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TOUGH LOVE

by HAMELL ON TRIAL

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  • Hamell not only records music, performs live, does independent writing, he also paints. All of the images below, and many you see as the accompanying artwork on the digital releases, are Hamell paintings. These vary in size and price, but are all acrylic on canvas. Hamell paints scenes inspired by the 'underground' and 'disenfranchised' of our society. Ed uses bold and bright colors in his paintings which contrast the darker subject matter, championing the underclass, drawing you into the characters he depicts, endearing you to them and sparking emotions one might not anticipate.Hamell is also available for specific painting commissions. For serious inquiries to purchase Hamell original art contact Emily at hamelltv@gmail.com
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1.
DON'T KILL 03:27
God called down from the mountain, God called down from the sky, he said, I told ya, I told ya, I told ya, Don't Kill, Don't Kill, Don't Kill! Don't kill for lovin' please don't for hate, don't kill in my name, don't kill for heaven's sake, don't kill, don't kill, don't kill. Once again you didn't understand me, you disobeyed from all I can detect. From what i remember I did more than ask you, I commanded it from what I recollect. don't Kill, don't kill, don't kill. Was it the 'Thou' part that threw you? Thou means you. Was it the 'Shalt not' part that bamboozled you? Shalt not means 'don't'. There are no divinely sanctioned murders, who know better than me> I'm god, how come you don't hear me? I've been saying the same shit for centuries. You say it's Me that you worship, all you Christians and you Muslims and you Jews. I'm gonna say again, don't kill your neighbor. Jesus Christ this shouldn't be news. Don't Kill, don't kill, don't kill.
2.
HALFWAY 03:20
I see you on the cover of Rolling Stone or one of those other corny magazines that just an excuse to sell fashion or bullshit but occasionally sticks in a good writer or political story so they can ease their conscience that the majority of their readership has the I.Q. of ...well...a Creed fan. So you pucker your mouth and you show lots of thigh, coy celebrity sexy, teasing cleavage. ass in the air, selling your product, down on your knees why so shy? 'Cause you stand for nothing really, you got nothing to say it's insulting your pretense of integrity. Take the movies name, tattoo it on your labia, spread your legs for the camera, what difference would it make? (Chorus) I mean, fuck it, why go halfway? (2X) So you think you might be Jesus, let's be frank, you're the lead singer of a big rock band. Let's get the bass player to nail you to a cross, long rusty spikes, right through your hands. (Repeat Chorus) You're a World leader with your finger on the button and you're thinking that history is smiling on you. Blow the shit out of everybody that doesn't agree, do it in the name of patriotism or religion, what else should you do? (Repeat Chorus) I'm a self-righteous prick with a great big mouth but I'm sick to death of mediocrity and lies. i know I'm preaching to the choir, I know I'm yelling down a hole, I used to sing between the lines but then I got wise. (Repeat Chorus)
3.
Noodles and Gimp loaned me their car, I said I'll meet you in an hour, I ain't going far. Called up Annie, said I'll meet you in ten, and I never saw Noodles and Gimp again. Annie's kids were in Vegas, and her ex dealt crack, he stole those kids we're stealing them back. Noodles had stole that car last night, I looked at the registration and I went white. It was a New York crime boss's, then I checked the trunk, Noodles had missed it but he's a fucking punk. 13 kilos, a pretty good find, looked bad ahead, looked worse behind. (Chorus) Are you gonna fly or are you gonna fall? Are you gonna pick it up, when Destiny calls. Drove through the town, stole Pennsylvania plates, figured we'd be safe if we made it a few states. Back on 81 thought we'd be fine 'til Annie said, "Pop the trunk, I want to do a line." Drove to a diner, she stayed in the car, had a friend in Memphis and it wasn't that far. Help move the coke, the only man I'd trust, get back on track before we went bust. I was paying the check when the TV caught my eye, i said, "Turn up the TV, I know that guy!" It was the owner of the strip club, where Annie'd been employed, she was wanted for murder, he was null and void. (Repeat Chorus) Annie could sleep, got to Memphis by two, told my man Larry 'bout the shit and he knew. Larry got a call that exploded my head, he got a call, Noodles and Gimp were dead. He took the coke, 30 G's went down, I knew I took a beating but I couldn't stick around. Split the miles to Vegas, then hit a Denny's, Annie needed coffee, 'cause she hadn't had any. Just sat down when two guys came over, slapped me up, I woke in a Range Rover, tied in the back and I had no doubt, heard talkiung up front that Annie'd sold me out. One of the thugs said, "He ain't got the cash", he pulled back the gag I said, "I got it stashed." "It's back at the car," then I made my bid, "You can have it all 'cause I got it hid." Most of the rest I heard on the news, they got back to the car and met the crime bosses crew. Looking for his drugs and his reputation, killing Annie and the ex was a minor complication. I'm going straight, I see the bigger plan. It went how it went, however out of hand. Destiny calls when common sense forbids, I'm using the money to raise Annie's kids. (Repeat Chorus)
4.
HAIL 02:47
Brandon Tina and Brian Deneke met for coffee in heaven last week. He said, "I like mine black." He said, 'Do you ever want to go back?" He said, "No, we can be who we want to be." He said, "No, we can be who we want to be." Matthew Shepard dropped by for dessert. And they asked Matthew, "Does it still hurt?" And he paused and spit over the rail It flew down to earth just like hail. He said, "No, we can be who we want to be." He said, "No, we can be who we want to be." Down on earth, he held her tight, it was the morning, they'd cried all night. Through the window he saw the hail, and he asked her, "Have we failed?" She said, "No, we can be who we want to be." She said, "No, we can be who we want to be."
5.
95 SOUTH 02:59
You're a pretty pretty girl. It's a crazy crazy world. We best be driving South, with that pretty pretty mouth. 95, 95 just to keep us alive. Balling the jack, there's a gun in the sack, stopped by the cops, Jesus don't look in the back. Jesus, Jesus, starting to pray, Jesus, Jesus, starting to pray, You'd better hold tight, don't get carried away. 95, 95 just to keep us alive. 95, 95 just to keep us alive. Pounding on the dash, he called her trash, there's a head on the bed, and she took the cash. Jesus, Jesus starting to pray, Jesus Jesus, starting to pray. You better hold out, don't get carried away. And she sleeps, and she sleeps, and she sleeps so peacefully. 95, 95 just to keep us alive.95, 95 just to keep us alive. And the night is clear, reds and beer, stars in the sky and I like to drive high, down on my knees, begging her please, picture her eyes, gave the trigger a squeeze. And her name, and her name, and her name is America. I remember when we met, how lucky can you get, would i do it again? Bet on it my friend.
6.
DOWNS 02:31
Almost died in a car accident, they cut me from the wreck, flew me to hospital with a brace around my neck. Said I would relearn to walk, my wife sat there and cried, and I thanked God for what I had and what they did prescribe: Downs: Morphine, Seconal, Percodan, Codeine. downs, pleasure seeing you around. A stiff upper lip when they got you on the drip: Downs. Been 12 years since I've been high, just like riding a bike. Ain't it cool when the sky lights up, when you're doing stuff you like? Mister Pain don't bother me and Mister Money Man, I'll be back to face you both as slowly as I can. (Repeat Chorus) add: Having a ball with the Demerol, Downs. I can't think of a word to rhyme with Valium, Downs.
7.
Cold winds blow through to where we live. I don't know how much more to give. You didn't say. I didn't know. A full moon wakes me from a dream. Nothing is quite as it seems. All that was said, you didn't hear. All that was said, you didn't hear. Such tender clouds that block the sun, how can we change what has begun? You didn't say. I didn't know. All that was aid, you didn't hear. The birds pass north this time of year. The night is calm, my path is clear. You didn't say. You didn't hear. All that was said. I didn't know.
8.
Heaven's walls are covered with frost, the gates are locked, the keys been lost, there's snow on the drive, the shades are down, there's mail in the box but there's no one around. Angels smoke with snow on their wings, huddled in an alley saying some of those things, that you shouldn't say out loud, that no one should hear but you rake a look around and the meaning is clear. 'Cause the phone is dead, the bills aren't paid, the housekeeper admits that she's afraid. There's people on the road with maps and flares and a convoy of trucks move from there. Some attempt help but are turned away by a hand written sign, "No Visitors Today!", A conference of saints meet in the hall, share coffee and crepes and stare at the wall. Where have you gone? Don't bury your head, we're getting concerned you might be...sick. Satan conjures evil and when he's done, there's silence from Heaven he's thinking, "This is no fun..." He makes his way to Heaven through the gates down the hall, knocking on the bedroom door hears nothing through the wall. And the moving men want someone to sign, a representative says that everything is fine. When the TV cameras off, there's sweat on his brow, he wonders if purgatory has his resume by now. (Repeat Chorus) In the shipping room an old lady sits. At 5 the whistle blows, she bends her head and quits, five miracles completed, it's been a busy day, she can't keep up the pace but the work won't go away. (Repeat Chorus)
9.
She is the fireworks in my sky, she is the word at the door, she is the circus come to town she is my Christmas. she is the laughter on the streets, my lucky roll of the dice, she is just plain fucking cool, she is my moonlight. And we talk, and we talk, and we talk about everything and nothing. She is the sparks cross the rails, a dream awakening to a dream, she is my best alibi, she is my birthday. she is the gold in the crown, the executioner's song, and she's sweet on the idiot, she is my radio. And we love, and we love, and we love, like there's all time and no time. She is the wind in my sails, she is the lighthouse past the fear, she is the last day of school she is my Easter. She is the punch in my punch line, the bop in my bop bop shoo op, she is the fire on my wheel, she is my New Years. And we laugh, and we laugh, and we laugh, about Everything and Nothing.
10.
TOUGH LOVE 02:51
I don't know what hit me but my good sense up and quit me left my job without getting my pay. Had to take a loss, I put two holes in my boss, I guess I gave my notice that way. Drove home in a stolen car and you don't know how wrong you are when you say that crime doesn't pay. Went and got the wife, told her starting a new life, "When we leaving?" is all she had to say. With the sirens closing in, I told the wife we must begin, run before we go up in flames. Police on our back, don't you know she had to pack-woo-woo that woman drives me insane- Tough Love-we're bringing it to your town, there ain't enough love, we're spreading ours around. (2X) Went and got a case of beer, my wife took aim and shot his ear the guy behind the counter got rude. Lord i itched to take a shot, my wife said no, that I should not, soaked him in his own attitude. When we finally hit the road, all I could do not to explode, this trucker forced his way into or lane, but it wasn't no big deal, my wife took aim and shot his wheel, and left him in a ditch doused in flames. Outside of that Memphis town, thought that we could settle down, maybe catch a movie and rest, but I had to shoot a man, talking while the movie ran, talking puts my nerves to the test. (Repeat Chorus) Cross the desert had to go, headed down to Mexico, kept the death toll low as we could. Hanging at a water stop, hadn't seen a single cop, the wife and I were feeling real good. Along comes an SUV crass against the scenery, I didn't pay it no mind, two shots from a .44, my wife just shrugged and slammed the door and left that ugly driver behind. seems in short order we were standing at the border, turned around to where we begun, what can I say, we're headed your way, I guess we're having way too much fun. (Repeat Chorus)
11.
DEAR PETE 01:32
Dear Pete, I couldn't sleep tonight and so I thought I'd write, things have gotten out of hand, but I've got a little plan, you might wanna take a seat, are you seated Pete? Dear Joe, Quit buggin' me for the dough, things have been a little slow, I bet on Blue Diamond to show and you know he didn't go, how come you gotta sweat it, you know you're gonna get it, I got pans with my man Pete, you might have heard it on the street, I gotta go, Joe. Dear Pete, These inquiries you hate 'cause I know that you've gone straight and you don't do jobs no more but I need one more score, It isn't funny, if I don't pay Joe the money, he's gonna do something dumb like probably cut off my thumbs, I'd hate to lose them 'cause you know that I still use them especially when I eat, Pete. Dear Jill, you've got the computer skills, the skills for which I'd kill, and I've been up all night and I found a porno sight, could you cut and paste Pete's head on the guy there on the bed, between the naked girls, that got the scrumptious curls, and they're both there ion their knees and it's Pete they aim to please and he's giving them their fill, their fill, Jill. Dear Pete, How lucky can you get? I found this picture on the internet! It's a good thing it didn't get seen by your lovely wife Darlene. So about this job and this store I gotta rob-are you in or are you out, hey give Darlene a shout, is she still packing a gun? That Darlene's a lot of fun, wouldn't want to get her riled, remember that restraining order you filed, this picture I could delete....Pete. Dear Joe, enclosed you'll find the money, the job went smooth as honey, Pete sends you his best, as for me I'm going to rest, deservedly so don't you think so....Joe?
12.
The big man called the press today he said there's something that I want to confess today, get something off of my chest today, get us all out of a mess today. He said I don't know how I ever got here I wasn't thinking last night drunk on beer, I've murdered people, played on your fear, dumb and vain it seemed so clear. Put a gun in his mouth the metal tasted, he said I'm sorry for your time I've wasted, the flag behind him scarlet basted the ambulance screamed and the newsmen chased it. (Chorus) There is a God, there is a God. Don't doubt it, you got to shout it, there is a God. Into the hallway reporters spilled, multinational corporation boardroom filled apologizing for the people they'd killed to make amends, schools they'd build. And they burned their suits and made a vow to only be working in hospitals now and those that's preyed on the weak, as if on cue, killed themselves it was the least they could do. (Repeat Chorus) Headlines bulge with mass suicide, celebrities whose last acts of pride went to mirror and when the image subsides what they beheld they could not abide. (Repeat Chorus)
13.
FIRST DATE 03:21
They'd been emailing so he asked her for a date and he said that he wouldn't be late, he got there a little after eight he ran three red lights he got a ticket but he can lick it 'cause his brother knows the D.A. He copped a plea and he only got probation, he sings along to an oldies station he sings, "Baby baby, I'll be true to you" He rings the bell, he can tell, that this night is gonna be swell, 'bout the time the wine and the V's kick in. To calm his nerves hie had a plan, he ingested 7 percodan and to get in the mood a handful of ludes and a pint of old Crow for the right attitude, and he stood at the door of this girl he never met before, her emails wee sweet that's for sure he thought: (Repeat Chorus) His head on fire, he was inspired to take his presentation one step higher, didn't want to be rude but if she just saw him in the nude she could see how he truly was because, all the trappings like money and clothes, aww they were nothing but silly shows so off his shirt and his pants foes. What can I say, his limbs gave way, his head went blank and and to his knees he sank. That's how she found him when she opened the door he was naked and passed out on his front porch mumbling: (Repeat Chorus) She was gonna call the cops, then she stopped, he looked so cute lying there, with the blood in his hair, on the bushes hung his underwear. She brought him inside, she nursed his pride, 7 months later she became his bride, they're still together, they brave the weather, they love each other, tougher than leather they sing: (Repeat Chorus)
14.
WORRY WART 01:59
You worry that the light is red, you worry what's beneath your bed, you worry 'bout what I just said, you're a worry, worry wart. You worry about gravity and all the changes that you see, the earth is sucking constantly, you're a worry , worry wart. Why don't you lighten up? Why don't you lighten up/ It's alright, alright, everybody got to run and hide, alright, alright, worry, worry wart. You worry that you're not thought bright, you worry that they might be right, someone's gone and dimmed the lights, worry, worry wart. You worry when someone is calling, they know your libido's stalling, status needs an overhauling, worry, worry wart. You worry that it goes so slow, you worry that it seems so low, you can't stop the ebb and flow, you're a worry, worry wart. Why don't you lighten up? Why don't you lighten up? alright, alright, everybody got to run and hide, alright, alright, worry, worry wart. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the most worried of all, mirror, mirror, hey, you got me talking to myself. You worry that they trade inside, you'll wake up the earth is fried, sometimes my worries are justified, you're a worry, worry wart.
15.
Out on the street where the gutter crawl, with the neon shine at the dead man ball, with the moonlight shining in her hair, with the ballroom eyes that say beware. With the leather boot on the pavement night, with the covert transaction haloed streetlight, with all my friends who could not be named, with all the saints who could not be blamed. With darkness armor ghosts and jewels, pills and paintbrush six-string tools. Learning to fly before we can crawl, learning to lie before we can fall... (CHORUS) you and me, we oughta go around.... With the subway ride that is rhythm bound, with the hearts on fire lost and found, with the 3 A.M. coffee stop, with the lower east side diner blow your top. With the glowing knife blade twinkling blue, with the first edition Howl stuck like glue, with the lose your heart on 6th and A, with the fall apart but baby that's okay.... (CHORUS) I walk 47 miles of guitar cord, I use a Marshall stack for a necktie, I got a Graceland mansion with a Creem magazine Highway made out of old 45's, I got a tombstone chimney that sits on top, made up of car crash teeth, take a little trans-Atlantic flight with me honey and tell me, do you want to go around, I mean tell me, do you love me? (CHORUS) With every building calling embraceable you, I see no evil, and you don't too. I see mansions, I see dreams and in my head a carnival with joyous screams. Where are the tombstone New York Dolls? Where is the melody that never fails? Where is the vision that won't go away? Come on city give me your best right hook today! (CHORUS)
16.

about

This was my first official release on Righteous Babe Records. I think there was talk that they were going to release a live album, and Ani had them record all of my shows that I did with her but then I got in a car accident and gave me the tapes to release myself. that was very generous of them, they knew I wasn't able to earn any income. When the dust cleared and I was, again, back on the road, and Ani had let her, (large) band go....we were touring together and she offered me a contract with her label. Needless to say I was thrilled.

I did some recording with her in New Orleans, as always I was recording just about every night in a little project studio I had in my basement and I even got the money together to go to England and have John Leckie produce some tracks. Big Stuff!

I still do a lot of songs off the album live, as a matter of fact I have been opening the last couple of years with" A Little Concerned That's All..." Check out the individual tracks for lyrics and thoughts about the songs! Enjoy!

"...with an explosive strumming style and well-defined sense of the absurd." -- The London Times, June 11, 2003

"No folk-punk or antifolkie plays harder or louder....Hamell hasn't lost his knack for describing true crime and evoking existential outrage." -- Blender, September 2003

Genius is a rare commodity - but here it is in the one-man folk-punk band called Hamell On Trial. -- New York Post, August 26, 2003

If talent, creativity and artistic integrity still count for anything, this is one of 2003's best albums. -- Rollingstone.com, August 26, 2003

Nothing [...] prepares us for just how compelling, how satisfying, how fist-stirring and soul-leaping is [Ed Hamell's] fifth album. -- The Austin American-Statesman, August 26, 2003

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released October 7, 2013

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HAMELL ON TRIAL Austin, Texas

Hamell on Trial is loud, fast music informed by politics, intelligence and a wicked sense of humor.
1995-Mercury Records-Big as Life, The Chord is Mightier Than the Sword.
1997- Choochtown
2003-Righteous Babe Records-Tough Love
2005, Songs For Parents Who Enjoy Drugs.
2007-“The Terrorism Of Everyday Life,” (Edinburgh Fringe Herald Award)
2012-New West Records -The Happiest Man Alive.
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