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Crossroads

by Steve Macdonald

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  • First published in 2003, this book contains all 25 songs from the 'Crossroads' and 'Playing in Traffic' albums, with an additional 8 parodies Steve has never recorded.

    This massive 88-page book features music notation transcribed by Dr. Mary Crowell, as well as artwork by Jane Irwin, Beckett Gladney, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, and Seanan McGuire (among others)!

    Only available in a dead-tree edition for the last 17 years, this digital-only release became available for the first time in July, 2020. You will receive a download link by mail after the purchase is completed.
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  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 5 Steve Macdonald releases available on Bandcamp and save 10%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Wanderer, The WorlDream Project, Reap the Wind, Playing in Traffic, and Crossroads. , and , .

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1.
Intro 00:09
2.
Gather Day 02:56
Gather Day ©1986 Steve Macdonald The day begins dark- Hear the horns- Hark! Soon the wagons will bring delight. Through misty morn A clear blowing horn Heralds the start of a new day. It's coming Will you be there? Chorus Come and see the fair! Come from everywhere! Come and see the fair! Oh la la la la la! For just a small fee You, too, can see Scenes to bewilder and betray! Magicians galore! And minstrels what's more Scenes to dazzle and delight! Yes, Gather Day is drawing near Look at the sights, and make it all clear. Poets and painters to see for your coin Jugglers and Gypsies will show you the way--- Chorus There's Lions, it' true! Unicorns too! Gryphons and elephants for you to see! But hurry, my friend! For soon, it will end! Before the week is over, we will be gone. . . It's here, today Will you come my way?
3.
Carriage Ride © 1988 Steve Macdonald Move, carriage, light Past tall streetlamps, bright No moon be seen; Red taillights dimly gleam The clatter of hoof on cobblestone The rider's path be not known The soft kiss of whip and rein While passing gutters filled with rain Tall stovepipe hat Thick folds of cape, black Dark, misty night Creatures avoid the light A snort and steam from foaming lip Strains to avoid a lick of the whip He huddles away from the wet Hurrying for someone future met. Instrumental The clatter of hoof on cobblestone The rider's path be not known A snort and steam from foaming lip Strains to avoid a lick of the whip Move, carriage, light Past tall streetlamps, bright Fog rises, grey All sight fades away
4.
Cold Butcher 03:41
Cold Butcher ©1993 by Steve Macdonald Cold wind howls Across the tundra, hard and bleak. It cuts through to the bone And makes your body weak. The Hunt is all You must feed or soon you'll die. Famine drives you on You soon stop asking why. Cold pierces skin Hunger aches in bone I am the answer I am the Night Fear me! For I'll chill you to the bone. Freeze now! For I'll turn your heart to stone. Touch me- And I'll kill and take your form- Wendigo. Heart of ice Soul of snow and hunger. You could become me Starvation breeds my kind. Strength of storm I'll murder and then drink your soul. Anger fiery cold The Terror grips your mind. Sweet ffreezing warm Power in the cold I am the answer I am the Night- Fear me! For I'll chill you to the bone. Freeze now! For I'll turn your heart to stone. Touch me- And I'll kill and take your form- Wendigo. Freezing winds howl Soul of snow and hunger Cold cuts to the bone Starvation breeds my kind Strength of storm I'll murder and then drink your soul You could become me When your soul exists in cold. Sweet ffreezing warm Power in the cold I am the answer I am the Night Fear me! For I'll chill you to the bone. Freeze now! For I'll turn your heart to stone. Touch me- And I'll kill and take your form- Wendigo.
5.
Long Winter 02:51
Long Winter © 1994 by Steve Macdonald The snow lies lightly on your heart The cold reaches deep within. You chill when I catch your eye You look down, then you look away. Long winter of your soul. (repeat 3x) I burned you very deeply And Ice was the only way to heal. I know this, and I accept it I've been where you now feel Long winter of your soul. (repeat 3x) I know that to see me hurts you But you gave these gifts that can't be returned. My muse, my life, my song I have to tell you; I have to tell you, To tell you. Instrumental I've burned you all too deeply But I had to make a choice. I'm still here if you need me Just look up, and find your voice. Long winter of your soul. (repeat 4x)
6.
When I Think of You ©1987 by Steve Macdonald When I think of you All the world begins to glow Now the sky seems so blue Darkness takes a fatal blow You warmed me on that cold night You took me home, I was alone And when you told me you loved me; I saw then I loved you to. So we walk with the sun Underneath the forest, green. She says our life has just begun And I finally begin to see Now she warms me on cold nights She is my home, I'm not alone And when she tells me she loves me All I know is I love her, too. All I know is I love her, too.
7.
Renaissance Melody Lyric ©1983 by John and Steve Macdonald Music © 1983 Steve Macdonald Chorus Lack-a-day lack-a-day lack-a-day oh! Sing me a wee song that I can sing, oh! Dance me a wee jig and I will stay, oh! All the day and all through the night. I met you on a fine fall day Lack-a-day lack-a-day lack-a-day oh! Pretty as a robin in the month of May Lack-a-day lack-a-day lack-a-day oh! Bonnie lass, give me a glance, I pray Lack-a-day lack-a-day lack-a-day oh! More I am too shy to say Lack-a-day lack-a-day lack-a-day oh! Chorus Sparkling eyes and turned up nose With golden hair and lips of rose Bonnie lass, where e'er this boy goes Count him, please, among your beaus Chorus Instrumental Bonnie lass, my wife you must be It's clear that you were meant for me Our love is plain for all to see Let joy filled hearts now set us free Chorus
8.
Acceptance 02:24
Acceptance ©1993 by Steve Macdonald I am just a mouthpiece For other's emotions I play And watch them smile. My words have no meaning I'm not sure what I'm saying But I'll play And see you smile- Are you sure That there's a place for me? It's all so big This just can't be real- Is it happening to me? Is it happening to me? So many people So much vision I feel my voice is a Still, small, sigh. So many dreamers Such wonderful dreams Many strong voices Can you hear my cry? Are you sure That there's a place for me? I've been alone so long This just can't be real- Is it happening to me? It couldn't happen to me- Is it happening to me?
9.
Seducing the Unicorn ©1992 Steve Macdonald My daddy is a worldly man, His eyes shine for love of gold. And many have crossed his path Their pockets lifted of their load. Oh, my daddy loved his family fierce And worked hard all the day. But I wondered what meant more to him- The daughter, or the pay. Oo- Oo- I was young then A happy, carefree child. I'd laugh and play all the day 'Neath the skirts of the forest, wild. Oh, I'd gaze long in the forest, dark And wonder at the mysteries there. The deep, deep green called to my heart- But I was too young to know where. Oo- Staring off into the green- Was that a flash of white? I crept closer, it was no dream My eyes met such a sight. Oh, he stood upon four cloven hooves A single horn from his head He was sleek and strong, he gleamed with power. Then he came to me, as though led. Oo- I ran through fields a-day My companion at my side The grass was green, the clover sweet. My life had been opened wide. But one day daddy followed close behind And saw all I had to share Then he ran to see the soldier's King; For a Horn is so very rare. Oo- I knelt in the green with my comrade His head resting 'neath my breast. Sharing our thoughts, looking deep in his eyes, A peaceful day of rest. Then the soldiers came and dragged him off A quick sword stroke and was done. They gave daddy thirty silver coins I cried, and I had to run. Oo- I am a great grandmother now. A lifetime has passed my eyes. I still mourn my friend, I wish to dream again I want to touch the sky. Oh, my friend lives on inside my heart He's part of the mysteries there. But still I long to touch his sweet, soft side. And soon I will, I know where. Oo-
10.
Instrumental
11.
The Minstrel 03:09
The Minstrel Lyric ©1983 by John and Steve Macdonald Music © 1983 Steve Macdonald Give me a word And I'll sing you a song On street corners I'll play for you. If you toss me a dime (if you help me along) I'll try to make life easy, too. Some say I'm lazy, or weak. But brother, I just turn the other cheek. I'm doin' what I was born to do. Chorus I got nothin' but this shirt on my back I wander through the days Singin' glorias to the sunset's haze I am a minstrel. Don't have money I barely stay alive My only agents are kids on the street. But it don't get me down (they don't see me frown) 'Cause they give me material I seek. So my thumb gets me from town to town Their stories and faces get me by. So I can stand on my corner and sing. Chorus Instrumental Don't you know That we are like gardeners We live on the dreams we plant. We stroll our rounds (spreading our seeds) And reap a harvest when we come back. I'm like a Johnny Appleseed planting dreams; I offer a form of Eternity. And I stand on the stage and sing. Chorus
12.
Plain Valentine ©1993 by Steve Macdonald I don't have two nickels I can't buy you wine Or candlesticks for your supper But the table's just fine. And I love you so, darlin' It'll just have to do This plain old Valentine's for you. Yeah, the saying's so simple But easily confused Among frills and pretty paper It's often abused. But I love you so, darlin' It'll just have to do This plain old Valentine's for you. No, I can't buy you chocolates But I can hold you just fine I may not get you diamonds But I'll ask you, "Be mine." I can't give you a fortune But I can give you my heart. It's not much, but a good place to start Instrumental I don't have two nickels I can't buy you wine Or candlesticks for your supper But the table's just fine. And I love you so, darlin' It'll just have to do This plain old Valentine's for you.
13.
Joining 04:36
Joining ©1994 by Steve Macdonald I am a lonely man Single and unique Destined for a greater life Much deeper, more complete. Joining is and always was The reason to exist I was a contented man 'Til they dropped me from their list- Who do you think you are? Telling me I won't get far? Saying I was meant to be happy All alone. Who do you think you are? I'm unacceptable- now it's war. I am destined to be Joined. I am destined to be Joined. I was sent away Banished from Desire. Told to be content But my need burns ever higher. There is my One At a lonely far off post. Now wait for the proper time To force my way to Host. Who do you think you are? Telling me I won't get far? Saying I was meant to be happy All alone. Who do you think you are? I'm unacceptable- now it's war. I am destined to be Joined. I was destined to be Joined. Memory, Knowledge Seven lifetimes deep. All here, all mine Now the Guest is mine to keep. I need for no one I can even lie. I'll fly through the galaxy I'm Joined now 'til I die. Who do you think you are? Telling me I won't get far? Saying I was meant to be happy All alone. Who do you think you are? You told me no, but I won the war. I was destined to be Joined. I was destined to be Joined. Betrayal, deadly pain Done to me by friends. I was complete then Now the pain will never end. I was so full then And oh, so empty now- But I can't quite remember All gone- I'm not sure how. Who do you think you are? Telling me I won't get far? Saying I was meant to be happy All alone. Who do you think you are? You told me no, but I won the war. I was destined to be Joined. I was destined to be Joined.
14.
I Just Love Those Old B Movies ©1993 by Steve Macdonald Flash steps into the throne room Dale is held by Emperor Ming Ming gestures and orders surrender Flash's weapon starts to sing: Eat hot photons, laser breath! I just love those old B movies They're classics of the cinema art My girlfriend says, "They're all the same. How can you tell them apart?" She can't understand Plots so brilliantly planned; A lone man can hold off the Horde I just love those old B movies The alien lies dead in the jail Now the robot will waste the Earth, it seems The sweet young thing watches in terror Then like Klaatu told her, she screams: Eat hot photons, laser breath! Jim Kirk stands on his knees Where the red shirted body lays. McCoy's tricorder clicks and beeps He shakes his head, looks up, and says: Eat hot photons, laser breath! I just love those old B movies They're classics of the cinema art My girlfriend says, "They're all the same. How can you tell them apart?" She can't understand Plots so brilliantly planned; They gave this robot Hitler's brain; I just love those old B movies Rhett picks up his fine straw hat Scarlett enters the scene from the rear She says, "Rhett, where shall I go? What shall I do?" And Rhett says, "Frankly, my dear:" Eat hot photons, laser breath! I just love those old B movies There's no way you can get confused Watch Santa Claus beat up those Amazon women Watch houseplants and slime molds abused. The Blob ate Leslie Nielsen (well, we could hope) Or did it eat Gort? Or did Captain Kirk kill it with a phaser Did it die with a snort? Or did it . . . I just love those old B movies.
15.
To Boldly Go 02:01
To Boldly Go... ©1994 Steve Macdonald It's for the stars we've come. We have begun. To work for that dream. To strive and be free. To rise and see. To soar the heavens and fly-- We strive.
16.
Journey's Done ©1994 by Steve Macdonald It's a long, long road To leave our planet's hold. Destined to reach our goal Refrain Walk step by step Mile by dusty mile 'Till the stars we've won Journey's done. As we look to our past It took sweat and grit to last. Da Vinci knew it could be done Refrain Brothers Montgolfier Were first to find a way Balloons rising with the new day. Refrain December 1903 The Wrights learned to fly free And gave the gift to you and me. Refrain Vostok, Mercury Soyuz, Gemini- Orbit the skies and see Refrain You know the road is long and hard With pitfalls in the way. And for some the burden is heavy and long And high is the price they paid. But for all those we've lost And for all those we've won We'll remember them long We'll remember out past our Sun. Apollo and Moon-land Mir, Ariane Columbia glides in to land Refrain Throughout history We've strived to rise and see Achieve orbit- then go free! (The Clipper will set us free- old lyric) Refrain (2x)
17.
To Touch A Star ©1995 by Steve Macdonald I look into your eyes and wonder If you see the sky and wonder If you'll ever get that far To reach up, and touch a star. All you need to go is a dream It's not quite as hard as it seems. Never lose what you are To reach out, and touch a star. Shuttle flights Bright lit nights All started with a dream. Radio These songs I know They all started with a dream. God's greatest gift that I know Is to imagine, and make so. I'll help you step up to that bar To reach out, and touch a star Space stations high Planes that fly All started with a dream. TV shows Cars that go They all started with a dream. I look into your eyes and I wonder If you see the sky in wonder Never lose who you are To reach out, and claim that star Shuttle flights Bright lit nights All started with a dream. Space stations high Planes that fly All started with a dream. TV shows Cars that go Radio These songs I know They all started with a dream. Dream on.
18.
Tightrope 02:53
Tightrope ©1988 by Steve Macdonald When I sit here Quietly thinkin' Of my life And how life's Work needs to be done; I can't help Sittin' back Quietly believin' There's a balance You must keep To live all your own. Chorus Walk your tightrope With gladness in your heart. Look left, look right; And then make your start. Your tightrope is your lifeline Your ladder to the stars; It'll always bring you home. When you look at Your life today There is more life, More strife, Things to bring you down. Then you face front, Draw a line Between you and where you're going. Then you walk that Tightrope To your goal Chorus Walk your tightrope With gladness in your heart. Look left, look right; And then make your start. Your tightrope is your lifeline Your ladder to the stars; It'll always bring you home. It'll always lead you home.
19.
Crossroads 03:51
Crossroads © 1986 Steve Macdonald I'm ridin' that long highway at night And I'm passin' everything in sight My pedal's to the floor Needle's at the pin, and I'm Blazing Well, I thought I had a knack But I ain't a-ever goin' back My bridges are burned There's nothing there Anyway. Chorus Na na na na na Future before me, pain left behind Na na na na na Crossroads ahead, better stop wasting time. Well, you know I never knew Really quite what to do When I looked out there And saw her with Another Well, I started my way back And I thought about what we lacked- We'd fought too much She set me free That day. Chorus, Instrumental, then Chorus I'm ridin' that long highway at night And I'm seeing with a second sight The life that's over The life yet to Be I'm seein' things I've yet to do That before I never knew The road lies ahead So much there to See Chorus x2
20.
I Wish I Didn't Have to Go Lyric ©1980 by John and Steve Macdonald Music © 1980 Steve Macdonald Listen to me, don't you see, the world is smaller every day. Been all around, and I have found it's getting closer, every way. As life presses in I see more seperation; Walls are growing of class, creed, and nation. Chorus And I wish I didn't have to go I've been grateful for the chance To know each one of you. But I'll leave you with my song Before my time is through. Let music be your gift to people everywhere. Talk to the world in song, show them how you care. Let the melody give you wings As the lyrics catch your hands- Reaching out with sweet voices To encircle Heaven's bands-- Chorus This is my plea, for unity; no matter who we are. Thank you, my friends, at this, the end; for bringing me this far. Everywhere we've gone We've seen the walls are breaking Coming to know human souls By the music that we sing-- Chorus
21.
Movin' Along 01:54
Movin' Along ©1983 by Steve Macdonald When life seems to get you stuck in one place And you know you need a change of pace. Times are down No one's around You really need to see a new face- Well- Ya gotta keep movin' along. (repeat 3x) When you can't seem to find any friends And your road is at the end. Light your life Look to the sky You need to find a new way to bend- And Ya gotta keep movin' along. (repeat 3x) Right! Move into my life Ooh, yeah Move into your mind If loneliness is your way of life Down the road of this day of strife. Open up Let others see Do everything in your will to BE- And Ya gotta keep movin' along. (repeat 4x)

about

This album re-issues most of Steve's early catalog that first appeared on 'Songspinner' (1994) and 'Journey's Done' (1995). All the songs have been remastered, making some voices stronger here, removing things that made us cringe there, and - in a couple of cases - just throwing away the original recording and starting over from scratch.

This album is dedicated to my parents, both blood and found. Mom and Dad, thank you for the gift of music and the freedom to explore. Bill and Gretchen, thank you for the opportunities to leverage that freedom, your advice, and your friendship. Dave, thank you for your heart, care, and love.

credits

released May 15, 2002

Produced by: Bill and Gretchen Roper

Recorded at:
Primeau Productions: September / October 1993
Dodeka Records: April 1994, July-August 1995, December 2001

Recording Engineers:
Greg Gersabeck (Primeau Productions)
Gretchen Roper (Dodeka Records)
Bill Roper (Dodeka Records)

Mixing by Bill Roper, Steve Macdonald, and Gretchen Roper

Mastering by Bill and Gretchen Roper

Cover art: Todd Cameron Hamilton ©2002

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about

Steve Macdonald Hamburg, Germany

A Michigan native transplanted to Germany, Steve Macdonald has been performing his brand of folk and folk-rock all across the USA and in Europe.

His concerts have been described as energetic, funny, and heartwarming. He sings songs from his life; as well as standards that everyone can sing to.

“A powerhouse, intense and focused.” – (A Fan)

“He’s clumsy and runs at the mouth.” – (His Big Sister)
... more

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