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Purveyors of Mayhem

by Crush Limbo

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1.
Play-Doh Monarch 02:33
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Verbally abusive Coward to the core Pukin’ out words like a festering sore (A hectoring bore?) Cognitively failing Morally bereft It’s he they should be jailing for treason and theft Time to pay the piper For whistling in the dark Should be in a diaper Not a PlayDoh monarch You’d think you’d be numb But it’s pissing you off! Toxic fog of dumb Is making you cough Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt You heave a weary sigh and hope it all will pass If you continue to go high When they insist on getting crass You’re hittin walls and ceiling in your hovel made of glass You’re worried bout their feelings As they knoclk you on your ass! Time to pay the piper For whistling in the dark Should be in a diaper Not a PlayDoh monarch You’d think you’d be numb But it’s pissing you off! Toxic fog of dumb Is making you cough! Ethically challenged thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt Ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt
2.
Despot and the Damage Done 04:25
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Leaders must be made not ordained by divine decree or Holy See Villains don’t just appear fully formed Committing crimes just after they’re born By the pricking of thumbs, pixie dust from heaven. They say you become who you’ll be by seven. What happened to him? Was it all in his genes? Did his mom and dad simply overween? (Chorus) Despot and the damage done Showed himself to everyone Some were blind, refused to see Who he was was who he’d be Shoulda kept him away When he knocked at our gate Shoulda kept the Wolf at bay Not let him legislate. How did we get here? No mystery He showed us who he was you’d be a fool not to see ignoring all the signs rather willfully We crossed over lines all but willingly What happened to him? Was it all in his genes? Did mom and dad simply overween? (Chorus) Despot and the damage done Showed himself to everyone Some were blind refused to see Who he was was who he’d be (Bridge) Wanna go back in time Wanna be Catcher In the Rye Save the children from the cliff Falling into the abyss Wanna teach him wrong from right Guide him from the dark into light Wanna save ‘us all from wreck and ruin Shake him and say: What are you doin!? He had everything money could buy But it never filled the hole No matter how he tried He was taught it’s weak to cry; never tell the truth if it’s better to lie. If the people sit by the lie must be true If they silently abide ‘Twas the right thing to do What happened to him? Was it all in his genes? Did mom and dad simply overween? (Chorus) Despot and the damage done Showed himself to everyone Some were blind refused to see Who he was was who he’d be Some are blind; refuse to see Who he is; who he’ll be. Narcissistic prima donna I want more right now I wanna Narcisssistic prima donna Fascistic, gee I wanna I wanna I wanna Ivana I wanna etc etc
3.
Of It All 04:14
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It’s 12 am  and sirens scream like suffering birds in a dystopian dream Can’t sleep at night tossing, turning existential dread and desperate yearning some kind of relief and a change of scene  maybe un-gripped by fear? 2 much to hope for 2 B serene. Suddenly I hear birdsong from the trees All I can feel  Is a soft, seductive breeze But sends a shudder that roils my heart ‘cause I know it ain’t over even though I’m apart  [chorus] From it all I’m always a part of it all All you can hope for, troubling but true, Is that you’re in it  when it’s finished Yes all i can hope for when day springs anew is You here, undiminished is it too much to hope for when the day is renewed I made it through, too. It’s 12 pm the church bell tolling curtains drawn I’m restless, scrolling  for a sign of good news — some hope, belief — a cure for the blues and the unending grief. But here, in my bed, there is birdsong, tweets. I’m free from the fever, if not the tumult & the heat. It’s sending a shiver that’s roiling my heart. My mind is away But I’m never apart … [chorus] From it all I’m always a part of it all All you can hope for, tragic but true, Is that you’re in it  when it’s finished Yes all i can hope for when day springs anew is You here, undiminished is it too much to hope for when the day is renewed I made it through, too. [Bridge] I hear the din of a crowd; and the stomping of feet; and I hear a rumble approaching from some distant dusty street. Aint got no fever but I feel the heat i hear a bird cry and it aint no tweet [solo] [chorus] From it all I’m always a part of it all All you can hope for, troubling but true, Is that you’re in it  when it’s finished Yes all i can hope for when day springs anew is You here, undiminished is it too much to hope for when the day is renewed I made it through, too.
4.
Narcissistic Prima Donna 03:33
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Courage and compassion R 4 U such onerous tasks Acts of kindness not your passion So i won’t bother even to ask I know unless you can cash in you’re gonna do a hard pass ‘cause you’re a ... Narcissistic primadonna Barcissistic primadonna U want more right now U wanna! Narcissistic primadonna The sacrifice this time is small. It’s all for one, and one for all. So even though you might gasp — spit and hiss like Gadsden’s asp — Still and all I have one favor I just need For you to .... Narcissistic primadonna I’m a narcissistic primadonna — yes, i know I want more right now I wanna! — yeah, I get it Narcissistic primadonna — well, that tracks [bridge] Imagine 4 a minute Someone you care 4 Other than yourself is in jeopardy U wanna be there 4 them Wanna say a prayer 4 them Now Ur gettin’ it? That’s empathy. Now picture if the one in danger is just a stranger unknown to you. They are someone ... Someone’s daughter Someone’s brother Lover or friend. [pause ... dramatic buildup] But I’m a ... Narcissistic primadonna Just a narcissistic primadonna — yes, we know I want more right now I wanna! — we understand Narcissistic primadonna — I know because you ... Left me stranded in Tijuana— a standard grift— You stiffed me, you conner! Went to bed With a platinum blond and I woke up All my money was gone Woke up in jail Someone had to post band Woke up My other kidney was gone And so were you you ... Narcissistic primadonna Another John, another con uh off to Rio Or maybe Cannes Narcissistic primadonna I wanna, I wanna Ivana, I wanna
5.
Toxicity Testosterone 03:49
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It started with the  smashing of bones. Now you're upright  and holding a phone. Red-faced emoji— sticks and stones; Genome mapped Emotions known But just as vicious  as we’ve ever been. Just as crude  and just as mean. [chorus] Toxicity Testosterone Caveman shouting at a hovering drone. Ptolemy decreed the Rosetta Stone You’re sending tweets  from a bathroom throne. Can we disown the legacy of man, the shadows thrown  since the woe began? Can we outrun  our HIStory anger, hate, lust  and jealousy? Or is enmity our density? [chorus] Toxicity Testosterone Caveman shouting at the sky all alone Egyptian priests carved the Rosetta Stone, now you’re sending tweets  from a bathroom throne. It started with the  smashing of bones. Now we’re upright  and all holding phones. We're in the death throes No one knows how long the pangs will be as you show your fangs to me! I been Hoping for one  selfless deed but its like trying to find flower tryin to find a flower in a field of weeds. [chorus] Toxicity Testosterone Caveman shouting at the sky all alone Ptolemy decreed Rosetta Stone and You’re sending tweets  from a bathroom throne. Can we outrun  our HIStory anger, hate, lust  and enmity? Red-faced emojis or sticks and stones but Just as rude as we’ve ever been Just as crude and just as mean Just as cruel  as we’ve ever been. Toxicity Testosterone Toxicity Testosterone Gonna fight you  for that skin on a bone as I rage tweet from my mobile phone!!
6.
Purveyors of Mayhem 03:40
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One if by land two if by sea We’re being invaded by the enemy! (It's) not who you were told so many times it would be: foreign marauders; swarthy refugees. No, they’re not the crowd that means us stress or harm ... and why, so loudly, I’m raising this alarm. The true enemy is already here: sewing chaos and spreading fear. (Chorus) Purveyor of mayhem Promoter of fools and yet they obey him and his boatload of ghouls. Perpetual victim on a grievance parade, yet many still pick him to lead the charade Look out! There’s a leftist hiding in your shrubs Living on kale, PBR and grubs They’re coming for your homes w/ strange-smelling herbs They’ll topple your lawn gnomes; take over the ‘burbs! Craft beer in every bar Food from farm to table Climate-friendly cars! Streaming instead of cable! (Chorus) Purveyors of mayhem Promoter of fools They still obey him and his boatload of ghouls. Perpetual victim on a grievance parade, yet many still pick him to lead the charade. (Bridge:) The monsters in your head They're filling you with dread the boogie men you fear You summoned them here (Hate summoned them here) They’re the ones you serve now The ones you deserve One if by land and two if by sea We’re being invaded by the enemy! Not who you were told So many times it would be perpetual victim well, you know -- you picked him! It's up to you to evict him Convict him.
7.
Dismantling Bricks 04:36
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Dismantling the bricks I carefully erected; pulling out sticks and the stones I collected Kicking in the doors and smashing panes of glass; tearing up the floors and every blade of grass. I’m … mocking the pose I lovingly affected Poking holes in prose I paternally protected Sabotaging plays I’ve long been directing Apostles, now apostates, are quietly defecting. (Chorus) I am just a poor and humble cleric Biding my time from the depths of climacteric Be sure to raise a toast To me when I’m gone Or my pale, parched ghost Will haunt you from beyond I’m choosing the word to ensure insurrection, disappointing nerds (herds?) who wanted more — perfection! And what of all those followers who gathered and assembled: Where will they congregate, at what shrine or temple? Let the mob be their muse my bones, I give as tools each one of them can use to build monuments to fools (Chorus) For I am just a poor and humble cleric Noting my decline from the depths of climacteric Be sure to raise a toast to me when I’m gone, or my pale, parched ghost Will haunt you from beyond. I’m making some connections with new friends in the park Reciting incantations to pigeons after dark But the phones down on Whitehall Won’t accept the change I’m giving Won’t let me make a call To the dead or to the living For .... (Chorus) I am just a poor and humble cleric Hastening my demise from the depths of climacteric Be sure to raise a toast To me when I am gone And my pale, parched ghost Won’t haunt you from beyond Be sure to have a roast With those of whom I’m fond And Ill be sure my ghost Hoists a glass from beyond
8.
Codependency 04:36
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It is what it is I don’t care, do U? It’s all a bit of showbiz and they delivered on cue We love easy answers Because the tough ones won’t do Love sleazy necromancers, virgin births and voodoo Still, I don’t like how they end this (kind of borders on surreal). The final season of Apprentice is so grave and funereal. [chorus] Please don't die So I can hate you forever I need the bile when I pull that lever Shit fits and pisses Make me feel so clever No more nemesis kisses When the connection sever? My virulent disdain Is like an eternal flame You've thrown it all in doubt Oh, please don't snuff it out! I can't live without you And you, in the end, need me We’re thick as thieves In our codependency. [chorus] Please don't die So I can hate you forever I need bile when I pull that lever Shit fits and pisses Make me feel so clever No more nemesis kisses When connection is severed. [Bridge] Codependency You and me Where will I turn For futility When you are no longer on Channel Three? We love easy answers Because the tough ones won’t do Love sleazy necromancers, virgin births and voodoo Still, I don’t like how they end this (kind of borders on surreal). The final season of Apprentice is so grave and funereal. Please don't die So I can hate you forever I need the bile when I pull that lever Your shit fits and pisses Make me feel so clever What will I do When that connection is severed? Codependency You and me Codependency Where will I turn For futility When you’re no longer on Channel Three for me to see? What will I do When that connection is severed? connection is severed? connection is --
9.
Fill the Tank 05:03
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Fill the tank with amniotic fluid I’m going back to the primordial GUI Pushing through opalescent light, beyond the fugue of embryonic white. (Chorus) Take me down to the ocean blue; It’s pristine in the water. Fetters unbound Infinity in view: sights unseen by Neptune’s daughter. Slather lotion Connect electrodes I got a notion to let my mind explode Fall in slow motion, the pulse it quickens. DNA morphs — implosion! Endorphins kick in. (Chorus) Take me down to the ocean blue It’s so clean in the water. Losing focus for a clear inner view. Sights unseen by Neptune’s daughter. (Bridge) I broke down, but can I seek renewal of the warranty on a faded jewel? I aged 5 years just ‘tween March and August, but can I shake the fear just like so much sawdust? (Chorus) Take me down to the ocean blue It’s so clean in the water. Without sound it comes into view: sight unseen by Neptune’s daughter. Truth abounds W/out falling to your knees Insight found silent epiphanies Pushing through opalescent light, beyond the fugue of embryonic white. (Chorus) Take me down to the ocean blue; It’s pristine in the water. Fetters unbound Infinity in view: sights unseen by Neptune’s daughter.
10.
Fertilize the Future 03:57
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11.
Waiting for a Ding-Dong 02:07
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Dear one the world is waiting for the sunrise Ev'ry rose is covered with dew The thrush on high his sleepy mate is calling And my heart is calling you And while the world is waiting for the sunrise In my heart is calling you Dear one the world is waiting for the sunrise Every little rose bud is covered with dew And my heart is calling for you The thrush on high his sleepy mate is calling And my heart is calling you Ding-dong, the witch is dead! Which old witch? The wicked witch Ding-dong, the wicked witch is dead Wake up, you sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed Wake up, the wicked witch is dead! She's gone where the goblins go below, below, below, yo ho Let's open up and sing, and ring the bells out Ding-dong! the merry-o sing it high, sing it low Let them know the wicked witch is dead

about

About the record:

The eleven songs on Purveyors of Mayhem are ripped from today’s headlines and, therefore, potentially already past their shelf lives. But they’re also deeply personal and emblematic of the life I’ve lived, riding out the ongoing pandemic in Brooklyn and New Jersey.

Maybe it was a fool’s errand to create an album of music about Trump and co. and then to release it the very week U.S. citizens voted him out of office. Of course, to find out if the former actually leave, stay tuned to the most “grave” and “surreal” season of The Apprentice ever (as I sing on one of my favorite tracks, “Codependency”)!

Yes, this record was a labor of love, but it was also an act of self-preservation: an attempt to exorcise the demons living rent-free in my head. If it has resonance with the wider public all the better.

Conmen, narcissists, gaslighters and nihilists have all existed before Trump; sadly, they will be with us long after he’s gone, too. So it is more than possible that songs like “Play-Doh Monarch” — with it’s rallying cry of “ethically challenged and thoroughly corrupt!” — and “Narcissistic Prima Donna,” another standout, will continue to resonate no matter who’s in the Oval Office!


////

I owe debts of gratitude to the following ...

Ana: My dear love, Ana, suffered through my continual caterwauling during the birth of these tracks and a few other albums I recorded in her Brooklyn apartment the last several months. That lovely home became my home during COVID times and beyond.

Luke Delalio: My dear friend Luke mastered these tracks and also offered a few key suggestions that just made the whole thing better. I will be forever grateful to him for making time in his busy schedule to lend his considerable talents to this humble project.

Marianne: Thanks for the tea and sympathy ... and for always having the right word when the wrong word won't do (or is it the wrong word when the right one won't do? ;-).

////

It seems misguided to thank the mayhem purveyors, miscreants and gaslighters who inspired this work. Nevertheless, they hover over it like soul-sucking ghouls. As I mentioned above, my hope was to exorcise them from my psyche by exercising a bit of free expression. With any luck the worst of them will be shown the door on, or shortly after, Election Day. Hell, maybe some will eventually be frog-marched through that door on their way to the penitentiary. As a certain dear leader likes to say: "We'll have to see what happens."

Indeed.

And the world is, indeed, waiting for a sunrise. Dear listener, I thank YOU for your time and I hope you feel a sense of hope when that next sun rises :-).

credits

released November 3, 2020

All songs composed by Colm Clark, aka Crush Limbo
Except ...

* The World Is Waiting for a Sunrise (Gene Lockhart, Ernest Deitz)
* Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead (Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen)

All songs recorded and mixed by Colm Clark
Mastered by Luke Delalio

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Crush Limbo North Bergen, New Jersey

Crush Limbo is the stage name of NY-NJ-based musician Colm Clark.

It's bedroom pop meets Tin Pan Alley -- a world where glam gets it on with André Popp, teasing midlife symphonies from tear-shaped guordalins.

And in the grand tradition of Sondheim, Wonder, Bowie, and the Beatles — melody is key, baby, and tunes are where it's at. ... more

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