TODD RUNDGREN !

Brought to you by
The Todd Rundgren Fan
Formerly Known as LDE33...

Rundgren's comin', Rundgren's a-comin', hide your heads all you lying people... Rundgren's comin' with a rusty nail...

PLEASE Note that Todd has new album Arena released in UK 29/9/8 and is touring for 4 dates as below.

NB. MY GOODNESS, I wrote this sooooo long ago! I'm afraid I don't have time to update all this about future tours, which are many moons ago now, please understand!!

(QUE ? You say..). Please scroll right down if you have never heard of Todd Rundgren, one of the unsung Legends of Rock, in much of UK anyway. I don't know how to link down, sorry.

Todd toured at the beginning of June 2005 with Joe Jackson, UK and then on to Europe.
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/sanctuary_records/joe_todd.htm

Further Todd coincidence following on from one noted below - Graham Foxcroft who found me via Todd Rundgren Connection website review I did (following sitting next seat but 2 at Manchester gig last July, would you believe) sent me the link ! Many thanks to Graham for your persistance in finding me :o))) and most importantly for letting me know about this event, I do not know how I would have found out otherwise...

JOY OF COINCIDENCE...

Great excitement here, as by pure chance, on Thursday 31st March 2004, my best school friend's husband happened to be listening to BBC Radio 2 on his return home from work instead of his CD player and heard that there was to be a Johnny Walker interview with Todd Rundgren in the programme.

He remembered that I was wearing a Todd T-shirt over Christmas 2003 when we all met up. I do not listen to radio much, only Planet Rock. He called my hubby, who immediately called me and I taped it and listened, absolutely thrilled ! 

I had written a Spiritual Mind Treatment several years ago (2000), for more Todd success in the UK as part of my Metaphysical Counselling course and worked with it relentlessly, until it felt right to leave it. It was fairly selfish, of course (not a word I like...) as I couldn't imagine going to the US to see him and I wanted Todd to come here (he's more used to the travelling and can afford it better than me :o))  ). I am so glad that it finally came to Fruition :o)) TWICE now ! AND SOON TO BE THRICE!!!

I will include the Treatment for any devotees who would like to Pray for Todd's additional Success here. You just sit down, take a few deep breaths and relax and read it out loud to yourself every day, knowing that it is already so.

If you Love Todd, please give it a go, the more we support him, the better.

With the news of Todd's return coming in June 2005 (!!) with Joe Jackson, I give thanks and Blessings to those who have helped with my Prayer :o))))

I am delighted that his no longer latest album "Liars" (which is actually all about Truth or lack of it, it seems) is still out in the UK and got great reception here and he had 5 dates fixed here. First one was arranged at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Thursday 15th July 2004.  It was with band:

Kasim Sulton - bass
Jesse Gress - guitar
John Ferenzik - keyboards
Prairie Prince - drums

It went on sale the day after the interview, but I was a bit late getting in there, so but was just in the back stalls... Recent gigs I have been to do actually seem to start on time these days, unlike in the good old 70's when they always started at least an hour late ! The gig was great, following a mixed response to one the day before in Birmingham.

Todd and the Liars played Birmingham Symphony Hall on the 14th July and Manchester Bridgewater Hall on 18th July. Both started only 10 minutes late from 7.30pm. Check out http://www.trconnection.com/tour/t2004  for loads of reviews of all the shows. We to those 3... Friend's dear hubby came to Manchester with us, he thought it was Awesome !! 

Monday 12/7/4 Bristol Carling Academy & Saturday 17/7/4 Glasgow Carling Academy, I didn't get to, sadly, as it got better each time I saw it... The CD Liars is so Todd but from yet another angle. My 13 year old daughter Rachel loves to sing along with it... I like the "Men are stupid (Women are evil...)" bit in Happy Anniversary - they are so contrary to any Spiritual beliefs I hold, or Todd to that matter !! It is of course, about stereotypes.

I had a mail from someone who had got this address from a site stating that I had "reviewed" the CD Liars which is why the person had visited here. He had gotten the address from a "Proper" Todd site (I have links with TR Connection with Roger D Linder, best place for any Toddophile, see later).

I was more than a little surprised but thought I had better put up a few of my own views, as only the previous paragraph comment had been made at that time. I am only a fan and not a music critic !

I did it in a bit of a hurry, so (may) have missed some important points, already had one very good insight - please feel free to send me any inspirations that I have missed, I am always interested in people's ideas or thoughts. If I can put them up, please let me know or write in Guest book.

I do go on a bit here, so if you don't wish to indulge, move on down. I don't know how to put in a link to take you down, only up, sorry...

Some of this is very out of date now, seeing as Todd has returned with Joe, however I will keep it up here.

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"Liars"

My first impression from the title was that it must be about Truth, as Todd has always been a very clear "Seer" in my books. As always, it takes a while to get into any album and I only listened to the music in the car, on my journey up to Liverpool for Easter. My hubby and daughter also therefore, had their ears inflicted upon, as we all went to see the new tour, Todd and the Liars in July 2004, Spouse getting to see him twice :o))

The album is filled with really nice unusual sounds in the main, lovely music. I like the mix of different styles, but that is always a quality of Todd's music. I am now really enjoying an interesting mix of music, enthralling and wonderful !

The more I listen the more I like it, I am finding my self waking in the morning singing the chorus from The Wondering and Future. There are many catchy themes, which my Rachel, aged 12 is also catching onto. She rolls about joyously to the catchy  Happy Anniversary... I asked her why? and she said it was funny, but didn't know why ...

** In fact 2 year after first writing this, she is sick and tired of it, but I have the album on my little MP3 player which I use at the gym, so usually work out to it, even now, 3 times a week.**

The women are evil bit did worry me somewhat, as I don't believe in evil as a thing of itself, though the experience of evil obviously occurs in many people's lives. I have had it explained a bit more metaphysically by Leif Williams below, a lovely interpretation. I tend to take things a bit too literally.... 

I always leave the "deliver us from evil" bit out of the Lord's Prayer - I think we should be delivered from ourselves... I don't believe men are stupid, but people generally can behave stupidly - I do often enough. It's all a part of Being Human.

I was going to write a bit on every song, but got to Stood Up and realised that the Real God was maybe trying to sit down here and shrug off the responsibility of the Truth he has shared in the past! Will the part of the Real God called Todd please stand up again! 

Each and every one of us has the Real God within us - We Are All God !!! You didn't stand up too fast at all, mate. Everything was always in Perfect time. Well it was for me, anyway. I have learned so much from you, my Soul Brother. I said I am not a music critic, so am now going to prove it - I am going to quote the great Nelson Mandela,  here. Would go well to music...

Our Deepest Fear.

Our deepest Fear is NOT that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are Powerful
beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves:
"Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented, fabulous?"
Actually, who are you not to be ?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't
serve the world.
There's nothing Enlightened about shrinking
so that other people
won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine as children do.
We were born to make manifest
the Glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us,
it's in everyone.
And as we let our own Light shine,
we automatically give
other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically Liberates others.

Nelson Mandela.

Now that would make a great lyric ! I often feel inspired to read that as a treatment during hypnotherapy sessions and to people when I am doing clairvoyant readings. I may start quoting Todd again in future, I did a one session once of "Todd Therapy" but I was a bit mental at the time...

Go Todd, we Love you and Respect you as you are !

In no complete and proper order (and missing 2 at the moment, will correct when I get a chance, CD is in car for journey...) 

Truth  Very inspiring and groovy. The Truth is not outside of yourself, It's deep within your own heart and Soul. God is within, not an external thing. that's why we find it so hard to discover as we carry it with us always... Lovely stuff.

Mammon  I appreciate the sentiment, and am getting used to the vocal, which did grate a bit at first. It is about hypocrisy I guess... Again will the Real God please sit down, and give the Truth a go !! We are not here to be told what to do by religion, we are here to make our own mistakes and do things in the way that we Know to be Right for us.
Religion is man-made to control people - I do not believe in any religion which tells you what to wear or do if it is any way in conflict to what you feel is right. 

Life only involves the rituals that we choose personally and feel GOOD! It's ok to follow religious ditates, but only on your own terms.

Past reminds me of other friends from school that I had caught up with again and lost through misunderstandings. We only have the Now, (time may be piled all one on top of itself, not in a time line at all, according to some quantum physicists...) How things could have been, is powerful, painful stuff sometimes. It's quite cathartic ditching old stuff, even through being rejected. I think we all need therapy ;o))

Sweet is just that, a look at why we deny the Truth in ourselves. Love is  the Answer, indeed... you know it makes sense. Here we mean the Unconditional type, no strings attached stuff, harder to get right, huh ? Lovely melody here. Sing and shout it, tell the world about it - the Truth is SWEET !

Happy Anniversary  My friend Lief Williams wrote this below,

"He (Todd) is not saying men are stupid, and women are evil literally, but rather exposing those stereotypical blanket mindsets for the absurdities that they are...the lyric has an elder male, then an elder female warning the little boy and girl, respectively, of the opposite sex and the ensuing travails of interaction with them as life takes it's course".

Loved it, Leif !!! Please write again... Leif is lucky enough to have met Todd, as he recounts here: "

Last  time I went to see him (Todd) in Kansas City, a couple of years ago, I was walking down the street in the afternoon before the concert, looked up, and who should I see across the intersection waiting for the light to change????, but TODD!  I waited 'til he crossed, shook his hand, and we chatted for a minute or so...a REALLY nice and humble guy, honestly, VERY nice....no rock star snobbery here.  When we were done talking, we went our separate ways...Todd off to more coffee shops, and us to a sidewalk cafe.  As we sat there, he walked by another 3 times over the next 45 minutes....just a few feet away from us....surreal is what it was.  Great concert too".

Boy, am I jealous - I would love to meet Todd just to thank him for all the Goodness he has introduced into my life. I was lucky to shake his hands about 12 times at the gigs in 2004 and shook his hand off just this June 2005.

Soul Brother is having a go at the lack of Soul in music these days (and people too, generally). Nice and funky. Quick dig at Peter Pan himself here at the end, if you get my drift... I never got much past 9 myself... Had been reported as Todd's first single for n years... Did it happen ?

Future takes me back C'72 and my form teacher telling me that in the future, we would have so much leisure time that we wouldn't know what to do with ourselves. I am still waiting and hoping, but it seems that things get worse with the hours people work, not any better. I especially like the bit about "I'm supposed to get my eye-sight back..." as I recently had laser eye surgery and have indeed got my eye-sight back  which went when I was 11 totally brilliant- it really strikes a chord there for me.

The Future is indeed Now, for the Now is all that we have and we are Creating the future in this moment, with every thought and idea that goes through our heads. it's all only a matter of time, but we don't seem to have too much of that around right now, unlike expectations of the past. Beautiful plumage to this song. Lovely shimmering music.

Wondering is one of my faves, too. Lovely sounds, deep and meaningful.  I Love Deep and Meaningful !! In fact, I think the only thing that will save us is to change our minds about most things, especially God. So yes , carry on imagining a better future for us all Todd, please don't stop. If we all imagine it better, how else could it be ? Thoughts have great Power. It's how they are used that is the problem... Very catchy music, I keep singing this, as does my daughter - hubby goes mental...

Flaw is super-sad and I hope it wasn't experienced. Anyone lying to that degree, expressed in a relationship, hurts like hell. Why don't people realise the Truth will ALWAYS COME OUT !!?? There ain't any point lying about ANYTHING - be Transperant folks ! Beautiful Love ballad with a sting in the tail !!

As Todd states on the back of the booklet though, "The fact is, we are terrified of the truth." He has it little t, I always put it as big T as Truth is a Spiritual Value. I prefer to be hurt by the Truth of anything, rather than not be told it. Don't usually like it, being somewhat arrogant, but I still prefer the pain to a "paucity of truth" as it is put here.

The toon is so catchy, but you have to be careful in front of children, or you end up singing the swear words ! 

Afterlife is nice but again sad, though maybe I have misunderstood. Todd vibed in the radio interview, a sense of there being not much worth looking forward to - maybe just the impression I got at the time. This surprised me, with his understanding of Spirit - he MUST know we survive this body ! There is only the Self that carries on, that Self is unchanging yet always evolving. I believe that in the Afterlife we are going Home, back to Being at One with the Whole from whence we came. It just feels a tiny bit flatter in meaning than it "should" be, to me personally.

We are all One, so there is nothing to lose, but the belief in loss is so painful that sometimes we can't bear it. Spirit people are only a moment's thought away, don't ever forget that, please. Oh, I don't believe in hell either, hell is man-made - as is religion, but I do believe that you are Attracted to the level of Awareness that you found on Planet Earth. Don't I go on ?? Wish I could stop singing these Toons...

Living is bitter sweet, pretty lively number. No, I don't personally think we are living a lie, we are just doing the best we can with limited understanding. We "could do better" as some teachers write, regardless of who they are writing about...

God Said Lovely music and chord changes. Quite delightful, even if I don't believe in the lyrics !! God talks with everyone in different ways and Todd is Blessed with being able to express such Wisdom in his lyrics. Please don't ever doubt, Todd, that even if you really don't believe that God talks through you, we can recognise the Divine when we hear it, in whatever form it is Expressed. I Know you Know really.

Neale Donald Walsh who has written the Conversations with God books also often seems to doubt the messages that come through him, his books have also helped millions of us mere mortals to understand the evolutionary shift that is going on.

Even if you don't believe in your own Wisdom, Todd (I Know you do!), please know that so many people om (Freudian slip just spotted?) Planet Earth Love you and that once again you are helping to bring about At-one-ment. 

I realise that my own insecurity could be reflected into your music and the way I read and hear it today, of course - the Law of Reflection and mirroring effect are very Powerful. Having said that, I have no doubt as to the Truth of the Wisdom that I understand and recognise, I have had too much evidence to doubt Spirit and God.

Liars is a very Powerful call to try to help some people not to be taken in by false promises and beliefs. This is especially poignant following the London bombings 7/7/05. Although we ALL do what we believe to be True and Right at the time, we can all be wrong at times. How can we possibly understand the minds of these people?

To have allowed yourself to be brainwashed to such a degree is a very sad state of affairs. Please question what others tell you is all areas and come to your own conclusions. At the end of the day, I truely believe that we judge ourselves. God is Unconditional Love, so how could God judge us, or demand anything of us, like this? God wants nothing, expects nothing, needs nothing - we only hurt ourselves.

Please don't ever listen to any "religion" that tells you what to - the Divine Gift which is God given is Freedom of Choice, which superceeds anyone telling you what you should do. Love is the Answer (of course) in all things.

As Neale Donald Walsh states in his books, we need to ask ourselves "What would Love do Now ?" Love could not kill another in the name of Itself.... Love works to the Highest Good of Self which is ultimately the highest Good of All. Love Knows no other way.

Well, that's me whittered out for now. the more I listen, the more I Love this CD. Having listened with the lyrics in front of me, has changed my perception of it all yet again. No doubt my Understanding of the Meaning will grow upon each hearing of it.

If I have missed something important and/or you would like to have your say, please visit my Guest book or email me. I always write straight back, as soon as I am able. I am a poor, almost dyslexic, typist who can get 5 letters in all the wrong order, (this has no spell-check) and I am now exhausted after all that excitement.

I am sorry if I have focussed too much on the meaning rather than how it sounds, but if music has no meaning to me, I don't care how it sounds. It sounds different to everyone, anyway. Guess it means what you choose it to mean for you, at the place where you are right now. I'm over here...

I am Truely thankful to the gentleman who wrote to me about doing a review. Whether anyone else will be grateful, remains to be seen... NB These are my own opinions at a very early stage of listening (then), it will no doubt keep me intrigued for years, as does all of Todd's work. 

You can get this album on Amazon, of course.

It is nearly a year since I wrote all that above, so sorry if time seems all wrong. And now Todd is returning with Joe Jackson, hallelujah! I listen still to Liars nearly every day (ok, maybe I'm sad...) but it is great to work out to at the gym !!!

For more proper reviews I found: www.bbc.co.uk/music/classicpop/reviews/toddrundgren_liars.shtml

It also has a transcript of the interview with Todd that I heard not long ago:  www.bbc.co.uk/music/classicpop/interviews/int_todd.shtml

These may be dead by now!

At the present time, I am lucky to have attended Todd concerts on Friday3rd June 2005 in Leicester and Sunday the 5th at Hammersmith, London. Joe Jackson was great and sang even better in London. Todd did some very golden oldies, which even included the G & S Lord Chancellor's Nightmare Song, which was amazing! I was surprised that I could remember most of the words, but tough keeping up, as ever.

Todd played guitars, piano, ukelele for Bang on the Drum and was joined by Ethel, a string quartet who started off the gig for them (not to my taste alone, sadly) who rocked with him and Joe for the finale. Would have preferred Just One Victory to Weeping Guitar again, though. Good selection of oldies, unlike last time which was Liars only. Two Liars tracks crept in, Afterlife was great, I think they were different in London. I was in tears both times to Pretending to Care, which was magnificent.

Poor Todd got some heckling from a guy about not visiting for 10 years, but skillfully avoided getting into that one. I got to shake his hand right off in Leicester, so sorry if you ever read this, my mate. I got a bit carried away. However, I do Love you as I think I indicated at the time o)) and always will...

Read on if you don't know who I'm on about!

Please click on link for  Therapy/Counselling/Reiki Fees and Clairvoyance/Telephone Fees
for costs of Treatments offered.

Please write to me on les@activehealing.co.uk  

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TODD WHO ?

For those who have never heard of the Wonderful Todd Rundgren, I thought I would include him on my site as he has been the Guru of all Gurus to me. That might seem strange to some, as he is an American rock artist, who is little known in this Great Country of mine, ENGLAND !!  Seemed that the same guys went to all the gigs, so fan numbers are not as reliable as they could be.

If anyone can supply a nice picture of Todd, I would be very grateful. Most photos seem copyright. I have borrowed one here, please let me know if I should have asked, I couldn't find out how to... A friend has sent me photos from the Manchester gig and my hubby took some too, so I will post some up when I am able.

Being a Scouser, I obviously know that Liverpool is the Creativity Centre of the Universe, soon to be truely acknowledged as such, so why he has only visited us once down the 'Pool (to my Knowledge), I don't Know (lol) ! And why he didn't Incarnate with Us rather than US  is also beyond me (also lol) !! He is visiting Liverpool on the June 2005 tour, not sure if I can get there, but will try.

SCOUSE is a stew that Liverpool is famous for, by the way, maybe only known to us.... hence the strange nick-name. You can also get Blind Scouse - this has no meat in.... (Evertonians eat that :o)) )

Getting back to Todd, he is a wizard of music, he plays any instrument you could care to mention, writes produces and gives his amazing Spiritual Knowledge off in the lyrics of his songs. Several people have told me how they wore their "Healing" album out helping to lift them out of bouts of depression.

With his band Utopia, he changed my life and no doubt the lives of many millions of people worldwide. They cover every sort of music imaginable, from Gilbert and Sullivan (on just one occasion, I think), Love ballards, to crazy mad heavy metal rock and just about everything in between.

In this way Todd's and Utopia's message could reach any person on their own Level in their own way. Even my Daughter Rachel at 12 now, can sing Todd songs in her sleep - literally, she did so the other evening!

Todd Rundgren: Faithful

Release Date: 1976

Duration: 50:26

Label: Rhino/Bearsville

Catalog Number: R2 70868

Composer: Todd Rundgren

Composer: Todd Rundgren

It's the last ride
Our little game is over
It's the last ride
It's time to take you home
And we can't cry 'cause we seen it coming
No use running, take it slower

It's the last ride
My little game is over
It's the last ride
It's time to take me home
And I can't cry 'cause I seen it coming
No use running, take it slower

It's the last ride
Their little game is over
It's the last ride
It's time to take them home
And they can't cry 'cause they seen it coming
No use running, take it slower

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Todd Rundgren: Something/Anything? Release Date: 1972
Duration: 43:22
Label: Rhino/Bearsville
Catalog Number: R2DD 71107

Composer: Todd Rundgren
Duration: 3:00

Todd's main hit in the UK:I Saw the Light

It was late last night
I was feeling something wasn't right
There was not another soul in sight
Only you, only you
So we walked along,
	though I knew there was something wrong
And the feeling hot me oh so strong about you
Then you gazed up at me and the answer was plain to see
'Cause I saw the light in your eyes

Though we had our fling
I just never would suspect a thing
'Til that little bell began to ring in my head
In my head
But I tried to run,
	though I knew it wouldn't help me none
'Cause I couldn't ever love no one, or so I said
But my feelings for you
	were just something I never knew
'Til I saw the light in your eyes

But I love you best
It's not something that I say in jest (ha ha)
'Cause you're different, girl, from all the rest
In my eyes
And I ran out before but I won't do it anymore
Can't you see the light in my eyes.
 

Hello, It's me.

Composer: Todd Rundgren
Duration: 4:37

Hello, it's me

I've thought about us for a long, long time
Maybe I think too much but something's wrong
There's something here that doesn't last too long
Maybe I shouldn't think of you as mine

Seeing you
Or seeing anything as much as I do you
I take for granted that you're always there
I take for granted that you just don't care
Sometimes I can't help seeing all the way through

It's important to me that you know you are free
'Cause I never want to make you change for me

Think of me
You know that I'd be with you if I could
I'll come around to see you once in a while
Or if I ever need a reason to smile
And spend the night if you think I should.

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Composer: Todd Rundgren

Duration: 4:12
I think I'm gonna love it I think I'm gonna love itBecause I know someday someone else will see it my way And then I'll know I was not wrongI know they won't believe it I know they won't believe itThey think that I'm no good but I will make myself understood'Cause I believe it all along I think I'm gonna love itI know they won't believe it When they finally see the Saving Grace in meI know the time is gonna come When I will mean something to someoneUntil that day I'm hanging on  

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Todd Rundgren: Todd Release Date: 1974

Duration: 66:52
Label: Rhino/Bearsville
Catalog Number: R2CD 71108  

Composer: Todd Rundgren

Duration: 2:21
Guitar Tab:
MIDI: A million old soldiers will fade awayBut a dream goes on forever I'm left standing here, I've got nothing to sayAll is silent within my dream A thousand true loves will live and dieBut a dream lives on forever The days and the years will go streaking byBut the time has stopped in my dream We all have our everyday hopes and fearsAnd you'll find no exception in me But that doesn't get me through a sea of tearsOver life's biggest tragedy You're so long ago and so far awayBut my dream lives on forever I guess I believe that I'll see you one dayFor without it there is no dream You're so far away and so long agoBut my dream goes on forever And how much I loved you you'll never know'Til you join me within my dream

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Useless Begging

Composer: Todd Rundgren

Duration: 3:40

Is that you? Look who's on the skids this time Bitchin' 'bout her place in line And all you really want is attention'Cause you're like every other girl uptown Who wants to ride her face around And wave about that power you have to put me downAnd so I'll tell ya To see you like this is nearly tragic But it's like Ruby says our dreams have magic But I know useless begging won't help meYes it's you You leave me nothing left to say'Cause I thought that we'd return one day Together to a great sphere of knowledgeBut that would never do for you 'Cause you thought you knew a thing or two But you don't even know what is and isn't trueAnd so I'll tell ya I was a fool that's why I got burned But in all that time there's one thing I learned And that is useless begging won't help me

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Izzat Love?

Composer: Todd Rundgren

Duration: 1:55
Guitar Tab: Izzat love what I feel when you're in my armsMake me die before I'd do you harm When you're lost I will lead you homeIf you're cold, you know I'll keep you warm Am I wrong?Or izzat love when I dream there is no one else In the end, who's your friend? Just myselfIzzat love to forget my pride To conceal how it feels deep insideAm I wrong?Or izzat love? Izzat love to forgive all those things you've done If you go still you know I'm the oneOnly love, love alone can survive Deep inside I believe it's aliveAm I wrong?Or izzat love? Back to Top Taken from: Todd Rundgren: With a Twist... as I can't find original...One of my faves.

 
Composer: Todd Rundgren

Duration: 3:53
 
Name your price
A ticket to paradise
I can't stay here any more
And I've looked high and low
I've been from shore to shore to shore
If there's a short cut I'd have found it
But there's no easy way around it

Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer

Who knows why
Someday we all must die
We're all homeless boys and girls
And we are never heard
It's such a lonely world
People turn their heads and walk on by
Tell me, is it worth just another try?

Tell me, are we alive, or just a dying planet?
What are the chances?
Ask the man in your heart for the answers

And when you feel afraid, love one another
When you've lost your way, love one another
When you're all alone, love one another
When you're far from home, love one another
When you're down and out, love one another
All your hope's run out, love one another
When you need a friend, love one another
When you're near the end, love one another
We got to love one another

Light of the world, you got to shine
Love will be a means, yeah, yeah
Shine on us all
Know that love can save the day
Just give it one more chance
Lord you just can't let it stop Lord
Love is the answer
Got to be free to let love into your life
Let it shine

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OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK !

OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK

I have had a few people comment on my awful review above - so thought I would include other's work on Todd too. This item is also on TR Connection, but was sent to me by the writer, David Jodrey. It is a Metaphysical Insight into one of Todd's older songs, Last of the New Wave Riders. I thank David for his contribution. Any more, anyone ?

in which the mysteries of
Last of the New Wave Riders are unveiled (I don't know if the links will work...) 

The album on which this song appeared associated it with episode 5 "in service to the squad" of Adventures in Utopia. According to Roger Linder's website, the full lyrics are as follows:

LYRICS

The last of the new wave riders
Will be the first of the new age masters

Pick up your arms was the call
So I packed up my Fender and ran down the hall
Back to the fields and forests
Now I am one of them
"Turn on the power" cried the army of sound
And the hum of the amps shook the trees and the ground
And like a single man we cranked up the knobs
And a thousand guitars sang our national anthem

We captured the whole human race
There was nowhere to hide, playing filled every space
Jamming the world back into place
Everyone a star

We hit the supreme overload
And the great amplifier began to explode
The smoke is slowly clearing away                                   
And the whole universe is a giant guitar

        (Here comes that silver surfer now)

COMMENTARY

New wave - a kind of music
new age - a phrase with a lot of connotations -
the common denominator of all these might be
change - especially, change away from shallow, uncaring, boring, business-as-usual

New wave rider - the 'silver surfer' referred to, the comic book superhero, is someone who is 'riding a wave' - but he rides a cosmic wave. As I recall the comic strip (and I read a bit of it as an early adolescent, in the 60s) the Silver Surfer - in appearance foreshadowing the liquid-metal-humanoid of Terminator 2 - had come to Earth from outer space, and was often dismayed by the magnitude of the senseless suffering he encountered here - I am not aware of him having had a musical role, so I think his mention is intended to evoke the connection of our world to a realm of sentient entities that transcends our ordinary terrestrial existence -

The call is to 'pick up your arms' - come to the defense of something - the speaker's weapon is a Fender - a brand name for an electric guitar - the viewpoint character is a member of the 'army of sound' - his way of giving 'service to the squad'

'back to the fields and forests,
now I am one of them'

The rest of the song evokes a tremendously powerful musical experience - in which all play in unison, the shared song of our soul (OUR (not THE) national anthem) - in a way that produces a kind of worldwide epiphany - everyone sees themselves as the star they are -

'jamming the world back into place' plays on the polysemous word 'jam' - to forcefully put into position /to improvise music together

and when the smoke slowly clears away (interpret this for yourself, friends) the allegorical guitar is in our hands, to use our life to play the music which expresses our REAL self

- may it be so