Oaky Dokey (2009 – Pop)

OD 6th Master Booklet cover

“It’s delicately crafted pop that shows how much thought Tim Arnold puts into the package that is one of his albums.”
FATEA Records

Oaky Dokey is what I like to call my happy album. It’s strange that it should be so upbeat because I wrote almost all of the songs after the funeral of my Buddhist teacher in Thailand. Luang Por Charoen Parnchand passed away in early 2008. He was the man who became a father to me when he welcomed me into his monastery at Thamkrabok in Thailand in 2004 – a single action that led me to re-start my journey in music and take control of my life as a solo artist. I returned to the monastery to pay respect to him and was invited to sing songs for him as his body lay in a glass tank full of protective embalming solutions. It was, without doubt, the most extraordinary goodbye I have ever said to anyone. More extraordinary were the 3 days that followed when I wrote all the songs on this album, back in my little room in the monastery.

The songs are mostly full of my retro taste for late 50’s Blue Beat, 60’s guitar pop and psychedelia. I’d also been listening to a lot of Harry Nilsson which is very evident on the song Shakespeare’s Bacon. At this point, I still thought I was primed to return into mainstream pop so I was still writing self conscious catchy tunes. I hadn’t realised what I know today; that music makes a devoted student out of me when I start a new project, more than a pop singer.

I think with most of the music I make, there is a willingness to become a genre, a type of band or artist. Genres are like colours on a palette to me. And I rarely have control over which genre my heart is yearning to become and chooses, before I have really had a say in the matter. Commercially, it was almost certainly a mistake to put the song You Are The Cause at the end of this album. It’s too strong a song to be at the end of any album. But it was right to ask Richard Briers to introduce the whole journey. He set the tone for what was in away, a prototype for The Soho Hobo album, pre-empting my affection for the old time variety style of my grandparents. It’s a very diverse album, so it seems apt that I only performed it in it’s entirety at London’s most diverse club in the world – Madame Jojo’s.

Guest Artists: Richard Briers, Lisa Dillon.

 

Tracks and Lyrics

1. Oaky Dokey

Ladies and gentleman, I give you… at enormous expense, a veritable cornucopia of charisma and class…

For your delectation and delight, we have the delicious,
the de-lovely lady Lisa!

Strict of tempo and by way of Hounslow, a groove you won’t believe
from Gentleman Georgie light fingers and young bellowing hurricane Steve.

Fresh from the fable, come Echo, Narcissus and their magical art,
not forgetting her royal highness: the Architect of the Heart…

On the Horns of Plenty, Mr. Castle blows a wish,
as Monsieurs Holland and Hill orchestrify the dish!

Last but not least, the leader of the feast,
The intrepid Monsieur Arnold. A dandy, a devil,
a maestro of minstrelsy and cheer!

Are you ready? Really ready? Are you listening my lovelies? Yes?

Oaky Dokey!

2. You're The One That's Bea

One more message in the inbox,
Your brain’s in sync with more than ten clocks
Paris is holding, New York’s on the line
You’ve been cc’d on a junk train daily,
There’s flowers on the table from a stalking crazy
The courier with your upgrade has arrived

But hold these thoughts, don’t look at them now, give yourself a break
But hold these thoughts, don’t look at them now, give yourself a break

A backpack on a corner’s offering a million leaflets that tell you nothing
They promise that you’ll need them when it’s time
Tens of letters, thousands of words, jokes that you’ve already heard
That didn’t get you laughing the last time

But hold these thoughts, don’t look at them now, give yourself a break
But hold these thoughts, don’t look at them now, give yourself a break

And you’re the one that’s beautiful
And they’re the ones that are making your heart ache
You’re the one that’s beautiful
And they’re the ones that are making your heart break

Heaven is a city where we can control
Our traffic jams, our rock n roll
But I still can’t find someone I can hold
I’m living a dream stuck to the screen, the instant message is starting to Scream about the one day offer for a treasure chest of gold

But hold these thoughts, don’t look at them now, give yourself a break
But hold these thoughts, don’t look at them now, give yourself a break

And hell is a second that’s never enough
It’s every minute we’re not making love, it’s the millionth empty photograph
You get with the tunes, you missed the eclipse
It’s fair to assume you got all the clips
You won’t have time to even see half.

But hold these thoughts, don’t look at them now, give yourself a break
But hold these thoughts, don’t look at them now, give yourself a break

And you’re the one that’s beautiful
And they’re the ones that are making your heart ache
You’re the one that’s beautiful
And they’re the ones that are making your heart break

3. Say Your Love

The lily of the valley relocated to the alley,
Yeah you know what I mean, she’s changing her scene
She got an education in erotic contemplation
And she talks like a queen, you know it’s obscene
She’ll get your motor running like she filled it up with honey
You’re sucking a sweet that’s stuck to the street

It’s impossible to stop it ‘cause you know that when she’s got it
She’ll treat you so mean like a heart stealin’ fiend

She makes love with her eyes
To every girl and guy
She gives it freely as you fall
She’s just too beautiful

But say your love means something else to me

My timing ain’t too pretty and you know it’s such a pity
She don’t know what I’m feeling, if she did I’d be healing
I memorise her beauty like it’s something of a duty
I’m gonna go in slick for the penalty kick

I wake up and I’m soaking and I’m faking like I’m coping
I need someone to feed me, why don’t you need me?
To her I’ve never spoken but my mouth is hanging open
Don’t cut me off ‘cause this ain’t enough

She makes love with her eyes
To every groom and bride
She gives it freely as you fall
She’s just too beautiful

But say your love means something else to me

4. To Be or Not To Be

So to be or not to be is the question
Am I a fool to search for something in between?
And what can it mean to you and I in our situation?
I was born to love you ‘till the day you die
And so to be or not to be,
Imagination is the only place that’s safe for us to decide

When I’m in London town, the heavens seem so far
But go to old Siam, you can point out planet Mars.
So why keep dreaming upon a guiding star?
When to be or not to be is all we are.

So to be or not to be was the question
When I broke your heart I threw away a friend
Each Romeo may find his Juliet
But miscommunication can lead to such a bitter end
So how do we live through the stars conspiracy?
We know we’ve got to be…or not to be.

When I’m in New York City, the snow can freeze my feet
But go to sunny Spain, I soon pick up the beat.
So don’t keep pushing that lucky charm too hard
‘cause to be or not to be is all we are…

So to be or not to be, it’s got me running
Am I unwise to close my eyes to what it gives?
Oh to be or not to be is the question
I wish that I could find alternatives

My love for you is still as steady as a boat
Commanded by a Captain of the highest note
It’s still as strong as the rock of Gibraltar
But to be or not to be is what we are…

5. When The Sun Shines

I’m on the set of an unmade movie with Mary Gertrude Toovey
It’s on her tomb, she died in 1928.
Every day I take her lilies all the way from Piccadilly
But now they call me to move her to another grave.

Don’t leave me, I don’t want to let you go
Don’t leave me, I don’t want to let you go
Don’t leave me, I don’t want to let you go

I took a photograph to capture time.
When I saw the epitaph it made me cry. It read:

“Nothing really matters when the sun shines”

I miss telling her stories and the way she would ignore me
A captive audience that always understood

And one day I took a train with a plastic bag full of her remains
I took ‘em to her great grandson in Boreham Wood

Don’t leave me, I don’t want to let you go
Don’t leave me, I don’t want to let you go
Don’t leave me, I don’t want to let you go

And when he took her in, he spoke seven words
The greatest thing I’d ever heard He said:

“Nothing really matters when the sun shines”

Don’t leave me, I don’t want to let you go
Don’t leave me, I don’t want to let you go
Don’t leave me, I don’t want to let you go

“Nothing really matters when the sun shines”

6. She's Made A Gentle

She’s the Summer light, you know I gotta take her out tonight
I’m picking out a tie, I’m pulling up my socks

‘Till they’re knee-high, but my heart slows
I wonder why I can’t think where to go
So I phone a friend who recommends
A place she might like

‘cause She’s a lady, but I’m not a connoisseur
Yeah She’s a Queen but I’m just the King of the Kerb
I’m F and Blinding but she really knows her words
It’s so delicious and absurd

When I’m on ice she knows what Champagne we should buy
And I know how to drink it till it makes one of us cry
But by the time we’re laughing as I pour the tea
She’s made a gentleman of me

They say I ain’t really with it, but they’re looking through a telescope
‘cause she thinks I’m exquisite and you know how she’s looking

Right up close from head to toe
She sees things that they’ll never know I might have lost a little shine
But I’m scrubbing up nicely this time

‘cause She’s a lady,
But he’s not a connoisseur
Yeah She’s a Queen
But he’s just the King of the Kerb
He’s F and Blinding
But she really knows her words
It’s so delicious and absurd

When he’s on ice
She knows what Champagne we should buy
And he knows how to drink it till it makes one of us cry
But by the time we’re laughing as I pour the tea
She’s made a gentleman of me

I’m letting my hair down
First love takes it’s bite
I hunger for one touch
But I still say my prayers every single night

‘cause She’s a lady,
But he’s not a connoisseur
Yeah She’s a Queen
But he’s just the King of the Kerb
He’s F and blinding
But she really knows her words
It’s so delicious and absurd

When he’s on ice
She knows what Champagne we should buy
And he knows how to drink it till it makes one of us cry
But by the time we’re laughing as I pour the tea
She’s made a gentleman of me

7. Intermission

Intermission

8. The Ballad Of Echo

Narcissus: If I’d have said I love you
Echo: Then I’d have said it too
Narcissus: You tried so hard to tell me
Echo: But there was nothing I could do
Narcissus: You wanted to ask me questions
Echo: But I was cursed when I met you
Narcissus: I switched on to your beauty
Echo: But we never made it through

Narcissus: And I said: “Please tell me your name” and you said:
Echo: Please tell me your name
Narcissus: And I said: “I’ll ask you again” and you said:
Echo: I’ll ask you again
Narcissus: It’s driving me insane

Narcissus: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Echo: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Narcissus: You’re doing it again
Echo: You’re doing it again
Narcissus: You know it’s gonna have to end
Echo: You know it’s gonna have to end
Narcissus: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Echo: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Narcissus: You know it’s gonna have to end
Echo: You know it’s gonna have to end
Narcissus: You know it’s gonna have to end

Echo: I followed all your footsteps
Narcissus: All the way until the Moon
Echo: I longed to sing it to you
Narcissus: But you never found your own sweet tune
Echo: I waited all my life
Narcissus: Did we really have choice?
The Summer is nearly over
Echo: And all that’s left of me is this voice.

Narcissus: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Echo: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Narcissus: You’re doing it again
Echo: You’re doing it again
Narcissus: You know it’s gonna have to end
Echo: You know it’s gonna have to end
Narcissus: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Echo: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Narcissus: You know it’s gonna have to end
Echo: You know it’s gonna have to end

Narcissus: Well the look in your eyes doesn’t fit what you say
Echo: I just want you to know that I need you to stay
Narcissus: Why can’t you put the words together?
Echo: You think I’m crazy when I reach out for your hand
I’m making it worse, it’s a curse not a plan
Narcissus: I wish that somehow I could understand

Narcissus: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Echo: Why d’you keep on saying what I say?
Narcissus: You’re doing it again
Echo: You’re doing it again
Narcissus: You know it’s gonna have to end
Echo: You know it’s gonna have to end

9. Shakespeares Bacon

When I was younger, I met a mystical man.
He knew how to walk like a Geisha on ice
And frequently talked to the Nature outside.

And lately I’m thinking about what he said.
I miss the Prince in Pyjamas
In the Pallas of choice
He sang the theme song to Spiderman
And he really had a voice.

(He said) Shakespeare’s Bacon.
At least he thinks some of it is
And if He’s mistaken,
No man ever loved
Nor a bride saw a kiss.

(He said) Shakespeare’s Bacon
And maybe Queen Elizabeth too
You can’t believe everything that you’re told
But you’re doing ok
if you’re thinking about it at all

Crazy, crazy for knowing the truth
Crazy for finding a clue, So crazy I forgot about you
I’m sorry, I’m sorry if I forgot about love
I’m sorry if it just wasn’t enough, I guess none of us are perfect
We’re diamonds in the rough.

(He said) Shakespeare’s Bacon.
At least he thinks some of it is
And if He’s mistaken,
No man ever loved
Nor a bride saw a kiss.

(He said) Shakespeare’s Bacon.
At least he thinks some of it is
And if He’s mistaken,
No man ever loved
Nor a bride saw a kiss.

(He said) Shakespeare’s Bacon
And maybe Queen Elizabeth too
You can’t believe everything that you’re told
But you’re doing ok
if you’re thinking about it at all. (Yes methinks it true)
Yeah you’re doing ok
if you’re thinking about it at all.

Crazy. Crazy for knowing the truth….

10. The Girl I Want

I tip toe to town when I know she’s around
‘Cause I can’t bear the sound of us having a row
I get my sleeves wet with all the hot sweat
I’m begging daily like a dog in heat

She says “Just take a little step and who knows what you might get”
One day we might shake hands like civilized adults

When did the magic leave? I’ve still got some up my sleeve
But she won’t watch my prestige, she’s focused on my faults

‘Cause the girl that I want don’t want me to sing her songs
I sing promises so true that I’m still yours
But the girl that I want don’t want me, she don’t want me anymore

I know you’re laughing, it’s all I’m asking
And if you’re not then take a listen to this:

I made my mind up but I can’t get up,
The punch you pulled took me out for the count

Now dance your merry feet all the way down my very street
Just keep me close enough to know I still want more

Yes, so I’m fortunes fool, I’ll always be a fool for you
This love will never die, it’s just not gonna end

‘Cause the girl that I want don’t want me to sing her songs
I sing promises so true that I’m still yours
But the girl that I want don’t want me, she don’t want me anymore.

11. She's The Architect

She talks geometry beautifully,
Sipping out of a Caipirinha cocktail glass with endless class
Telling tales of a knight in shining armory who never seems to answer messages
What fool could help reply? If it were I, I’d send a song ‘cause there’s…

So many reasons why it might be fatal not to answer such a call
Because such knowledge could teach me how
The castle where I’m king could come to fall

She’s the architect; she builds me up and down
Turns me so I’m facing south ‘till I find myself
Lost in her foundations, no need for alterations now.

Set squares and compasses designed a kiss in to my brain that I can’t forget
Like it was real, I want to feel it once again
Her perfect symmetry, enslaving me, is monumental as
Temples and pyramids, I’m breaking out in opposites.

So many shapes I see, there’s no angle she can’t cover that I need

She’s the architect; she builds me up and down
Turns me so I’m facing south ‘till I find myself
Lost in her foundations, no need for alterations now.

The pressure, the weight of all she creates,
A kingdom that I have longed to taste…

She’s the architect; she builds me up and down
Turns me so I’m facing south ‘till I find myself
Lost in her foundations, no need for alterations now.

12. You are the Cause

I kissed a stranger off the set
I’m breaking out in nervous sweats
Emergency services won’t pick up as she pirouettes
And pulls me to tomorrow, I’m terrified to follow, but in a good way.

You know that if you see them and your body stops to work
If you’re screaming out from suffering, but nothing really hurts
I’m crying and I’m crazed, you made me trap you in a gaze, but in a good way

And the flame that you’re burning has burnt in to me
It’s silently turning to hold out a key
And whatever you’ve broken, I’ve spoken the spell.
Now you can’t remember anything else…

So stop the sailors sailing, something’s happening to me
Don’t you know how you were dreamt of before truth came to make you real?
So stop the painters painting and give the poet pause
The sun, the moon, the stars are shaking and you are the cause

You’ve taken out the doubt from me like the thorns from every rose
I’m dreaming when I’m waking, I’ve been sleeping on my toes
My blood is boiling over and I find it hard to breathe but in a good way
Thought I’d never be led to even begin
To love in the promise of somebody’s wings
Then you come flying in…

So stop the sailors sailing, something’s happening to me
Don’t you know how you were dreamt of before truth came to make you real?
So stop the painter painting and give the poet pause
The sun, the moon, the stars are shaking and you are the cause

you are the cause
you are the cause
you are the cause
you are the cause

So stop the sailors sailing, something’s happening to me.

13. Je_Ne_Regrette_Rien

Non ! Rien de rien …
Non ! Je ne regrette rien
Ni le bien qu’on m’a fait
Ni le mal, tout ça m’est bien égal !

Non ! Rien de rien …
Non ! Je ne regrette rien…
C’est payé, balayé, oublié
Je me fous du passé!

Avec mes souvenirs,
J’ai allumé le feu,
Mes chagrins, mes plaisirs
Je n’ai plus besoin d’eux !

Balayés les amours,
Avec leurs trémolos,
Balayés pour toujours,
Je repars à zéro …

Non ! Rien de rien …
Non ! Je ne regrette rien …
Ni le bien, qu’on m’a fait
Ni le mal, tout ça m’est bien égal !

Non ! Rien de rien …
Non ! Je ne regrette rien …
Car ma vie, car mes joies,
Aujourd’hui, ça commence avec toi !

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