's a dead end
When I feel this way yet don't understand
Would I change it all?
Knowing either I would always stand up or always [illegible]
I'm not sure forever in truth or always lying
I want to roll over and play dead
Got to fight on and I'll sure die trying
What's the point of living?
If you've never needed or never given
---
Welcome to my new life
I'll give you the guided tour
Show you all the things that hurt me
And tell you why I'm not there no more
I once rode the rollar coaster
Up, down and around it went
Then one day when I lost my tichet
I found all my money spent
The rollar still whirled me around
Shook out my faith and dignity
I never will try my nite to on the town
Pretended that it never effected me
What I saw was of someone else
So I never doubted my self
Because of coure nothing ever bothered me
---
No Rhyme or Reason
(With no rhyme or reason)
(It could happen to anyone)
When a cool palm melts into cold steel
As a hand extends but does not feel
A pokered face turns the tables after a bad deal
Fantasy vengence becomes real
Aim is taken as fate is seated
Pent up agression is suddenly revealed
eyes Full of blood are suddenly revealed
The face eyes of
Aim is taken as fate is sealed
With no rhyme or reason
It could happen to anyone
All it takes is indifference
And the help of a gun
The child of indifference's treason
---
Oh clarialia
Stop and smell the flowers
The little ones walking toward you make sure you catch their eyes
Maybe say hello then say good bye
Stop and watch the children laughing
Before they start to cry
Oh Clarialia
Stop and smell the flowers
Feel the warm rain before you run for cover
Admire the spark of lightening and the roar of thunder
Stop and be puzzled by mystery
Before everything has been discoved
---
There's blood on the sheets
She was pure
We played doctor
And I had the cure
all this love, all this pain
all these emotions that make me [illegible] man
But I think it sucks
When you think the road runs straight but it's a dead end
When I feel this way yet don't understand
Would I change it all?
Knowing either I would always stand up or always [illegible]
I'm not sure forever in truth or always lying
I want to roll over and play dead
Got to fight on and I'll sure die trying
What's the point of living?
If you've never needed or never given
---
Welcome to my new life
I'll give you the guided tour
Show you all the things that hurt me
And tell you why I'm not there no more
I once rode the rollar coaster
Up, down and around it went
Then one day when I lost my tichet
I found all my money spent
The rollar still whirled me around
Shook out my faith and dignity
I never will try my nite to on the town
Pretended that it never effected me
What I saw was of someone else
So I never doubted my self
Because of coure nothing ever bothered me
---
No Rhyme or Reason
(With no rhyme or reason)
(It could happen to anyone)
When a cool palm melts into cold steel
As a hand extends but does not feel
A pokered face turns the tables after a bad deal
Fantasy vengence becomes real
Aim is taken as fate is seated
Pent up agression is suddenly revealed
eyes Full of blood are suddenly revealed
The face eyes of
Aim is taken as fate is sealed
With no rhyme or reason
It could happen to anyone
All it takes is indifference
And the help of a gun
The child of indifference's treason
---
Oh clarialia
Stop and smell the flowers
The little ones walking toward you make sure you catch their eyes
Maybe say hello then say good bye
Stop and watch the children laughing
Before they start to cry
Oh Clarialia
Stop and smell the flowers
Feel the warm rain before you run for cover
Admire the spark of lightening and the roar of thunder
Stop and be puzzled by mystery
Before everything has been discoved
---
There's blood on the sheets
She was pure
We played doctor
And I had the cure
Item 116
Worship me for who I am
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Worship me for who I am, not for who I'm not,' on a torn spiral-notebook sheet, part of the song 'Let Me Live The Dream', about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · HALF LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · HALF
Tom's handwritten poem "Worship me for who I am / Not for who I'm not," on a torn spiral-notebook sheet - part of the song LET ME LIVE THE DREAM (set list 4, track 12).
- Why it matters
- Tom's poem "Worship me for who I am / Not for who I'm not," part of the song LET ME LIVE THE DREAM (list 4, track 12 of his 34 Albums), published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 4 (track 12) - LET ME LIVE THE DREAM ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Be Different ; Inspiring
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 4 · track 12 · as the song LET ME LIVE THE DREAM
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line L19) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 4 (track 12) · Set List 4: Partner To The Crime, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
Worship me for who I am
Not for who I'm not
The Fences I hopped
Ive barely gotten across
There's no time to look for
Four leaf clovers
That will come
When the trouble's over
The road of life
Is a one way street
Though you still have to break
For every stop sign of defeat
In such a big world
There's all kinds of people to meet
Just be careful of which
Hitch hiker to which you lend your
seat
---
(cut the block after ---: I never show my weakness ... DALBACH 620 624)
Even when I'm breaking up inside
The only thing stronger than my ego
is my foolish sense of pride
And what I try to hide
And it's burning me alive
I started staying home
Disconnect the phone
Stay with my own kind
Swim within my mind
DALBACH
620
624
Not for who I'm not
The Fences I hopped
Ive barely gotten across
There's no time to look for
Four leaf clovers
That will come
When the trouble's over
The road of life
Is a one way street
Though you still have to break
For every stop sign of defeat
In such a big world
There's all kinds of people to meet
Just be careful of which
Hitch hiker to which you lend your
seat
---
(cut the block after ---: I never show my weakness ... DALBACH 620 624)
Even when I'm breaking up inside
The only thing stronger than my ego
is my foolish sense of pride
And what I try to hide
And it's burning me alive
I started staying home
Disconnect the phone
Stay with my own kind
Swim within my mind
DALBACH
620
624
Item 117
Let Me Live The Dream
In one sentence: Tom's lyric 'Let Me Live The Dream' ('I woke up, my mind was racing'), written in ink around two paper plates, a second verse on the lower plate, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · HALF LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · HALF
Tom's handwritten lyric LET ME LIVE THE DREAM ("I woke up, my mind was racing"), written in ink around two paper plates, with a second verse ("I never show my weakness") on the lower plate, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's lyric LET ME LIVE THE DREAM ("I woke up, my mind was racing") written in ink around two paper plates - the song LET ME LIVE THE DREAM in his 34 Albums, published in Poems By Tom (2007).draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Ephemera (flyer, card, clipping)
- Collection
- 34 Albums: LET ME LIVE THE DREAM ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Drugs & Alcohol ; Inspiringdraft - not yet provedthe old category list says: DRUGS & ALCOHOL (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 4 · track 12 · as the song LET ME LIVE THE DREAM
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line L19) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 4 (track 12) · Set List 4: Partner To The Crime, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 3
Picture 2 of 3
.jpg)
Picture 3 of 3
The words on this page
(Left Plate)
I woke up my mind was racing
feet hit the floor I started pacing
oh my, my, my
Footsteps of the past I started tracing
Narrowly avoided the path towards the trouble
I was facing
oh, my, my, my
Let Me Live
The Dream
(Right Plate)
I never show my weakness
Even when I'm breaking up inside
The only thing stronger than my ego
is my foolish sense of pride
And what I try to hide
And it's burning me alive
I started staying home
Disconnect the phone
Stay with my own kind
Swim within my mind
DALBACH
620
---
I woke up my mind was racing
feet hit the floor I started pacing
(cut one of the two left-plate copies, keeping the one that matches the left-plate photo: oh my, my, my vs oh my, my, my, my; and add 624 under 620 in the right-plate copy)
Footsteps of the past I started tracing
Narrowly avoided the path towards the trouble
I was facing
oh, my, my, my, my
Let Me Live
The Dream
I woke up my mind was racing
feet hit the floor I started pacing
oh my, my, my
Footsteps of the past I started tracing
Narrowly avoided the path towards the trouble
I was facing
oh, my, my, my
Let Me Live
The Dream
(Right Plate)
I never show my weakness
Even when I'm breaking up inside
The only thing stronger than my ego
is my foolish sense of pride
And what I try to hide
And it's burning me alive
I started staying home
Disconnect the phone
Stay with my own kind
Swim within my mind
DALBACH
620
---
I woke up my mind was racing
feet hit the floor I started pacing
(cut one of the two left-plate copies, keeping the one that matches the left-plate photo: oh my, my, my vs oh my, my, my, my; and add 624 under 620 in the right-plate copy)
Footsteps of the past I started tracing
Narrowly avoided the path towards the trouble
I was facing
oh, my, my, my, my
Let Me Live
The Dream
SHORT
Item 123
MIDAS TOUCH
In one sentence: A five-line version of 'Midas Touch' ('Your Midas touch turned me into gold') in large letters on a yellow legal-pad sheet, from Tom's early yellow binder, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten five-line version of MIDAS TOUCH ("Your Midas touch turned me into gold"), in large letters on a yellow legal-pad sheet, from his early yellow binder years (age 18 to 23).
- Why it matters
- Tom's five-line version of MIDAS TOUCH ("Your Midas touch turned me into gold") in large letters on a yellow legal-pad sheet, from his early yellow binder - a poem in his 34 Albums and Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums (song list not given) ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Temptation ; Lovethe old category list says: MISCELLANEOUS ; TEMPTATION (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
Shorter Lyrics (2013)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line M18) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- Same words
- also written out as number 90matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 7 (track 5) · Set List 7: Train Off The Tracks, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
What has once been bought now has been sold
Your midas touch turned me into gold
never to grow young never to grow old
Death does part no have and hold
Sickness is health, warmth is cold
Your midas touch turned me into gold
never to grow young never to grow old
Death does part no have and hold
Sickness is health, warmth is cold
FULL
Item 138
PEAKING THROUGH THE KEYHOLE
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Peaking Through The Keyhole', one of the first poems in his early yellow binder and the words of the song 'Rehab', on a lined sheet, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten poem PEAKING THROUGH THE KEYHOLE ("Sometimes I need a good talking to set my mind at ease"), on a white lined sheet with a bubble-letter title - one of the first poems in his early yellow binder and the words of the song REHAB (set list 4, track 6).
- Why it matters
- Tom's poem PEAKING THROUGH THE KEYHOLE ("Sometimes I need a good talking to set my mind at ease") with a bubble-letter title, one of the first poems in his early yellow binder - the words of the song REHAB (list 4, track 6 of his 34 Albums), published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 4 (track 6) - REHAB ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Drugs & Alcohol ; Internal Struggle
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 4 · track 6 · as the song REHAB
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line P13) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 4 (track 6) · Set List 4: Partner To The Crime, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
Peaking through the Keyhole
Sometimes I need a good talking to to set my mind at ease
It's not always good for you doing just what you please
When the door is locked you just have to find the right keys
So stop peaking through the keyhole, get up off your knees
Just a glimpse of the whole will never do
With the door barred and chained it's so hard to get through
Like a dear in headlights your feet stick like glue
Denial is just another lie that you believe is true
I've been sedated
My head played with
Medicated
Regulated
And every word they said dictated
I've been questioned and I've stated
Everything good I've had I've traded
With every step I walk been baited
A life like mine you begin to hate it
Sometimes I need a good talking to to set my mind at ease
It's not always good for you doing just what you please
When the door is locked you just have to find the right keys
So stop peaking through the keyhole, get up off your knees
Just a glimpse of the whole will never do
With the door barred and chained it's so hard to get through
Like a dear in headlights your feet stick like glue
Denial is just another lie that you believe is true
I've been sedated
My head played with
Medicated
Regulated
And every word they said dictated
I've been questioned and I've stated
Everything good I've had I've traded
With every step I walk been baited
A life like mine you begin to hate it
Item 141
ALL OR NOTHING
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten lyric 'Yes I was once a child many years ago', which became the song 'Innocence Lost', in black and green ink on a crinkled spiral sheet, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten lyric that became the song INNOCENCE LOST (set list 7, track 8 of the 34 albums), beginning 'Yes I was once a child many years ago', in black and green ink on a crinkled spiral sheet, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten lyric that became the song INNOCENCE LOST (set list 7, track 8 of the 34 albums), published in Poems By Tom (2007) and a dozen later collections.proved - the words are in Poems By Tom (2007)
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: INNOCENCE LOST (set list 7, track 8) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Tom's Anthology 2011 and 2012 ; Childhood ; Addiction ; Internal struggleproved for the INNOCENCE LOST lines; ALL OR NOTHING is in no book
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 7 · track 8 · as the song INNOCENCE LOST
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
Tom's Anthology, February 19, 2011 (128 pages)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23ALL OR NOTHING is line A14 in Tom's yellow binder - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23. The INNOCENCE LOST lines are in Poems By Tom (2007), so they were written by age 29 at the latest.
- Same words
- also written out as number 737matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 7 (track 8) · Set List 7: Train Off The Tracks, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
Yes I was once a child many years ago
And I learned the hard way the things I didn't know
Life was once so simple
But like a gunshot in the temple
I was told I couldn't go higher
And was thrown into the fire
Now all I can do is dream
Back to the days my own eyes did gleam
Someday when everyone is asleep
That child will come here to weep
And they too will write a song
About how the innocence they once knew is gone
And they'll say...
[As soon as I'm high something brings me down
Just as soon as I smiled something brings me down
made me frown
As soon as I blinked my childhood passed
What I loved so much I want it back]
---
ALL OR NOTHING
Well I just turned another corner
I just saw another sign
Everyone's got something they want to sell me
I only want what's mine
Something with [?] such a cost
That few would ever pay
They just keep on searching
Hoping they'll find it someday
No, No I never get no rest
No, No I never settle for second best
It is all or nothing
And so far zero
One for the villain
None for the hero
Even Superman gets tired
Now he rides his horse
I'm setting out for my journey
Right now I'm just plotting my course
Not moving from East to west
Ain't no cheating on this here test
I've given up goin' from town to town
Doing my best not to go from up to down
And I learned the hard way the things I didn't know
Life was once so simple
But like a gunshot in the temple
I was told I couldn't go higher
And was thrown into the fire
Now all I can do is dream
Back to the days my own eyes did gleam
Someday when everyone is asleep
That child will come here to weep
And they too will write a song
About how the innocence they once knew is gone
And they'll say...
[As soon as I'm high something brings me down
Just as soon as I smiled something brings me down
made me frown
As soon as I blinked my childhood passed
What I loved so much I want it back]
---
ALL OR NOTHING
Well I just turned another corner
I just saw another sign
Everyone's got something they want to sell me
I only want what's mine
Something with [?] such a cost
That few would ever pay
They just keep on searching
Hoping they'll find it someday
No, No I never get no rest
No, No I never settle for second best
It is all or nothing
And so far zero
One for the villain
None for the hero
Even Superman gets tired
Now he rides his horse
I'm setting out for my journey
Right now I'm just plotting my course
Not moving from East to west
Ain't no cheating on this here test
I've given up goin' from town to town
Doing my best not to go from up to down
Item 142
DOWNWARD SPIRAL
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten lyric 'Downward Spiral' on a torn-edge spiral notebook sheet, with two scribbled-out lines at the bottom, the words of the song of the same name, about 2000-2002.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten lyric DOWNWARD SPIRAL (set list 4, track 4 of the 34 albums), on a torn-edge spiral notebook sheet with a drawn box on the right side and two scribbled-out lines at the bottom, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten lyric for the song DOWNWARD SPIRAL (set list 4, track 4 of the 34 albums), first published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: DOWNWARD SPIRAL (set list 4, track 4) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Brian Rainstorm Song Lyric Book (2014) ; Finished Song Lyrics (2011) ; The November 2012 Anthology (2012) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; State of the worldthe old category list says: STATE OF THE WORLD (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 4 · track 4 · as the song DOWNWARD SPIRAL
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Brian Rainstorm Song Lyric Book (2014)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
The November 2012 Anthology (2012)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line D14 'Downward Spiral', the title on this sheet; the same lines also close P16 'Playing Chess' in Poems By Tom 2007) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 4 (track 4) · Set List 4: Partner To The Crime, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 2001
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
DOWNWARD SPIRAL
High above, an angel cries
Down below, even storms have eyes
What grows in me I now despise
Deep inside another man dies
Blood clot
Gun shot
It's all the same
Heartache
A big mistake
Just part of the game
Weeds growing wild
A saddened child
Who's to blame?
Another birthday cake
Wear black at the wake
We're glad you came
It's a vicious cycle
You better stay on your toes
It's a downward spiral
It comes and it goes
[illegible crossed out text]
[illegible crossed out text]
High above, an angel cries
Down below, even storms have eyes
What grows in me I now despise
Deep inside another man dies
Blood clot
Gun shot
It's all the same
Heartache
A big mistake
Just part of the game
Weeds growing wild
A saddened child
Who's to blame?
Another birthday cake
Wear black at the wake
We're glad you came
It's a vicious cycle
You better stay on your toes
It's a downward spiral
It comes and it goes
[illegible crossed out text]
[illegible crossed out text]