I bought comic books -- and monster magazines, and writers' magazines and paperbacks -- in the corner drugstore of that building. "Central Rexall Drugs." I had crushes on two of the cashiers. I bought my first Castle of Frankenstein there (and, as you all know, everything I ever needed to know I learned from Castle of Frankenstein). Steve Ditko. "Charlton Comics Give You More!" Turok Son of Stone. Magnus, Robot Fighter. Jim Steranko. Jim Steranko. JIM STERANKO!!! Monster Mania. Modern Monsters. Ray Bradbury . . .
Another personal landmark is about to go down.
What was the name of that book about Richard Nickel, the photographer who tried to save the legacy of Chicago's great architects, like Louis Sullvan? -- They All Fall Down.
So, with the imminent death of one of my favorite old hangouts, and the inundation of news about deaths near and far (Andrea Dubnick, Delphyne Woods, Fred Pohl, Lou Reed, Marcia Wallace . . . how many more?) the song below has been on my mind.
It comes from the world of my novel, The Va-va-va VOOM! It's not a spoiler (not a big one, at least) to say that this is the second song Cath (the narrator) wrote for Rad Tate and his band, The Knuckles. The song credit goes to Gideon Faust and "C. Ulaszek" (perhaps because Rad still believed that "Chicks can't write rock and roll!" -- a comment that triggered the first set of lyrics Cath wrote for the band, the title of which is where the novel takes its name). Rad Tate: vocals; Gideon Faust: lead guitar; Curtis Klucynski: rhythm guitar; Marlon Woodson: bass (the GOOD bass player!); Donnie Callahan: drums. Dutifully transcribed from the version only available on a Dutch compilation CD, long out of print -- at least in this universe. Please note: this music is coming out of cheap guitars and big amps, at a tempo that would get you a speeding ticket even in Montana.
Yeah, I know: everything goes. Then you move on. Get over it. But first . . .
EVERYTHING’S GONE BUT THIS SONG
E
Been around | Seen it all
E
Saw when they built it and I saw it fall.
A
Big world | Falling apart
E
Won’t be much left than when it all got start.
E B
’Cause it’s gone,
B A
Baby it’s gone,
A B A
It’s all gone, gone, it’s all gone
A G E B
Everything’s gone but this song.
E
We had | A movie show
E
A little drugstore with a wooden floor.
A
We had | A corner tap
E
An all-night diner and all sort of crap
E B
But it’s gone,
B A
Baby it’s gone,
A B A
It’s all gone, gone, it’s all gone
A G E B
Everything’s gone but this song.
E
It’s gone | It’s all gone.
E
May stick around a while but not for long.
A
It’s gone | Everything’s gone.
E
I never said if it was right or wrong.
E B
But it’s gone,
B A
Baby it’s gone,
A B A
It’s all gone, gone, it’s all gone
A G E B
Everything’s gone but this song.
E
My friends | Were pretty cool
E
We’d hang around a lot right after school.
A
In the garage | Or down on the street
E
We made a mess of every place we’d meet.
E B
But they’re gone,
B A
Baby they’re gone,
A B A
They’re all gone, gone, they’re all gone
A G E B
Everyone’s gone in this song.
E
My chick | Was pretty slick
E
Met at the bar and got it on pretty quick.
A
Made love | Every day
E
We kept on ballin’ ’til they took her away.
E B
Now she’s gone,
B A
Baby she’s gone,
A B A
She’s all done, done, she’s all done
A G E B
Everyone’s done but this one.
E
It’s gone | It’s all gone.
E
May stick around a while but not for long.
A
It’s gone | Everything’s gone.
E
I never said if it was right or wrong.
E B
But it’s gone,
B A
Baby it’s gone,
A B A
It’s all gone, gone, it’s all gone
A G E B
Everything’s gone but this song.
E
Went to work | At a couple of jobs
E
In some old fact’ry for a couple of slobs
A
Lousy work | Lousier pay
E
Didn’t miss it when it all went away.
E B
Now they’re gone,
B A
Baby they’re gone,
A B A
The work’s all gone, gone, it’s all gone
A G E B
Everything’s gone but this song.
E
Who gives a fuck?
| Who gives a damn?
E
Your old man’s dying and your mom’s in a jam.
A
Your stupid sorrow and | Your stupid pain
E
Just watch it all going down the drain.
E B
’Cause they’re gone
B A
They’re all gone
A B
A
The whole thing’s done, done, it’s all gone
A G E B
Everyone’s gone in this song.
E
Big world | What is it for?
E
We stick around until they show you the door.
A
We’re gone | Everyone’s dead
E
You didn’t hear a word that I just said
E B
’Cause you’re gone,
B A
Baby you’re gone,
A B
You’re all gone, gone, you’re all gone
A G E B
Everyone’s gone in this song.
E
I’m gone | You’re gone too
E
Nobody knows us and you know that’s true.
A
We’re gone | We’re all gone
E
The only thing that’s left’s this fuckin’ song.
E B
’Cause we’re gone,
B A
Baby we’re gone,
A B
We’re all gone, gone, we’re all gone
A G E B
Everyone’s gone but this song.
E
It’s gone | It’s all gone.
E
May stick around a while but not for long.
A
It’s gone | Everything’s gone.
E
I never said if it was right or wrong.
E B
But it’s gone,
B A
Baby it’s gone,
A B
It’s all done, gone, gone-gone-gone,
A
Everything, Everything, Everything, Everything’s –
E
It’s gone | It’s all gone.
E
May stick around a while but not for long.
A
It’s gone | Everything’s gone.
E
I never said if it was right or wrong.
E B
But it’s gone,
B A
Baby it’s gone,
A B A
It’s all gone, gone, it’s all gone
A G E B
Everything’s gone but this song.
E
. . . So long!
Rich we don't live there anymore. I remember that across the street from there was a hotel. When it was abandoned I went in it with some buddy's. Like in the song the hotel and the friends are gone gone gone. I guess someone should keep track but it ain't me. Too busy with today and tomorrow. Kudos to you for keeping track of these things.
ReplyDeleteThe Neighborhood Time Forgot, Chuck! :-)
ReplyDelete