Dress Rehearsal

[Ray Brookes]

1960's
We talked about Kerouac; we talked about Ginsberg We spoke of pain but we'd yet to be injured
We listened to Dylan; we listened to Cohen
Thought we knew everything that was worth knowing Just uni students all protests and sweaters
Totally convinced we were better than our betters Working in The Shamrock collecting the empties All in all just a dress rehearsal for the 70's

1970's
Laughing out loud in the bar of The Shamrock
At the bands in makeup the start of the glam-rock Drinking too heavy and a more aggressive drunk
The Beatles had gone; here comes the punk
The flares and the headbands had gone with the flowers Gone was the idealism and the ivory towers
"Check out this album! It's The Dire Straits latest"
All in all just a dress rehearsal for the 80's.

1980's
Employment hard to find; no experience and copped out Failed at the uni; threatened the tutor and dropped out Austerity clouds over the Britain of Thatcher
We swore we would kill her if ever we'd catch her

Stuck with binary codes all ones and zeros
Shady jobs with old friends; bottom of the pond heroes But worse was to come at the behest of the scientists All in all just a dress rehearsal for the 90's.

We all have our own stew that we're all immersed in But I for one won't be doing any more rehearsing

[Zoltan]

Before listening to the song i went and dived straight into the lyrics. I've come to expect memorable lyrics and real content with Ray's songs and this one is no exception. The lyrics carry a real message. The lyrics set the song into a certain space(s) in time, yet what comes thru is ageless. Great song!

[bruno]

what a fab song. 30 years summarized in a song - brilliant.
B

[StephenM]

ahhhh....done like no one else could....
as Lawrence Welk used to say "Wonderful, Wonderful"....although with his way of speaking it sounded more like "wunerful, wunerful" to me...
either way, the greatness of your songs make this site just that much brighter Ray...happy New Year sir!

[DarrenG / The Devil's Toupee]

Nice to see you back ray and Happy new year mate! Nice comeback song. Everyone knows you are so good with words, lyrics are great and the chorus really catchy, as is the music. like the little giggle in some of the vocals. The music is amazing as always, love the piano and organ parts.
Darren

[BerryPatch]

Good to hear from you again Ray. This track is sooo slick and slinky. Musically it reminds me of Toto (I love that Rosanna-style shuffle in the intro!) but lyrically you take to a far more biting place. Great, engaging lyricism as always. I always love to hear what you've got cooking!

[tonyc]

1st nice to see you back ray , this is a great song , love the lyrics , nice listen and cool playing .....cheers tony cee

[Farrell Jackson]

Very cool Ray...30 years of history condensed into 4 minutes of lyrics...well done there! The music has a fair bit of jazz to it...gives me the feel of Steely Dan. Excellent vocals and phrasing. Welcome back and Happy New Year!

[guitarron]

Wow Ray, what is superbly written tune. I read the lyrics before listening to this as well. The music has all the elements that I love piano, groovy beat, our wicked organ solo. I'm interested as to how you recorded your brass parts. This has a steely Dan flavor that I love. F@#king excellent song Ray

[Hook]

"all protests & sweaters" really made me smile! What an amazing tune & outstanding production! love this brother!
Rock on!