We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Utility Drawer

by Crush Limbo

supported by
audiom00se
audiom00se thumbnail
/
1.
Next Nice Day 03:14
lyrics
buy track
On the next nice day Gonna laugh and dream our worries away On the next nice day Gonna keep the trouble goblins at bay On the next nice day We will hide our bleeping gadgets away We’ll be rash and say: “Let’s get lost inside a tangent buffet!” On the next nice day We won’t worry what the naysayers say We’ll ignore or defray the petty taunts they use to slander and slay Haters gonna hate Thats all they know how to do If we hesitate We’ll fall prey to their zombie voodoo We’ve been told to keep away to that end, for now, it’s here I’ll stay Far apart, for now, my dear But we’ll celebrate before this time next year. We won’t have to wait for the primrose promise of a Heaven’s Gate No, on the next nice day You’ll hear my knock and, honey, don’t be late Better get out of our way Or come and join our shaggy bobtail parade Let’s stage a passion play You command and I will faithfully obey On the next nice day Gonna laugh and dream our cares away Know what it means to play You’ll be The Queen and I your attache On the next nice day
2.
Leave (Well Enough Alone) 03:38
lyrics
buy track
Leave (Well Enough Alone) Why did they have their falling out? Why couldn’t they just leave well enough alone? Could have dropped us a line; picked up a phone I thought things were fine in that re-modeled home ... I just assumed we’d be the first to know Well, I’m finding it hard to let this one go Always thought they would just go on and on They were always an item then one day it was gone Does the moon even rise after sunsets anymore? Take nothing for granted; only change is for sure But they were a fact; not just fiction: proof love never dies like some holy benediction Well, I want my money back! Cancel my subscription! I’ve lost my faith in humankind. Why did they have their falling out? Why couldn’t they just leave well enough alone? I guess that means You and me are out here on our own We’ll just have to leave ... Don’t question — believe We’ll just have to leave ... leave well enough alone
3.
The Woke Patrol 05:09
lyrics
buy track
The Woke Patrol Will find and fix errors Revoke control In a Holy Reign of Terror The tide is turning oppressed becomes oppressor When it’s your time to burn Beg mercy from your Confessor Lie to yourself Say: “What’s this all for?” But try not to die on the last day of the war The Woke Patrol Is coming to get you to take control and tear you down They’ll find you — wait — just a matter of time No room for debate when you’re living online They lay the bait You trip the mine You’ve stepped inside the funhouse mirror Perspectives distort but one thing is clearer They know who you are and all that you’ve said It’s being recorded by the blameless godhead The many-headed hydra Lives in a glass house Swings a sledge hammer in search of a mouse A big white elephant is shaking its head In the corner of the room He knows what’s ahead The Woke Patrol Need never have met you For it to divine You’ve crossed their line The Woke Patrol They never forget to hang Scarlet Letters For speaking ones mind I remember the day They said due process is dead; and they’d made righteous fury judge and jury instead They told us they Would only take the bad ones down how many good mice must die Before one Dirty Rat is found The woke patrol Don’t step out of line They lay the bait You trip the mine Is this a dream? Is this a deep fake? No, you are woke And there are lives at stake The Woke Patrol Is coming to get you to take control and tear you down They’ll find you — wait — just a matter of time No room for debate when you’re living online They broke the mold When you were born But the woke patrol Needs you to conform You awoke But were still asleep You awoke But you’re still asleep
4.
Breakup Diorama 04:23
lyrics
buy track
I tried to wipe away all traces of you Confide in someone with a different view I tried, but kept finding you there instead Smug, snide … living rent-free in my head Friends were clear: I should summon up the will Move on, find a hobby, learn a skill [pre chorus] That time I couldn’t get off work to go to Japan That’s fine, you said, and booked a flight with my best friend, Stan. I got drunk; you hit me with a frying pan Funny now, it all seems part of someone’s master plan [chorus] Break-up diorama figurines of you and me They capture all the drama exorcise the misery Break-up diorama I was foolish not to see How these miniature reliefs could set me free [VO interlude 1] The art of Bonsai is a time-honored technique: a practical way to bring oneself back to a natural, calm state of being V2 Surrounded by relics of our former selves, each one blunting any promise of renewal Peering out from caskets on my shelves, wounds are fossilized, bedazzled and bejeweled. Friends were clear: I should summon up the will. Armed with shears and topiary skills, I make … [VO interlude #2] Bonsai is a technique typically employed to sculpt miniature trees, but in rare cases it has been used to depict people … and the things they use to hurt each other. [chorus] Break-up diorama figurines of you and me They capture all the drama exorcise the misery Break-up diorama I was foolish not to see how these miniature reliefs could set me free [choral solo] [chorus/ outro] Breakup diorama moodiness was arbitrary Passion, love and trauma in a tale so cautionary Breakup diorama bas relief and topiary Making pain and trauma Somehow seem a bit less scary
5.
The Science of Wait 04:10
lyrics
buy track
She says she wants a man of action; Who never questions hesitates Headlong goes he into danger Well, that’s not me — I can’t relate Me, I don’t take no chances and I won’t leave it all to fate. No time for fairy tale romances Oh I believe … in the science of wait Maybe I was born too late Or maybe I’ve stayed too long Can’t be moved by entreaties And I won’t be had for a song No such thing as the right time But there are many that are wrong Penny for my thoughts cost a dollar life is cheap; my art is strong Oh me, oh my don’t take no chances Don’t you leave it all to fate Don’t fool yourself with romance, kid You gotta believe … in the science of wait (Chorus) Maybe I was born too late Or maybe I’ve stayed too long I won’t be moved by entreaties Won’t be had for a song No trick up the sleeve, no necromancy No clemency at heaven’s gate No final reprieve, nothing fancy No pleasantries Just the science of wait Don’t kid yourself with romance, son You gotta believe … in the science of wait. You gotta believe … in the science of wait. You gotta believe … in the science of wait.
6.
Utility Drawer 02:39
lyrics
buy track
Band aids, safety pins Tape measure and twine Duct tape, thumb tacks Corkscrew for the wine Work gloves, batteries rubber bands and old keys Finer things and flattery reserve for high-end cabinetry Workhorse of the kitchen the utility drawer Holds junk but its so rich in myst’ry, legend and lore This goto never fails us though we cram it with more I understand the draw of the utility drawer Nail file, tweezers take out menus, candles that deck of cards from Caesars a horde of orphaned handles Matchbooks with digits of nearly one-night-stands Ticket stubs remind you that once you did see bands I understand the draw of the utility drawer holds junk but its so rich in myst’ry, legend and lore Workhorse of the kitchen the utility drawer This goto never fails us the utility drawer When something just don’t fit With all others in a set If you kept it anywhere else You can be sure you would forget Stuff that seems like crap? Don’t give up on it yet A swatch of stray burlap makes a great plaything for a pet Workhorse of the kitchen the utility drawer Holds junk but its so rich in myst’ry, legend and lore This goto never fails us Though we cram it with more I understand the draw Of the utility drawer [bridge] Certain items just shouldn’t go in there Your finest china; grandma’s precious silverware Its like a city or an Island of Lost Toys Boist’rous, fun full of crap, full of noise Things are flung in without thought and not much care But they wind up being the things you wouldn’t dream of being without (You wouldn’t dream! Nor would you dare!) [chorus] I understand the draw Of the utility drawer Holds junk but its so rich in myst’ry, legend and lore Workhorse of the kitchen the utility drawer Its really kinda bitchin this utility drawer So go ahead and pitch in One more thing you adore - hey! You’ll understand the draw Of the utility drawer You’ll understand the draw Of the utility drawer
7.
The Wall Hanger 03:52
lyrics
buy track
My pedigree is storied and pure been plucked and picked By angels and whores Evaluated, sized up, tossed out, traded; Each new owner, a little more jaded. But there’s not much call for me of late, so I hang on the wall, wistfully, and wait. My pegs are cold and frigid with rust. My two F holes are filled w/ dust I am just a wall hanger: no use at all but he keeps me around I don’t weep or moan in anger The less noise from me the better, I’ve found. My filigree of silver and gold got mucked and nicked while I was bought and sold. Things looked bleak: all my polish peeled off. Couldn’t muster a squeak, a squeal or a cough If I'm rescued from the pile of relics at a store, I'll make someone smile. Hasn’t been much call for me of late, So I’ll hang on this wall, wistfully and wait. I am just a wall hanger No use at all But If you keep me around I won’t weep or ball in anger The less noise from me the better, I’ve found Is there music in this broken mandolin? Only way to find out Tune me up, try me out. Let fingers fall like dancers in a hall watch them gather round as i swan and sing You know there hasn't been much call for me of late If you pick me up I won’t let you down If you touch my strings to hear how I sound.
8.
Yeti Among the Lotus-Eaters 03:34
buy track
9.
The Lotus-Eaters 03:32
lyrics
buy track
Endless drift of day colors wash away so completely all you see is grey when you allow yourself to dream They told you time would heal the wound you feel so absolutely But only if you kneel while in your head is Munch’s Scream Ah, but the Lotus-eaters Hedonistic souls of leisure They’ll put a different stamp on your visa Grant a ticket to ease your … Come on! Who needs a … random cog — monotony feeder — running out his time on the meter? Boredom cheater Lotus-eater Feelings ain’t fun Sometimes you wanna run; wanna hide But you’re in it till it’s done You bought a ticket for this ride There’s a place you can visit So divine — sublime — so exquisite You’ve been suff’rin’ so long Might even miss it when it’s gone But the Lotus-eaters Hedonistic souls of leisure They put a stamp on your visa Get a dose of worry amnesia Come on! Who needs a Pliant drone — a bottom feeder — Running out his time on the meter be a boredom cheater, a Lotus-eater! [bridge] Stop pacing ‘round the room Like you’re facing your own doom Just a fearful, hollow husk Why walk alone through fields of pain unless you must They will grind you into dust Ah, but the Lotus-eaters Hedonistic souls of leisure They’ll put a different stamp in your visa Provide a ticket to ease your Come on! Who needs a simp, a drone, a bottom feeder running out his time on the meter Be a boredom cheater! Come on, we need ya! Lotus eaters! Da da da da dum da dee da shooby doooby doo wah diddy Oh what a pity Why must this life be so shitty But it’s not over till the names scroll down the screen Just who gets the credit and who gets the blame It don’t matter to them no, honey, it’s all the same Ah, but the Lotus-eaters! Ba da da da dum
10.
Big Boy Toy Fund 04:21
lyrics
buy track
Six months gone; I’m still sifting through knick knacks, trinkets varying guises. Some people purge — one fell swoop. I try to do it as the need arises. Peel back tape; open the box. Let spirits breath and phantoms escape. I’m not ready to let all the ghosts free. Think I’ll hold on to one permanently. Let’s look inside the Big Boy Toy Fund Let’s you and I go out and have some fun. Let’s blow it all, make a scene, get shunned Who needs college anyway, son? I’ll teach you more than any stuffed shirt Let’s wind up drunk and (covered) in the dirt. I guess you’re right: that’s a terrible idea. Not enough there for even one beer. Oh well, just a thought ... time has come and gone time to keep searching try to move on. Left here alone with all this damn junk. Left here to mine through the memory trunk. Unmanned oars with no boat to row; quiver-less arrows in need of a beau. Let’s look inside the Big Boy Toy Fund Let’s you and I go out and have some fun. Let’s blow it all make a scene, get shunned. ‘Cause who needs college anyway, son? I’ll teach you more than any stuffed shirt. Let’s wind up drunk and covered in the dirt. [bridge] What’s it all for these pennies we save; the dreams we stow away and take to the grave? Why do we invest in such fanciful plans that never get cashed in for moments? Let’s open up the Big Boy Toy Fund let’s you and I go out have some fun. Let’s you and I buy some booze and a crossbow. The hell with good sense and propriety! I’ll teach you more than all those stuffed shirts Let’s miss the targets; wind up in the dirt. I’ll teach you more than any stuffed shirt Let’s you and I get drunk ... Get unhurt.
11.
The Will and the Wedding Gown 05:05
lyrics
buy track
The hill we went sledding down seems smaller to me. Shrill peels, boozy frowns … I recall them, wistfully. The will and the wedding gown, we kept for posterity. That old hound? We put him down. His bedding went to charity. Where do the deer of Hudson Park go when the first rays of light pierce the dark groves of Riverview Drive? You can still see their tracks in that thin dust of snow. But you? You’re like Yeti: only tall tales and whiskey keep you alive. The circles of hell are becoming overcrowded, but there’s plenty room left. Oh, honey, don’t you doubt it! Just as sure as there are givers funding those who only take, there are not-so-lazy rivers feeding greedy sea-born snakes Where do the deer of Hudson Park go when the first rays of light pierce the [river] dark groves (on Riverview Drive?) You can still see their tracks in that first snow. But you? You’re like Yeti: only tall tales over strong tea keep you alive. Tonight we’ll go out in the fathomless maw Meet him where he lives Mete out frontier law They say if you stand toe to toe in the wild, beneath knotted strands hides a quivering child. The hill we went sledding down seems smaller to me. Shrill peels, ruddy frowns … I recall them, wistfully. The will and the wedding gown, we keep for posterity. But that old hound we put him down. His bedding went to charity.
12.
Reach Out Of The Darkness 03:05
lyrics
I think it's so groovy now That people are finally getting together I thinks it's wonderful and how That people are finally getting together I think it's so groovy now That people are finally getting together I thinks it's wonderful and how That people are finally getting together Reach out in the darkness Reach out in the darkness Reach out in the darkness And you may find a friend I knew a man that I did not care for And then one day, this man gave me a call We sat and talked about things on our mind And now this man, he is a friend of mine Reach out in the darkness Reach out in the darkness Reach out in the darkness And you may find a friend I think it's so groovy now That people are finally getting together I thinks it's wonderful and how That people are finally getting together I think it's so groovy now That people are finally getting together I thinks it's wonderful and how That people are finally getting together Don't be afraid of love Don't be afraid, don't be afraid to love Listen to me... Everybody needs a little love Everybody needs somebody That they can be thinking of Reach out in the darkness Reach out in the darkness Reach out in the darkness And you may find a friend I think it's so groovy now That people are finally getting together I thinks it's wonderful and how That people are finally getting together I think it's so groovy now That people are finally getting together I thinks it's wonderful and how That people are finally getting together I think it's so groovy now That people are finally getting together I thinks it's wonderful and how That people are finally getting together I think it's so groovy now That people are finally getting together

about

Written and recorded between November 2020 and March 2021, Utility Drawer represents my return home after a not-quite-so heroic -- but still somewhat Homeric -- odyssey, or "odd"yssey, if you please.

I spent the year or two prior to the fall of 2020 holed up in various hotels, on my brother's couch (thanks, Kevin!) and, finally, in the place that became my second home: my girlfriend Ana's apartment in Brooklyn. In that studio flat of hers she helped me overcome a bout with COVID-19, supported me (emotionally and otherwise) through persistent job loss and general existential dread. She also patiently endured while I recorded two albums (god bless her neighbors, too, for putting up with my caterwauling day and night).

I convalesced. I recovered. The presidential election came. Democracy nearly went. Then, just like that, it was time for another radical change: I left Brooklyn to return to the place where a basement fire destroyed my recording studio and generally upended my life two years earlier.

When I arrived back home in New Jersey in autumn 2020 there was still much work to do in the mostly remodeled home; still more pandemic lockdown to get through, now joined by my recently-returned-home teenaged son. I felt a bit like Odysseus arriving home after a transformative trek (though my son and I did not, in fact, kill one hundred suitors ... we only had to knock off about five or six ;-).

It was time, yet again, to turn my attention to domestic matters; time not to look back on what was lost, but instead to be grateful for all that had been gained these last few years.

Everything else? Well, we shoved it all into the utility drawer with all the old batteries, thumbtacks, matchbooks, paper clips, shoestring, etc, etc.

I hope you enjoy the fruits of my domestic bliss ... ters.

credits

released May 27, 2021

All songs composed by Colm Clark
(except for Reach Out Of The Darkness - composed by Jim Post)
Recorded and mixed by Colm Clark
Mastered by Joe Lambert

Many thanks to ...
Luke for his feedback and suggestions throughout the process
"Marianne" for the tea and sympathy
Ana for her continuing love and support
Tim -- whattya say we open up that Big Boy Toy Fund, huh?

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Crush Limbo image

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

contact / help

Contact Crush Limbo

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

Crush Limbo recommends:

If you like Crush Limbo, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now