compilation: "The David Gates Songbook - A Lifetime Of Music" (2002)




This Could Be Forever lyrics - David Gates

I can't say for sure it's you, but
You're the closest I've ever been to.
If we wait a little bit longer, we'll see if it gets stronger.

'Cause, wouldn't wanna hurt you girl or say,
Any words I could not mean
We've got a chance it's something' so real
It's so good, I just gotta' feel

This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
I don't even know if I would know it,
But I think my tears will show it.

When I think of losing you, I get
Cloudy skies and start to rain.
Everyday there's one last thing that I'll never do without you.
So if I hold you so carefully it's 'cause
I can't let you get away from me
No more waiting to see if I'm wrong, 'cause
Here with me, it's where you belong.

This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
I don't even know if I would know it,
But I think my tears will show it.

This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?

Make It With You lyrics - David Gates

Hey, have you ever tried
Really reaching out for the other side
I may be climbing on rainbows
But baby, here goes

Dreams, they're for those who sleep
Life is for us to keep
And if you're wondering what this song is leading to
I want to make it with you
I really think that we could make it, girl

No, you don't know me well
In every little thing only time will tell
But you believe the things that I do
And we'll see it through

Life can be short or long
Love can be right or wrong
And if I chose the one I'd like to help me through
I'd like to make it with you
I really think that we could make it, girl

Baby, you know that dreams, they're for those who sleep
Life is for us to keep
And if I chose the one I'd like to help me through
I'd like to make it with you
I really think that we could make it, girl

Find Me lyrics - David Gates

The skies are not as blue when you're not with me
The stars, they never seem to shine as bright
And the hours crack like days across the ages
And a year or two pass by with every night
It makes me know if I should ever leave this world before you do
When you follow you must promise,
cross your heart and promise to

Find me...look hard,
and don't stop, I'll be waiting 'till then
Don't sleep, and don't eat
'till I'm back, back in your arms again
I don't wanna have to spend all my forever without you.
Just knowing that your out there somewhere too.
So darlin...
please I'm begging you on bended knee...
Find me.

I've tried to tell this world how much I love you.
But they don't understand how deep it goes.
And I can't even find the words to tell you
So I'm the only one who really knows.
And though we have our times together, I am always wanting more
So if we get separated won't you do just like before and
Find me...look hard
And dont stop, I'll be waiting 'till then
Don't sleep, and don't eat
'till I'm back, back in your arms again
Through a hundred million faces you will see me shinning through.
'Cause I'll glow when you come close , I always do.
So darlin'
please I'm begging you on bended knee
We can share our love through all eternity
'Cause with you is all I ever want to be....
Find me

Baby I'm - A Want You lyrics - David Gates

Baby I'm-a want you
Baby I'm-a need you
You're the only one I care enough to hurt about
Maybe I'm-a crazy
But I just can't live without
your lovin' and affection
Givin' me direction
Like a guiding light to help me through a darkest hour
Lately I'm a-prayin'
That you'll always be a-stayin' beside me

Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Feeling all the while and never really knowing why

Lately I'm a-prayin'
That you'll always be a-stayin' beside me.

Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Then you came along and made me laugh and made me cry
You taught me why

Baby I'm-a want you
Baby I'm-a need you

Oh, it took so long to find you, baby

Baby I'm-a want you
Baby I'm-a need you

I Can't Play The Songs lyrics - David Gates

Looking at your picture, lying on my bed
Wishing I was pulling close the real you instead
I don't know what I said or did, but girl I'm missing you
And I like to hear my music
But there's nothing I can listen to
'Cause I can't play the songs I used to play because of you
The lonesome feeling start before the intro's halfway through
Everyone reminds me of the things we used to do together
And I can't go to places that I used to take you to
'Cause everywhere the faces there they all look just like you
Until your heart comes back where it belongs
I can't play the songs

Everywhere I'm driving, I go a different way
I can't turn on my radio, afraid what they might play
My friends all drive me crazy cause you're all they ask about
And why I live in silence but they just don't understand
Without you, I can't play the songs I used to play because of you
The lonesome feeling start before the intro's halfway through
No one can replace you cause once I tried and even when I try to go with someone new
You are so deep in my head
I looked into her eyes but then I say your name instead
Until your heart comes back where it belongs
I can't play the songs

There's nothing left that I can do cause I'm so lost in love with you
No where to turn, no place to run
You know you are my only one

I can't play the songs you used to sing along with me
'Cause everyone is always bringing back the memory
Until your heart is back where it belongs
I can't play the songs
Girl, won't you please come back to me.

If lyrics - David Gates

If a picture paints a thousand words
Then why can't I paint you?
The words will never show
The you I've come to know

If a face could launch a thousand ships
Then where am I to go?
There's no one home but you
You're all that's left me too
And when my love for life is running dry
You come and pour yourself on me

If a man could be two places at one time
I'd be with you
Tomorrow and today
Beside you all the way

If the world should stop revolving
Spinning slowly down to die
I'd spend the end with you
And when the world was through
Then one by one the stars would all go out
Then you and I would simply fly away

It Don't Matter To Me lyrics - David Gates

It don't matter to me
If you really feel that
You need sometime to be free
Time to go out searching for yourself
Hoping to find time to go to find

It don't matter to me
If you take up with someone who's better than me
'Cause your happiness is all I want
For you to find peace your piece of mind

Lotta people have an ego hang-up
'Cause they want to be the only one
How many came before it really doesn't matter
Just as long as you're the last
Everybody's moving on and try to find out
What's been missing in the past

And it don't matter to me
If your searching brings you back together with me
'Cause there'll always be
An empty room waiting for you
An open heart waiting for you
Time is on my side
'Cause it don't matter to me
It don't matter to me
It don't matter to me
It don't matter to me
It don't matter to me
It don't matter to me....

'Cause there'll always be
An empty room waiting for you
An open heart waiting for you
Time is on my side
It don't matter to me

The Mustang lyrics - David Gates

She's dressing up just for show
Got her jeans riding down low
Daddy thinks she's staying with a friend tonight
Got the top on the Mustang down
Just to tease all the boys in town, wishing
they were riding along in the moonlight

Girl's growing up so fast
Got no use for making it last
Sixteen, a-goin' on twenty-five
Wind blowing through her hair
heading down to the country fair
Great god, it's good just to be alive

Somebody that she once met,
In her heart she can't forget
He's a rough stock rider in the rodeo
They only had a moment or two, but he said,
I will remember you
Just how much faster will the Mustang go.

He's sitting second place
She walks in and he sees her face
Last go he rides like never to win
Jumps up in the stands
Takes her by both her hands
Never thought I'd ever see you again

This is kind of suddenly, but
would you wanta go with me
Can't offer much of security
Sometimes she cries at night
Wonders if her decision was right
Guess we're gonna have to just wait and see.

Everything I Own lyrics - David Gates

You sheltered me from harm
Kept me warm, kept me warm
You gave my life to me
Set me free, set me free
The finest years I ever knew
Were all the years I had with you

And I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again

You taught me how to love
What it's of, what it's of
You never said too much
But still you showed the way
And I knew from watching you
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can't let go

And I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again

Is there someone you know
You're loving them so
But taking them all for granted
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don't hear the words you long to say

I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Just to touch you once again

Mirror, Mirror lyrics - David Gates

Little girl in the mirror
Looking back...lost in wonder...
Will I be pretty when I'm grown
When my teddy bears and toys give way
To going to school and boys
Will I have one of my own ...

Will he be strong
True and faithful, right or wrong and will...
Will he take me where the grown-ups always go
Mirror, Mirror tell me if you know

Young girl in the mirror
Wedding day...lost in satin
You watch you life flashing through
Will it be like a storybook rhyme
One last look and the preacher says it's time
Time to say I do...

Will he be strong
True and faithful, right or wrong and if...
If I have doubts, will he say it isn't so
Mirror, Mirror tell me if you know

Little girl in the mirror,
Looking back...lost in wonder
She feels her mummy’s gentle touch
I know what you’re thinking girl and...
I can’t guarantee a perfect world
But I promise you this much...

He will be strong,
True and faithful, right or wrong and if...
If he is like your daddy’s been to me
You won’t need that mirror, girl you’ll see.

Lost Without Your Love lyrics - David Gates

Lost and all alone
I always thought that I could make it on my own
Since you left I hardly make it through the day
My tears get in the way
And I need you back to stay

I wander through the night
And search the world to find the words to make it right
All I want is just the way it used to be
With you here close to me
I've got to make you see

That I'm lost without your love
Life without you isn't worth the trouble of
I'm as helpless as a ship without a wheel
A touch without a feel
I can't believe it's real

But someday soon I'll wake
And find my heart won't have to break

Yes, I'm lost without your love
Life without you isn't worth the trouble of
All I want is just the way it used to be
I need you here with me
Oh, darlin', can't you see?

If we had love before
We can have it back once more

Aubrey lyrics - David Gates

And Aubrey was her name
A not so very ordinary girl or name
But who's to blame?
For a love that wouldn't bloom
For the hearts that never played in tune
Like a lovely melody that everyone can sing
Take away the words that rhyme, it doesn't mean a thing

And Aubrey was her name
We tripped the light and danced together to the moon
But where was June?
No, it never came around
If it did it never made a sound
Maybe I was absent or was listening too fast
Catching all the words but then the meaning going past

But God I miss the girl
And I'd go a thousand times around the world just to be
Closer to her than to me

And Aubrey was her name
I never knew her but I loved her just the same
I loved her name
Wish that I had found the way
And the reasons that would make her stay
I have learned to lead a life apart from all the rest
If I can't have the one I want, I'll do without the best

But how I miss the girl
And I'd go a million times around the world just to say
She had been mine for a day

Sweet Surrender lyrics - David Gates

Baby I'm through
Running, it's true
I'd be a fool to try to escape you
And maybe I'm beat
But, oh, what a sweet surrender

You keep your rights
I'll take your nights
No one can lose when we turn the lights out
Tasting defeat
Loving that sweet surrender

I'm giving up myself to you
But I didn't really lose at all
I gained the only love I've known
And it never hurt me to fall

Now that it's done
So glad you won
I know our lives have only begun
No more retreat
Only my sweet surrender

Mmm, babe, I may be beat
But, oh, what a sweet surrender
Surrender
And you, sweet thing in my life
I surrender to you

Diary lyrics - David Gates

I found her diary underneath a tree
And started reading about me
The words she'd written took me by surprise
You'd never read them in her eyes
They said that she had found
the love she'd waited for
Wouldn't you know it
She wouldn't show it

When she confronted with the writing there
Simply pretended not to care
I passed it off as just in keeping with
Her total disconcerting air
And though she tried to hide
the love that she denied
Wouldn't you know it
She wouldn't show it

And as I go through my life
I will give to her my wife
all the sweet things I can find

I found her diary underneath a tree
And started reading about me
The words began to stick and tears to flow
Her meaning now was clear to see
The love she'd waited for
was someone else not me
Wouldn't you know it
She wouldn't show it

And as I go through my life
I will wish for her his wife
All the sweet things she can find
All the sweet things they can find

The Guitar Man lyrics - David Gates

Who draws the crowd and plays so loud, baby?
It's the guitar man
Who's gonna steal the show, you know, baby?
It's the guitar man

He can make you love
He can make you cry
He will bring you down
Then he'll get you high

Somethin' keeps him goin'
Miles and miles a day
To find another place to play

Night after night who treats you right, baby
It's the guitar man
Who's on the radio, you go listen
To the guitar man

Then he comes to town
And you see his face
And you think you might
Like to take his place

Somethin' keeps him driftin'
Miles and miles away
Searchin' for the songs to play

Then you listen to the music and you like to sing along
You want to get the meaning out of each and every song
Then you find yourself a message and some words to call your own
And take them home

He can make you love
He can get you high
He will bring you down
Then he'll make you cry

Somethin' keeps him movin'
But no-one seems to know
What it is that makes him go

Then the lights begin to flicker and the sound is getting dim
The voice begins to falter and the crowds are getting thin
But he never seems to notice he's just got to find another place to play

Anyway
Got to play
Anyway
Got to play

"Love Is Always Seventeen" (1994)

Love Is Always Seventeen lyrics - David Gates

Seventeen, it's been a while since I've been seventeen
And the years since have been mighty lean
But there's no use complainin'
Forty-two has a way of creeping up on you
And my chances left are gettin' few
But there's till time remainin'

I've been waiting for someone
Who loves the way I do
And girl I've got my fingers crossed
In hopes it might be you...

Twenty-one...that's how many different jobs I've done
I remember quittin' every one
With no hesitatin'
And thirty-three... that's how many women left on me
I don't have too good a history
But I don't mind waitin'...
Cause it really doesn't matter
how many years you've seen
'cause love is always seventeen.

Wonder if you'll be the one
To end this lonesome heart
'Cause girl I've got a lot to give
And I'd sure like to start.
And it really doesn't matter
how many years you've seen
'cause love is always seventeen.

I Will Wait For You lyrics - David Gates

If I seem impatient... pardon me
Someone's in the way of....our destiny
And I don't know how long you'll be
Or if or when you'll be set free
If you can hold out I can too
I will wait for you

I will wait if it takes forever
As long as you want me to
In this life or the next one after
I will wait for you

Time is wasting... let's get eye to eye
Does he make you happy... can he satisfy
I dion't know how long he'll be
If or when you're gonna set him free
If you can hold out I can too
I will wait for you

Save This Dance For Me lyrics - David Gates

I'll never forget
That look in your eyes
The first time I held you
And we realized
Something so special
Was growing inside
Feelings so deep
Not easy to hide
We talked of forever
And how we would wait
But the band started playing
Now am I to late

Won't you save this dance for me
And I will lead for you
God has gave me one last chance
Before my life is through
And in your arms when the music stops
Is where I want to be
So tell him no
And save this dance for me

No ones been able
To hurt me before
And I'll never love
Like this anymore
If there's no one else
Like you in this world
So much a woman
But I call you girl
I don't mean to doubt you
But still I could lose
I can't live without you
So please will you choose

Won't you save this dance for me
And I will lead for you
God has gave me one last chance
Before my life is through
And in your arms when the music stops
Is where I want to be
So please be brave
And save this dance for me

And don't give up
And save this dance for me

No Secrets In A Small Town lyrics - David Gates

He always leaves his Harley bike about
a block away
She always leaves a light on in back to
tell him it's ok
They stand a lot to lose
If these midnight rendezvous
Should make the morning news

'Cause there's no secrets in a small town
Word gets around
You can't live it up if you can't live it down
In a small town

He's got this rebel reputation
from another day
She wonders if they're seen together what
would people say
They're thinkin' they're so discreet
But they're givin' off so much heat
And now it's on the street

'Cause there's no secrets in a small town
Word gets around
You can't live it up if you can't live it down
In a small town

There's a whole lot of good to be said
About a town of some small size
But you've got to live your life
As seen through pryin' eyes...

No matter how hard they've tried
This lovin' they've got inside
It's just too hard to hide

'Cause there's no secrets in a small town
Word gets around
You can't live it up if you can't live it down
In a small town

No there's no secrets
There's just no secrets
No secrets in a small town

Heart, It's All Over lyrics - David Gates

Heart its all over; I can feel what you're goin though.
Heart it's all over, yes I know I'm gonna miss her too, but, she never told me
I had to learn that we just weren't good enough, now it's over

I should have warned ya, it might not work and you just might break.
Now I fore Lorne ya, Yes I know it was my mistake but
Who hasn't tried it; I wanted love that was slightly out of reach.
Now it's over, it's all over.

No matter how hard I tried I couldn't seem to keep her satisfied
No matter what I went together could've, always been a little bit better.
I couldn't make it fast enough-the money, the money wouldn't last enough.
I couldn't keep her satisfied no matter, no matter, how hard, how hard, I tried.

Heart it's all over, you and me on the streets again
Starting all over, seems like here's where we just came in
But some bodies waiting, but just goin now well it hurts too much to look
Cause it's all over. It's all over.

Heart its all over now it's all over now
Heart its all over
Heart it's all over heart it's all over
Heart its all over
Heart it's all over
It's all over
Heart its all over
Heart it's all over
Ahhh heart.

I Can't Find The Words To Say Goodbye lyrics - David Gates

Can't say I don't love her
Still I can't pretend
That my heart is torn
Just knowing that
I'm losing my best friend
If it's easier said than done
Then someone tell me why
Though I tried
I can't find the words to say
Goodbye
I could tell her that I'm sorry
And hope she'll understand
She will have to do
With someone else
All that we had planned
I'd rather, her, hear the truth
Than hurt her with a lie
So I tried
But I can't find the words to say
Goodbye
Now I know, I have to go
There's no other way
But goodbye is not what I
Can't bring myself to say
If I told her see you later
Then I might be wrong
'Cause this voice inside
Is driving me
To find where I belong
And I know I must leave her now
But every time I try
Don't know why
But I can't find the words to say
Goodbye...
Don't know why
I can't find the words to say
Goodbye...

"Take Me Now" (1981)

It's You lyrics - David Gates

Who’s the one who’s always there to comfort me with love and care
Who runs the finger through my hair guess who guess who
Who’s always first to understand when we can’t do the things we planned
And whose is always reaching out with a smiling helping hand
It’s you it’s you it’s you baby always has been always will be you
There’s no one else can do baby all the little love and things you do

When I think I can’t take no more that crazy world outside my door
Who makes it all were fighting for guess who oh guess who
Who every night before I sleep loves me long and loves me deep
Turns the loneliness away and helps my memories ski
It’s you it’s you it’s you baby always has been always will be you
Cause there’s no one else can do baby all the little love and things you do

And who every night before I sleep loves me long and loves me deep
Turns my loneliness away and helps my memories ski
It’s you it’s you it’s you baby always has been always will be you
Cause there’s no one else can do baby all the little love and things you do
Oh it’s you it’s you it’s you baby always has been always will be you
Cause there’s no one else can do baby all the little love and things you do
It’s you it’s you it’s you baby always has been always will be you

Take Me Now lyrics - David Gates

I need
Baby I need your love right now
And I want
Baby I want to show you how
Come on
You know that we've waited long enough
And now it's time
Time to be lovers
So I try
Try to be all you want me to
And it's hard
But baby it's worth it all for you
And it hurts
Making me wait for you this way
I can't go on
So come on
And take me now

[Chorus:]
Take my love
Make come true the feelings I've been dreaming of
Take me now
Take me fast
You can trust in me
Our love will ever last

I know
We haven't known each other long
But still
Something so right just can't be wrong
Besides it ought to be up to me and you
When it's time
Time for each other
I live
Live for the days we live as one
Look back
Back over all the things we've done
But now
Baby I need your love right now
I can't go on
So come on
And take me now

[Chorus]

This Could Be Forever lyrics - David Gates

I can't say for sure it's you, but
You're the closest I've ever been to.
If we wait a little bit longer, we'll see if it gets stronger.

'Cause, wouldn't wanna hurt you girl or say,
Any words I could not mean
We've got a chance it's something' so real
It's so good, I just gotta' feel

This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
I don't even know if I would know it,
But I think my tears will show it.

When I think of losing you, I get
Cloudy skies and start to rain.
Everyday there's one last thing that I'll never do without you.
So if I hold you so carefully it's 'cause
I can't let you get away from me
No more waiting to see if I'm wrong, 'cause
Here with me, it's where you belong.

This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
I don't even know if I would know it,
But I think my tears will show it.

This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?
This could be forever God I've been thinking never
Have I ever been so close to love?

Come Home For Christmas lyrics - David Gates

Everyone's coming for Christmas
Everyone soon will be here
And I'm calling again 'cos I've never been, without you this time of the year,
Everyone's saying how wonder knowing full well I'm not much
And presents to me mean you here beside me
The love I'm so used to the touch,
Here in December it's hard to remember the words of July, they made us both cry
We've tried it apart and I know from my heart that it's not working well, just simply hell
Everyone's watching for Santa, but you're all I'm longing to see to hold you once more, just like before
Or it won't be like Christmas to me
We've tried it apart and I know from my heart that it's not working well, not working well
Won't you please come home for Santa, you're all that I have in this world
You know that I'll wait, won't give up hope
No matter how late the door will stay open,
I'm in love with you girl so come home for Christmas to me

Still In Love lyrcis - David Gates

Darlin' I'm still in love, woh yeah
Darlin' I'm still in love (still in love).

As long as this old heart keeps beating
I'll be loving you (yeah)
Every breath I take repeating
That I'm still in love with you (oh)
(Still in love with you).

As long as this old world keeps turnin'
I'll be loving you, yeah
Like a flame that soul is burnin'
I'll be still in love with you, oh
(Still in love with you).

[Refrain:]
From the first time that we met
My heart has been on fire
You fulfill my dreams
You're my heart's desire
I'll never let you go, yeah
And I want you with me
'Cause I need you so.
[Repeat 1st stanza]

[Refrain:]
'Cause it really doesn't matter
What we go through
Long as you have me
And I know that I have you
Each moment can be brand new
And well be together I can tell you true.
[Repeat 1st stanza and Intro]

Vanity lyrics - David Gates

Sanity
One of us has gone and lost our sanity
That's the only reason you could ever say goodbye to me
But maybe it was vanity

Vanity
Maybe some would say that you're the cuttest thing that ever they'd seen
Couldn't understand why you would ever spend a moment's time with me
But maybe it's society

So long… bye-bye
Hold on… why try?

Society
Maybe no one's ever supposed to stay together permanently
Go and gotta go looking for what's best for me and me
But maybe it's just vanity

Society
Maybe no one's ever supposed to stay together permanently
Go and gotta go looking for what's best for me and me
It's insanity, vanity, or society
But whatever it is
It's happening to you and me

So long… bye-bye
Hold on… let us try

Nineteen On The Richter Scale lyrics - David Gates

You got your ten girls,do it again girls
Don't mean nothin' to me
I got the best lovin' woman in history
Knees start shakin', earth starts quakin'
Every time I hold her tight
Heart beatin' thunder, makes me kinda wonder
If I'll ever make it through the night cause she's a

Nineteen on the Richter Scale
The way she loves,man she oughta be in jail
And if she was I'd be the first to make her bail
'Cause she's nineteen on the Richter Scale

After last night, Mama sure was right
There's more to a woman than looks
And I don't mean the way she sews,cleans house or cooks
I'm livin' on the fault line,workin' this love mine
Nobody does me her way
She gets my knees a-knockin',room starts rockin'
Like a Mount St. Helens every night and every day
'cause she's a

Nineteen on the Richter Scale
The way she loves,man she oughta be in jail
And if she was I'd be the first to make her bail
'Cause she nineteen....nineteen

Lady Valentine lyrics - David Gates

She's a real look
cause she's my heart my inspiration
Lucky is the man who find the child of love

Like a haunting melody
you allowed to sing forever
She always seems to where so well with time

everybody knows musician needs somebody special
always just the same who keep the crazy dance
better around enough to know for me there's no one finer
and she's mine, she's my lady valentine

Your the music your my song
Here with me is where you belong
I need my February near

Your the rythm, your my ryhme
Keep me right into the time
And I'm so happy when you're here

Everybody needs somebody that you can be sure of
Life alone is nowhere that you want to be
sentence isnt long and hopin'
brother you've gotta choose
cause i've got mine
got my lady valentine

It's What You Say lyrics - David Gates

If you wanta rock me, do it gently
Stroke me with style, don't beat me half to death
Just 'cause you got a big amplifier
That don't mean you always gotta crank it higher
It isn't how loud you play-it's what you say

It you wanta soul me don't get down too funky
You get too low your message won't get through
Tryin' to get the words is aggravatin'
Especially when the singer ain't enunciatin'
It isn't how loud you play-it's what you say

And if you wanta sing of love don't make it silly
Tell it like you feel,but don't add nothin' else
When the tour's over and you're home at last
Squeeze your old lady,but make her last
It isn't how loud you play-it's what you say

"Falling In Love Again" (1980)

Where Does The Loving Go? lyrics - David Gates

Tell me where does the lovin’ go
When it’s gone away
Tell me when does the heartache end
Or is it bound to stay

I always thought that we would last forever
A love that never, ever would be ending
But now I see it isn’t meant to be
And I’ve got to stop pretending

Tell me where are all the dreams
That we used to share
Are they lost to some other time
Will they still be there

I can’t believe that my place could be taken
My heart so easy breakin’ up inside
‘Cause after all this time, I thought of you as mine
And it’s hard to let go, my heart says no

And I never knew we were losing touch
I didn’t think we could change so much
Don’t take your leave of me just yet
Smile for me once more, so I won’t forget

Tell me where is another chance
Like the one we knew
And tell me where can I find someone
Someone just like you

I can’t imagine what I’m gonna do
'Cause I’ve lived my life for you and all we’ve planned
And I don’t think I’ll ever understand
Where does the lovin’ go

Falling In Love Again lyrics - David Gates

Just you and I, here on the shore
Wind in your hair, just like before
When I first held you tight
Promised you love, and I'd stay the night

Now even more, I long for your touch
My heart is on fire 'cause I want you so much
And I'm falling in love, falling in love again

If you belonged to somebody else, I would steal you away
Take all your love night and day
Satisfy you forever

I see your face, there in the crowd
Knowing you're mine makes me so proud
That I'm falling in love, falling in love again
Ooh, I'm falling with you, falling in love again

Sweet Desire lyrics - David Gates

There's a lady sitting down at the front row,
Holding out flowers to me.
Oh I can't understand a word she's saying,
But her intentions are clear to see.
Normally I don't go crazy,
All my inhibitions are gone,
And if she don't stop, I'm gonna have to call a cop
Or else this show will never go on.

[Chorus:]
She's my sweet desire,
Set my soul on fire,
Gonna be some trouble tonight.
She's my sweet temptation,
Love that inspiration,
Know she's gonna treat me right.

Now, now, now, now, I don't know how she got in here,
But she's sure got a ticket to ride.
Well, I'm never going to be a satisfied man,
Till I get that woman right by my side.

[Chorus]

"Goodbye Girl" (1978)



Lorilee lyrics - David Gates

Lorilee, how could you do this to me
Come along, took all my love for a song
When a smile lights your face it's a
beautiful place
See how it shines... se how it shines

Lorilee, now that I've tasted your ways
I could live off of your lovin' for days
And when you're not around I keep missing
your sound
Wish you were here
Wish I was there
You are life, you are Lee... my Lorilee

Goodbye Girl lyrics - David Gates

All your life you've waited
For love to come and stay
And now that I have found you
You must not slip away

I know it's hard believing
The words you've heard before
But darlin' you must trust them
Just once more

'Cause baby, goodbye doesn't mean forever
Let me tell you goodbye doesn't mean we'll never be together again
If you wake up and I'm not there, I won't be long away
'Cause the things you do, my goodbye girl, will bring me back to you

I know you've been taken
Afraid to hurt again
You fight the love you feel for me
Instead of giving in

But I can wait forever
A-helping you to see
That I was meant for you
And you for me

So remember goodbye doesn't mean forever
Let me tell you goodbye doesn't mean we'll never be together again
Though we may be so far apart you still will have my heart
So forget your past, my goodbye girl
'Cause now you're home at last

Took The Last Train lyrics - David Gates

Took the last train to St. Tropez
Had in mind to dance the night away
Experimented with a cognac high
When in France you give everything a try

Soon the crowd dwindled down to two
Not a soul around but me and you
You just smiled in French and took my hand
Spoke the words I tried my best to understand

You're tellin' me
Viens chez moi
Ce soir va jamais terminer
On va rester toujours ensemble

You're tellin' me
Come with me
Tonight will last forever
We will stay together always, I love you

Woke the next day and found her note
Love ya, goodbye, that's all she wrote
And every night down at the place we met
I wait for her and those sweet words I can't forget

You're tellin' me
Viens chez moi
Ce soir va jamais terminer
On va rester toujours ensemble

'Cause I want you to
Come with me
Tonight will last forever
We will stay together always

I need you baby
Need you, need you bad
I took the last train, St. Tropez
I took the last train, St. Tropez
Took the last train, St. Tropez
I took the last train, St. Tropez
I took the last train, St. Tropez
I took the last train, St. Tropez
I took the last train, St. Tropez

Overnight Sensation lyrics - David Gates

Hollywood sure looked good to me when I first came
Made my vow, somehow everyone would know my name
Patiently, kept on waiting for my chance to come
Prideful me, there's no returning to where I came from

But she went back, the lovely lady who come west with me
She could not wait, now she's married, living happily
But I still say a superstar is just a break away
And I must try, it's do or die 'til I hear the people say

You made it, you made it
Our local boy has made it good
You made it, you made it
Overnight sensation in Hollywood

Back again, make the rounds and go from door to door
Sorry friend, you're just not quite what we were looking for
A letter comes, she still writes to you from time to time
You'd like to call, but she's too happy and, besides, you need the dime

Then, at last, someone's calling with a role to play
It concerns a man who's lost his lover when she went away
A star is born, no one's ever seen it played so well
It almost seems the tears are real but it's just too hard to tell

You made it, you made it
Found the price and paid it, I knew you would
You made it, you made it
Overnight sensation in Hollywood, yes sir
You made it, you made it
Our local boy has made it good
You made it, you made it
Overnight sensation in Hollywood, yes sir
You made it, you made it
Found the price and paid it, I knew you would
You made it, you made it
Overnight sensation in Hollywood, yes sir

California Lady lyrics - David Gates

She always skis the winter season
Try to catch her if you please
She makes the men wish they were a little bit bolder
Or on the beach at Malibu
Where her talents really show on through
She makes the boys wish they were a little bit older

Sweet sunny Cal-California
Sweet sunny California lady
Sweet sunny Cal-California
Sweet California kind of lady

She drives a little foreign car
She's always lookin' like a movie star
Your heart's on fire 'cause you're dyin' to try her
She always wears those slinky clothes
Causin' riots everywhere she goes
Your eyes are shoppin', oh but will she let you buy

Sweet sunny Cal-California
Sweet sunny California lady
Sweet sunny Cal-California
Sweet California kind of lady

She's a California girl
Lookin' so tan and tall
Sunny California girls
Wishin' I could love them all

Sweet sunny Cal-California
Sweet sunny California lady
Sweet sunny Cal-California
Sweet California kind of lady

She's a California girl
Lookin' so tan and tall
Sunny California girls
Wishin' I could love them all
California lady fair
Lookin' so tan and tall
Sunny California girls
Wishin' I could love them all
She's a California girl
Lookin' so tan and tall
Sunny California girls
Wishin' I could love them all

Drifter lyrics - David Gates

I'm a drifter floatin' on the sea
Goin' where the currents take me
And I don't think I'll ever come to rest
'Cause I'm a drifter floatin' on the ocean
I've kinda got to where I like the motion
Things are gonna work out for the best

I know you want me to stay
And honey I'd sure like to see it your way
'Cause you're the best I've ever had of late
But somethin' stronger than love somehow
Has got me restless and I gotta go now
But I'll be back this way if you care to wait

I'm a drifter floatin' on the sea
Goin' where the currents take me
And I don't think I'll ever come to rest
'Cause I'm a drifter floatin' on the ocean
I've kinda got to where I like the motion
Hopin' things are gonna work out for
the best
I keep hopin' to find
A settledown place and a peaceful mind
Wonderin' if it's just around the bend
'Cause with all the things I wanna do
and see
You gotta be a millionaire of broke like me
Walkin' down this road that's got no end.
I'm a drifter floatin' on the sea
Goin' where the currents take me
And I don't think I'll ever come to rest
'Cause I'm a drifter floatin' on the ocean
I've kinda got to where I like the motion
Hopin' things are gonna work out for
the best

He Don't Know How To Love You lyrics - David Gates

He don't, he don't know how to love you
Ain't no way he's gonna satisfy
'Cause he can't keep up with you like I can
All he'll give you is his alibi

He ain't much, I've seen him too
There ain't no way that man is right for you
And I don't see why you let him on through
No, no not after what you're used to

I ain't sayin' I'm the best around
But if there's better yet he ain't been found
Sure I'm cocky and yes I'm hot,
'Cause I got everything he ain't got
And he don't

He don't, he don't know how to love you
There ain't no way he's gonna satisfy
'Cause he can't keep up with you like I can
All he'll give you is some alibi

Now I know love is partly talk about
And maybe he can really scream and shout
But when it's over and the talk's all through
Let's see him try to thrill ya like I do
There's no way

He don't, he don't know how to love you
Ain't no way he's gonna satisfy
'Cause he can't keep up with you like I can
All he'll give you is some alibi
'Cause he don't, he don't know how to love you
Ain't no way he's gonna satisfy
He can't keep up with you like I can
All he'll give you is some alibi
He don't, he don't know how to love you

Clouds Suite lyrics - David Gates

See the clouds adrift so far below
Everchanging as they come and go
Makes me wonder why I'm up so high
When really I am down so low

Of all the wonders I was one allowed
I think that I would always choose a cloud
Always brings my feelings right out loud
Whether I'm ashamed or proud

On this airplane comin' home to you
Sometimes I think I've flown my whole life through
My whole life...through
As I wing my way to you

See the clouds they're giving life below
In colors that the canvas cannot show
Keeping secrets no one else could know
For I'm the one who told them so

Now and then I get up close to you
I'd like to stay but I'm just passing through
So I'll have to say goodbye
Until next time I fly

Make my bed-light the light
Comin' in on the midnight flight
Touch the ground and soon you will be
Safe inside reality

Change your mind-change your name
Still the music it sounds the same

Rainfall don't bother me at all
You see the world reflected in the highway
Come on rainbow-I can't let you go
Before I reach the end of you someway

So the next time raindrops fall
If it makes you climb the walls just think of green

Sunday Rider lyrics - David Gates

Sunday riders-ridin' out along the highway
Sunday gliders-glidin' up along the skyway
Some must fly and some must speed
To satisfy the human need

Paper dresses-wear them once and throw
away
Plastic flowers-try to smell them anyway
No matter what the future brings
Nothin's like the real things

Sunday lovers-sneakin' in forsaken places
Under covers-so's to hide the guilty faces
Take my wife and take my pay
But don't take my Sunday lady from me.

"Never Let Her Go" (1975)

Never Let Her Go lyrics - David Gates

Everybody needs a someone
waitin' to be there when things are a-lookin' down
So if you feel a little lonely
Go out, find your one and only
Somewhere out there
Someone will care for you and then,
never let her go
never let her go

You may wonder how you know love
when the moment comes that you've been a-dreamin' of
Well true love takes a little longer
Your heart beats a little stronger
You'll know it's real
inside you'll feel you're home at last
Then, never let her go
Never let her go

So if you feel a little lonely
go out, find your one and only
Open your heart
Give love a start and watch it grow
And never let her go
Never let her go
Never let her go
Never let her go

Angel lyrics - David Gates

Angel, you're no angel
So how'd you get your name?
Pleasure, that's your measure
Your butt's to wild to tame
Sometimes you even scare me, baby,
And I don't scare to easily
But, Angel, you're no angel
When you're alone with me
Places, you go places
To tear up where you've been
Faces, you wear faces
To hide the mood you're in
Sometimes you get your halo out
For all the world to see
But, Angel ain't no angel
When she's making love with me
When I think I know ya, baby,
You come on like a stranger
Angel, ain't no angel
But she's heaven sent to me
She's no angel
But she's heaven sent to me

Playin' On My Guitar lyrics - David Gates

By the sand and fire light
While watching the fallin' star
Came a lady from the night
Who started playin' on my guitar

She was like a melody
That no one had ever heard
When she sang her magic song
I had to listen to every word

But she made me see
Like I never had before
Don't you know she set me free
Like I never been before
Don't you know the girl could sing
And I thought of what the future would bring

By the stars and fire light
The music was sweet and clear
Though I had her to myself
I was afraid someone else would hear

Soon the other heard her playin'
Started to gather round
One by one they started stayin'

'Cause they couldn't believe the sound

And she made them see
Like they never had before
Don't you know she set them free
Like they'd never been before
Don't you know the girl could sing
And I thought of what the future would bring

I see her every now and then
In movies and on T.V.
Wonder as I sit there watchin'
If she ever thinks of me

By the sand and fire light
(oooooooooooooo)
Before she became a star
(ooooo just a melody)
She was just a melody
When she was playin' on my guitar
Playin' on my g...playin' on my g...playin' on my guitar

Part-Time Love lyrics - David Gates

I need somebody who's consistent with me
Someone already there when I need company
'Cause when l'm feelin' low
I don't want to have to go out lookin'
For a part-time kind of love

And when the dreams and rainbows start to disappear
Don't want somebody up and runnin' outa here
'Cause when you stop and start
Baby it's just too hard upon my heart
That part-time kind of love

And I can't take you darlin' livin' here wait and see
I want somebody who's committed now to me
Somewhere, someday you'll have to take a chance
So if you like the music baby
get up and dance

And if we grow together daring to dream
I know we'll find our shares of peaches and cream
And when the juices flow
I don't want no no no excuses
Just want your full time love for me
Just want your full time love for me.

Chain Me lyrics - David Gates

I lay awake at night and thinkin' how I'm gonna get into you
I pray with all my mind and gonna do it right ...to you
I think I'm 'bout saying and I don't know I can set astray
And if you wanna keep me away I think you're gonna have to chain me

How come you are the only one
Who makes me feel this way I do about you
I've always been lazy now I'm crazy when I am without you
You lit the flame and I'm not about to take away
And if you wanna keep me away I think you're gonna have to chain me

You started the fire and taught me desire
For chains cannot bind the feelings are burnin' my mind

Now here I am beside you, I can't hide the way my body's shaking
The way my heart is bound
Man, it's sounding like it's gotta be breaking
I tried to stop in vain, but it's like Itried to stop a big freight train
And if you wanna keep me away I think you're gonna have to chain me
And if you wanna keep me away I think you're gonna have to chain me

Light Of My Life lyrics - David Gates

Never before have I seen the light
Things ever going wrong and now going right
And things are looser that once more tight
That’s all because of you...
You got me dancing your boogie beat
You called the steps and I moved my feet
You know I’m lovin’ your different drum
I like you really cause I know where it’s from
Is where it’s comin’ from

And you’re the light of my life
Shinin’ down to show the way
Yes, you’re the light of my life
Burnin’ strong and helping me along...

If I’d never ever met you girl
I never would’ve seen so bright a world
This music playin’ inside my head
It keeps repeating all the things that you said
Yes, all the things you said

And you’re the light of my life
Shinin’ down to show the way
Yes, you’re the light of my life
Burnin’ strong and helping me along...

Yes, you’re the light of my life
Shinin’ down and helping me along
Yes, you’re the light of my life
Burnin’ strong to show me the way

Someday lyrics - David Gates

Love me
Forget about tomorrow now and love me
There's time enough to borrow from another day
So just for now
Let's touch and do the things that drive my cares away

Hold me
Forget the world outside tonight and hold me
And by the flickering candle light
Our love will glow
And then we'll share the words and feelings no one else will ever know

We should never end
Hand in hand we'll walk the night forever
But if it can't be so
There's one more thing I need before I go

Just kiss me
And tell me when I'm gone how much you miss me
Forget the lonely in between
And then someday
We'll open up our eyes and see the world we thought so far away
Someday, someday

Greener Days lyrics - David Gates

As I write this letter
I hope you're feelin' better
Than I am as I sit here
Fightin' back a tear
'Cause my mind keeps shiftin'
Back in time it's driftin'
To the days when you were near
'Cause those were greener days
That we knew
Just me and you
Sharin' the world together
But as they came
They went away
Our days of green turned into grey

So I watched the sunrise
Hopin' maybe your eyes
Will come shinin' down on me
To brighten up my world
Like it once was glowin'
When your face was showin'
Me the way to find our love
Those were greener days
That we had
It's kinda to bad
They couldn't last forever
But we'll go on

Our seperate ways
'Cause our greener days
Has turned into grey

I better close and sign my name
It's gettin' late
But don't forget our chance
To twist the hands of fate
So the greener days
Will return deeper they'll grow
With every spring rain of love
Rainbows will shine
You will be mine
And our greener days
Will never fade away

Yes, the greener days
Will return deeper they'll grow
With every spring rain of love
Rainbows will shine
You will be mine
And our days of green
Will never fade away
They'll never turn to grey
They'll never fade away

Strangers lyrics - David Gates

See the couple walking by
You can tell they've lost the twinkle in their eye
There's no smiling when they laugh and there's no tears when they cry...

Now the magic is all gone
It makes you wonder what their lives are living on
They can hardly even make it through 'till dawn...

Strangers! - strangers! - strangers in the night!
Hoping ev'rything will turn out right
There's danger! - danger in the night!
You've got to move in closer to the light.

See the father and his son
From a distance don't it seem they're having fun
But just a little closer look reveals that they're having none...

Neither tries to understand
Both ashamed to give or get a helping hand
And so concerned the other thinks that he's a man...

Strangers! - strangers! - strangers in the night!
They're hoping ev'rything will turn out right
There's danger! - danger in the night!
You've got to move in closer to the light
Oh please help all the strangers in the night.

Though the answer may seem clear
It's still a ways to go to get from there to here
Just remember we're all strangers now to someone who's near...

Choose your words they're all like keys
That open doors that stand between the you's and me's
Today is not too late to start so if you please...

Strangers! - strangers! - strangers in the night!
Hopin' ev'rything will turn out right
They're strangers! - strangers to the light!
Ya got to move in closer to the light
Oh please help all the strangers in the night.

"First" (1973)

Sail Around The World lyrics - David Gates

I would sail around the world
Look for gold and dive for pearl
But I know I will never get to go
I would like to win a prize, be in everybody's eyes
But it's true, I would probably not get to

My life has always been simple
No one ever knows when I come and go
And my dreams are ending at sunrise
And dreaming just don't make it so

So I've lived without regrets
Wouldn't change a thing and yet
Now and then, wish that I could start again

My life has always been simple
No one ever knows when I come and go
And my dreams are ending at sunrise
And dreaming just don't make it so

I would sail around the world
Look for gold and dive for pearl
But I know I will never get to go
But it's true, I would probably not get to
But I know I will never get to go

Sunday Rider lyrics - David Gates

Sunday riders-ridin' out along the highway
Sunday gliders-glidin' up along the skyway
Some must fly and some must speed
To satisfy the human need

Paper dresses-wear them once and throw away
Plastic flowers-try to smell them anyway
No matter what the future brings
Nothin's like the real things

Sunday lovers-sneakin' in forsaken places
Under covers-so's to hide the guilty faces
Take my wife and take my pay
But don't take my Sunday lady from me.

Soap (I Use The) lyrics - David Gates

I use the soap to wash the dirt of my face
I write with pencil so that I can erase
But what's to do when someone's taken my place with you, with you

I know to stop when the light turns to red
And when it rains I know to cover my head
But what's to do when I wish'd I were dead over you, 'ver you, over you

Do do do do do etc
Plannin' to write off tomorrow
Do do do do do etc
Hopin' to wash off the sorrow

I woke to find that my world was not there
It ceased to me when I found you did not care
And my ambition vanished into thin air along with you, with you

Now my emotions find it hard to let go
And as for me I'll find a new road to hoe
But maybe this time I will take it more slow than before, before
Than before

Suite: Clouds, Rain lyrics - David Gates

See the clouds adrift so far below
Everchanging as they come and go
Makes me wonder why I'm up so high
When really I am down so low

Of all the wonders I was one allowed
I think that I would always choose a cloud
Always brings my feelings right out loud
Whether I'm ashamed or proud

On this airplane comin' home to you
Sometimes I think I've flown my whole life through
My whole life...through
As I wing my way to you

See the clouds they're giving life below
In colors that the canvas cannot show
Keeping secrets no one else could know
For I'm the one who told them so

Now and then I get up close to you
I'd like to stay but I'm just passing through
So I'll have to say goodbye
Until next time I fly

Make my bed-light the light
Comin' in on the midnight flight
Touch the ground and soon you will be
Safe inside reality

Change your mind-change your name
Still the music it sounds the same

Rainfall don't bother me at all
You see the world reflected in the highway
Come on rainbow-I can't let you go
Before I reach the end of you someway

So the next time raindrops fall
If it makes you climb the walls just think of green

Ann lyrics - David Gates

Ann a-sleepin' on my bed
Hair a-tumblin' 'round your head
You will always be a part of me
When I look in your eyes
It's my reflection I see

Ann, I wonder how you knew
I needed someone just like you
Were you on a beam of guiding light
that came in my life
late that September night

And though I try to hold back the years
I cannot hold the dawn
And so I try to hold back the tears
when love has grown up and gone

Ann I'll love you 'till I die
And when you hear this lullaby
I'll be with you though we're far apart
And you'll be with me right here inside my heart

I'll be with you though we're far apart
And you'll be with me right here inside my heart

Do You Believe He's Comin' lyrics - David Gates

Almighty Nation what's this in the air
No explanation but still it is there
You hear the talk from the people you meet
To meet the people just go down on the street

And they believe He's comin'
Yes they believe He's comin'

So many people confused and afraid
Too many from commitments they made
The change of values and moral decay
The damn foundation is splitting away

But I believe He's comin'
Yes I believe He's comin'

Hey lighty-lie do you dare prophesy
Do you believe that the millions will die
A single nation encamped all around
And what will come if her knees hit the ground

Do you believe He's comin'
Dare not believe He's comin'

So now it's time to get ready they say
The time of judgement is not far away
And if the meek shall inherit the earth
Look of yourself brother what are you worth

Do you believe He's comin'
Like I believe He's comin'

Do you believe He's comin'
Dare not believe He's comin'

Dare not believe!

Lorilee lyrics - David Gates

Lorilee, how could you do this to me
Come along, took all my love for a song
When a smile lights your face it's a
beautiful place
See how it shines... se how it shines

Lorilee, now that I've tasted your ways
I could live off of your lovin' for days
And when you're not around I keep missing
your sound
Wish you were here
Wish I was there
You are life, you are Lee... my Lorilee

David Gates other songs:

Mirror lyrics - David Gates


Little girl in the mirror looking back... lost in wonder...
Will I be pretty when I'm grown
When my teddy bears and toys give way
to going to school and boys
Will I have one of my own...

Will he be strong
True and faithful, right all wrong and will…
Will he take me where the grown-ups always go
Mirror, mirror tell me if you know.

Young girl in the mirror
Wedding day… lost in satin
You watch your life go flashing through
Will it be life a storybook rhyme
One last look and the preacher says it’s time
Time to say I do…

Will he be strong
True and faithful, right all wrong and if…
If I have doubts, will he say it isn’t so?
Mirror, mirror tell me if you know.

Little girl in the mirror
Looking back… lost in wonder
She feels her mommie’s gentle touch
I know what you’re thinking girl and…
I can’t guarantee a perfect world
But I promise you this much…

He will be strong
True and faithful, right all wrong and if…
If he will be, like your daddy’s been to me
You won’t need that mirror, girl you’ll see.

Mystery Of Love lyrics - David Gates

The city gates at twilight
And a red ship sinking
Behind winter's grey wall
Ice in the wind
But a fire in the embers
of my heart
As darkness falls
In a candlelit room
Where your eyes are laughing
Smoking in the red chair
And nothing in the world
'cept the beating of my heart
Against the nerves of the air

And I know there's a light
At the end of the tunnel
Cos I taste it on your lips
And I feel a weight
That can bear me double
You lift it with your fingertips
So often it happens
That words prove useless
In the face of how it feels
So it is as the mystery of love
keeps growing
The more my heart reveals

Temptations endless whispers
Try to keep it in perspective
So much to distract
Walking on a wire
While your juggling desire
It's all part of this balancing act
And it gets hard to know
Just what you believe
As the argument rages on
But for all of the talk
Its only true to say
That if you have no hope
There is none

A tangle of tongues
Flesh flowers and thistles
of conscience, spittle and skin
We can't change the past
So we'll raise this cup to our lips
And drink it all in
And meantime back in civilization
The rain is cold as steel
But the mystery of love
It just keep growing
The more my heart reveals

As sure as the rose
The bright day blooms
As surely still it fades
And the night kindles stars
On empty winds
And ghosts along the collonades
And slow but sure
the sands are falling
As the bridge burns
beneath the wheel
And the mystery of love
It just keeps growing
The more my heart reveals
The more my heart reveals

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