Calypso Jade

[Ray Brookes]

I heard about a sweet Jamaican girl I knew at high school who followed a troubled life when she entered the adult world, somehow getting mixed up with the wrong crowd. She wound up paying for her addiction to H in the usual manner, Calypso Jade being her "working" name. So bloody sad and tragic; this song is dedicated to her.

Calypso Jade. Sitting in the shade
Staring at shadowgraphs on her wall
Calypso Jade. Picking up a blade
Shooting up her yesterdays in the hall
If I could, I'd paint her a picture
Send her a prayer and holy scripture
But it wouldn't make a difference no matter how hard I prayed
For Calypso Jade

Calypso Jade. Hear the music fade
Banging all night long on a Chinese drum
Calypso Jade. Never made the grade
Hear the horns blow and the guitars strum
If I could, I'd write her a symphony
Full of counterpoints and close harmony
But the music would be stale no matter how it's played
To Calypso Jade

Calypso Jade. Oh, Calypso Jade
Tumbling through life yet another plan B
Calypso Jade. Always afraid
Twisted out as far as anyone can be
If I could, I'd recite her some Tennyson
Remove all her demons and her medicine
So much broken when she should have it made
Calypso Jade

[StephenM]

wow Ray...you told the story of many here....and the music has a lovely sound...like the kind you hear on the wooden decks outside at the beach on a breezy day or perhaps a little dinner and wine music...very fine sir"!  very fine!  that guitar work is amazing...

[Jean Pierre]

Encore une formidable histoire racontée là Ray , et les guitares sont formidables, magnique!

Merci de mettre les paroles sur vos messages

[StephenM]

I missed the first part of your post that this was a lady you knew...that makes this a reminder of her...the story is somewhat if not very tragic but the music bears as a reminder that even though she made some bad choices with bad results that she still had a beautiful part of her that warrants a remembrance....this is special Ray!!!

[Hilary]

What a beautiful tribute Ray!

[Farrell Jackson]

A sad story Ray but a wonderful dedication to Calypso Jane. Every time I hear your songs I always come away thinking this guy really knows his way around an acoustic guitar (and other instruments). Some lovely playing, singing and wordsmithing here. I was also quite impressed with your bass playing here...subtle but very impactful at moving the song along through the chord changes. Well done again!

[tonyc]

hey argh kid . brilliant , a sad story ray  you never fail to amaze me with your work , you play your instruments with style , and you lyrics are always brilliantly put together , keep um commin me old cocker , superb ....cheers ray .....tony cee

[DarrenG / The Devil's Toupee]

Amazing ray, what a song, great story ( sad story) but I love the way you write lyrics. And your music is a joy to listen to. It reminds a bit of dire straights, Mark knopfler, especially the jazz style guitar and solo. Your vocals are just right for the style. . Darren

[Johnbee]

You're a man of many surprises, Ray.  You can go from a quiet piano ballad to a super creative song about your cat to this beautiful calypso love song and many other types in between. And you never repeat yourself.  Always something fresh every song.  Your talent is awesome.

  John B

[thetworegs]

A sad story but a beautiful song