Bill Sharkey: Live Cover Songs

Lyin' Eyes (Eagles, The, 1975). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-05-20. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Lyin' Eyes," written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley, was the Eagles' fifth top 20 hit landing at the no. 2 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1975 (Whitburn, 2013). "When they were a struggling band in Los Angeles, they saw a lot of beautiful women around Hollywood who were married to wealthy, successful men, and wondered if they were unhappy. One night they were drinking in a bar (their favorite watering hole: Dan Tana's) when they spotted this stunning young woman; two steps behind her was a much older, fat, rich guy. As they were half laughing at them, Glenn Frey commented, 'Look at her, she can't even hide those lyin' eyes!' Realizing they had a song title, the band members began grabbing for cocktail napkins to write down lyrics to go with that great observation" (DVD "Hell Freezes Over," 1994; songfacts, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: City girls just seem to find out early How to open doors with just a smile A rich old man And she won't have to worry She'll dress up all in lace and go in style Late at night a big old house gets lonely I guess every form of refuge has its price And it breaks her heart to think her love is only Given to a man with hands as cold as ice So she tells him she must go out for the evening To comfort an old friend who's feelin' down But he knows where she's goin' as she's leavin' She is headed for the cheatin' side of town You can't hide your lyin' eyes And your smile is a thin disguise I thought by now you'd realize There ain't no way to hide your lyin eyes On the other side of town a boy is waiting With fiery eyes and dreams no one could steal She drives on through the night anticipating 'Cause he makes her feel the way she used to feel She rushes to his arms; they fall together She whispers that it's only for awhile She swears that soon she'll be comin' back forever She pulls away and leaves him with a smile You can't hide your lyin' eyes And your smile is a thin disguise I thought by now you'd realize There ain't now way to hide your lyin' eyes She gets up and pours herself a strong one, And stares out at the stars up in the sky. Another night, it's gonna be a long one. She draws the shade and hangs her head to cry. She wonders how it ever got this crazy. She thinks about a boy she knew in school. Did she get tired or did she just get lazy? She's so far gone she feels just like a fool. My oh my, you sure know how to arrange things. You set it up so well, so carefully. Ain't it funny how your new life didn't change things? You're still the same old girl you used to be. You can't hide your lyin' eyes And your smile is a thin disguise I thought by now you'd realize There ain't no way to hide your lyin' eyes There ain't no way to hide your lyin' eyes Honey, you can't hide your lyin' eyes

Mad World (Tears For Fears, 1982). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-05-18. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Mad World," written by Roland Orzabal, was recorded by Tears For Fears in 1982 and was included on their 1983 album "The Hurting," which rose to no. 73 on Billboards Top 200 Albums chart and remained there for 69 weeks (Whitburn, 2006). Although their recording of the song did not chart in the USA, it did rise to no. 3 on the UK Singles Chart in 1982 (UK Singles Chart, 1982). However, Adam Lambert did hit the US Billboard chart in 2009 with his slower, moody version that rose to no. 19 (Whitburn, 2013), while Gary Jules had a no. 1 hit in the UK with his stripped down version of the song (songfacts, 2022). Orzabal told The Guardian that "'Mad World' hasn't dated because it's expressive of a period I call the teenage menopause, where your hormones are going crazy as you're leaving childhood. Your fingers are on the cliff and you're about to drop off, but somehow you cling on" (songfacts, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: All around me are familiar faces Worn out places, worn out faces Bright and early for their daily races Going nowhere, going nowhere Their tears are filling up their glasses No expression, no expression Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow No tomorrow, no tomorrow And I find it kind of funny I find it kind of sad The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had I find it hard to tell you 'cause I find it hard to take When people run in circles it's a very, very Mad world Mad world Mad world Mad world Children waiting for the day they feel good Happy birthday, happy birthday Made to feel the way that every child should Sit and listen, sit and listen Went to school and I was very nervous No one knew me, no one knew me Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson Look right through me, look right through me And I find it kind of funny I find it kind of sad The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had I find it hard to tell you 'cause I find it hard to take When people run in circles it's a very, very Mad world Mad world Mad world Mad world And I find it kind of funny I find it kind of sad The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had I find it hard to tell you 'cause I find it hard to take When people run in circles it's a very, very Mad world Mad world

Midnight Man (James Gang, The, 1971). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-05-14. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Midnight Man," written by Joe Walsh, was the James Gang's third release to hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart stalling at no. 80 in 1971 (Whitburn, 2013). The song is found on the group's "Thirds" album, which was Joe Walsh's last album with the band (M. Greenwald, allmusic, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: I'm the Midnight Man, I do all I can, To make sure that I am The Midnight Man. Midnight Man's on time, Everything is fine. All the words in rhyme, With everything. Midnight Man, you're pretty Midnight Man, you're fine Midnight Man, be careful, Midnight Man... Midnight man, you're mine

Baby Love (Supremes, The, 1964). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-05-15. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Baby Love," written by Dozier, Holland, and Holland was the Supremes' second of twelve no. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart rising to the top position in 1964 (Whitburn, 2013). Lamont Dozier claimed that the song referenced "my first love who I never really got over" (songfacts, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: Baby love, my baby love, I need you oh how I need you But all you do is treat me bad Break my heart and leave me sad Tell me what did I do wrong to make you stay away so long 'Cause baby love, my baby love, been missing ya, miss kissing ya Instead of breaking up Let's start some kissing and making up Don't throw our love away In my arms why don't you stay? Need ya, need ya, baby love, my baby love Baby love, my baby love, why must we separate my love? All of my whole life through I never love no one but you Why you do me like you do, I guess it's me Ooh, need to hold you once again my love, feel your warm embrace my love Don't throw our love away, please don't do me this way Not happy like I used to be, loneliness has got the best of me my love My baby love, I need ya oh how I need ya Why you do me like you do After I've been true to you So deep in love with you Baby, baby ooh 'Til it hurt me, 'til it hurt me Ooh baby love Don't throw our love away Don't throw our love away

Just A Little Bit Better (Herman's Hermits, 1965). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-05-08. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Just A Little Bit Better," written by Kenny Young, was Herman's Hermits' sixth consecutive top 10 hit, all in 1965, rising to no. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (Whitburn, 2013). Young also co-wrote the Grammy Hall of Fame song "Under the Boardwalk" of Drifters' fame and "Arizona," which was recorded and become a hit for ex-lead vocalist for Paul Revere & the Raiders, Mark Lindsey (groups.google.com, 2020). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: He may send you flowers baby every single day Buy you fancy clothes from Paris And have sweet things to say But I can give you love, sweet sweet love Now ain't that just a little bit better Uh-ho-ho, uh-ho-ho, uh-ho-ho He'll take you to nightclubs in a shiny limousine Buy you furs and diamond bracelets Make you look just like a queen But I can give you love, sweet sweet love Now ain't that just a little bit better Uh-ho-ho, uh-ho-ho, uh-ho-ho Love, love, love is what I could give ya True, true love as long as I may live But I can give you love, sweet sweet love Now ain't that just a little bit better Uh-ho-ho, uh-ho-ho, uh-ho-ho Love, love, love is what I could give ya True, true love as long as I may live Well, he may want to buy a fancy mansion on a hill Will you live with him forever Baby that ain't such a thrill 'Cause I can give you love, sweet sweet love Now ain't that just a little bit better Uh-ho-ho, uh-ho-ho, uh-ho-ho

I Need You (America, 1972). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-05-03. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "I Need You," written by Gerry Beckley, was America's second release and second top 10 hit landing on the no. 9 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972 (Whitburn, 2013). "Beckley was just 16 when he wrote the song; at the time, he was in a band called Daze with Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek, who later became his bandmates in America" (songfests.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: We used to laugh, we used to cry We used to bow our heads then, wonder why And now you're gone, I guess I'll carry on And make the best of what you've left to me Left to me, left to me I need you like the flower needs the rain You know I need you, guess I'll start it all again You know I need you like the winter needs the spring You know I need you, I need you And every day, I'd laugh the hours away Just knowing you were thinking of me And then it came that I was put to blame For every story told about me About me, about me I need you like the flower needs the rain You know I need you, guess I'll start it all again You know I need you, I need you I need you like the winter needs the spring You know I need you, guess I'll start it all again You know I need you, I need you I need you like the flower needs the rain You know I need you, guess I'll start it all again You know I need you, I need you I need you like the winter needs the spring You know I need you, guess I'll start it all again You know I need you, I need you

Kathy's Song (Simon & Garfunkel, 1965). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-05-02. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Kathy's Song," written by Paul Simon, is found on both Paul Simon's first solo album "The Paul Simon Songbook" (1965) and Simon & Garfunkel's second album "Sounds of Silence" (1966) (Whitburn, 2006). The song was written for/about Kathleen Mary "Kathy" Chitty who was Paul Simon's muse and girlfriend, whom he met in England "on 12 April 1964 at the very first English folk club he played, the Railway Inn Folk Club in Brentwood, Essex, where Chitty was working part-time selling tickets. She was 17, he was 22" (wikibin.org, 2022). It is she who is pictured on Simon's ". . . Songbook" album cover. Kathy is also mentioned in Simon's penned song "America;" "'Kathy,' I said as we boarded a Greyhound in Pittsburgh." Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: I hear the drizzle of the rain Like a memory it falls Soft and warm continuing Tapping on my roof and walls And from the shelter of my mind Through the window of my eyes I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets To England where my heart lies My mind's distracted and diffused My thoughts are many miles away They lie with you when you're asleep And kiss you when you start your day And a song I was writing is left undone I don't know why I spend my time Writing songs I can't believe With words that tear and strain to rhyme And so you see I have come to doubt All that I once held as true I stand alone without beliefs The only truth I know is you And as I watch the drops of rain Weave their weary paths and die I know that I am like the rain There but for the grace of you go I

Feels So Right (Alabama, 1981). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-24. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Feels So Right," written by Randy Owen, Was Alabama's first entry onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart rising to no. 20 in 1981 but was the group's fourth consecutive no. 1 hit on Billboard's Hot Country Single's chart (Whitburn, 2013; wikipedia, 2022). During the '80s, Alabama was on fire. They raked up twenty-seven no. 1 Hot Country Singles and over three decades became "the most successful band in country music" (wikipedia, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: Whisper to me softly, breathe words upon my skin No one's near and listening, so please don't say goodbye Just hold me close and love me, press your lips to mine Mmm feels so right. Feels so right. Lying here beside you I hear the echoes of your sighs Promise me you'll stay with me and keep me warm tonight So hold me close and love me, give my heart a smile Mmm feels so right. Feels so right. Your body feels so gentle and my passion rises high You're loving me so easy, you're wish is my command Just hold me close and love me, tell me it won't end Mmm feels so right. Feels so right. Feels so right. Ah, you feel so right baby...

Only Love Can Break Your Heart (Neil Young, 1970). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-29. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" was Neil Young's first top 40 hit rising to the no. 33 position on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1970 (Whitburn, 2013). Young has said that the song was written about his bandmate Graham Nash's sadness after his breakup with Joni Mitchell (songfacts.com, 2022). Britain's synth pop band, Saint Etienne, also hit the charts with their version of the song in 1992 stalling at no. 97 for two weeks (Whitburn, 2013). Young's version of the song is found on his third studio album "After the Gold Rush" (allmusic.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: When you were young And on your own How did it feel to be alone? I was always thinking of games That I was playing Trying to make the best of my time But only love can break your heart Try to be sure right from the start Yes, only love can break your heart What if your world should fall apart? I have a friend I've never seen He hides his head inside a dream Someone should call him and see If he can come out Try to lose the down that he's found But only love can break your heart Try to be sure right from the start Yes, only love can break your heart What if your world should fall apart? I have a friend I've never seen He hides his head inside a dream Yes, only love can break your heart Yes, only love can break your heart Yes, only love can break your heart Yes, only love can break your heart Yes, only love can break your heart

With A Girl Like You (Troggs, The, 1966). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-25. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "With A Girl Like You," written by lead vocalist Reg Presley, was the Troggs second release and second top 40 hit rising to no. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966 (Whitburn, 2013) and hit no. 1 in their home country the UK (R. Unterberger, allmusic.com, 2022). Presley stated: "I wrote that song while I was still a bricklayer. We recorded it at the same time as Wild Thing and either of them could have been released first. I liked the way The Beach Boys were going 'Ba-ba-ba-Barbara Ann' and it was lovely to do something like that in With A Girl Like You. We nearly had a trumpet playing it, but it sounded better when we sang it" (Kutner & Leigh, "1000 UK Number One Hits," 2005): Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: I want to spend my life with a girl like you Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba And do all the things that you want me to Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba 'Till that time has come that we might live as one Can I dance with you Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba I can tell by the way you dress that you're so refined Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba And by the way you talk that you're just my kind Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba Girl why should it be that you don't notice me Can I dance with you Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba Baby baby, is there no chance I can take you for the last dance All night long, yeah, I've been waiting Now there'll be no hesitating So before this dance has reached the end Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba To you across the floor my love I'll send Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba I just hope and pray that I'll find a way to say Can I dance with you Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba Ba ba ba ba bah ba ba ba ba

Ventura Highway (America,1972). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-22. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Ventura Highway," written by America's Dewey Bunnell, was the band's third release and third consecutive top 10 hit landing in the no. 8 position on the Billboard hot 100 chart in 1972 (Whitburn, 2013). The band formed in London, England (the three members were sons of American military personnel) and moved back to the USA in 1972 to kick start their career (Whitburn, 2013). The song "Ventura Highway" was inspired by an unfortunate situation Bunnell and his family experienced. He recalled: "It was 1963 . . . we got a flat tire and we're standing on the side of the road and I was staring at this highway sign. It said 'Ventura' on it and it just stuck with me. It was a sunny day and the ocean there, . . . [and when asked about the curious lyric] 'Seasons crying no despair, alligator lizards in the air,' Bunnell said: "The clouds. It's my brother and I standing there on the side of the road looking at the shapes of clouds while my dad changed the tire" (D. Bunnell, Los Angeles Times Oct. 1, 2006, p. 70). Interestingly, there is no official Ventura Highway in LA; he was referencing Highway 101, which runs through Ventura (songfacts.com, 2022). Bandcamp Web Site: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Lyrics: Chewing on a piece of grass Walking down the road Tell me, how long you gonna stay here Joe? Some people say this town don't look Good in snow You don't care, I know Ventura Highway in the sunshine Where the days are longer The nights are stronger Than moonshine You're gonna go I know 'Cause the free wind is blowin' through Your hair And the days surround your daylight There Seasons crying no despair Alligator lizards in the air Di di di di di Wishin' on a falling star Watchin' for the early train Sorry boy, but I've been hit by Purple rain Aw, come on Joe, you can always Change your name Thanks a lot son, just the same Ventura Highway In the sunshine Where the days are longer The nights are stronger Than moonshine You're gonna go I know 'Cause the free wind is blowin' through Your hair And the days surround you daylight There Seasons crying no despair Alligator lizards in the air Di di di di di

I Can Hear Music (Beach Boys, The, 1969). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-21. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector, "I Can Hear Music" was a minor hit for the Beach Boys in 1969 rising to the no. 24 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; the Ronettes were first to record the song in 1966 and just grazed the bottom of the Billboard chart stalling at no. 100 and Larry Lurex [pseudonym for Freddie Mercury] in 1973 bubbled below the Hot 100 at no. 115 (Whitburn, 2013). "I Can Hear Music" was the first song recorded by the Beach Boys without any involvement from Brian Wilson (songfacts.com, 2022). The song is found on the Beach Boys' 1969 album "20/20" (Whitburn, 2006) with Carl Wilson on lead vocals (R. Unterberger, allmusic.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: Ahhhhhh oooooo This is the way I always dreamed it would be The way that it is, oh oh When you are holding me I never had a love of my own Maybe that's why when we're all alone I can hear music I can hear music The sound of the city baby seems to disappear I can hear music Sweet sweet music Whenever you touch me baby Whenever you're near Lovin' you It keeps me satisfied And I can't explain, oh no The way I'm feeling inside You look at me we kiss and then I close my eyes and here it comes again I can hear music I can hear music The sound of the city baby seems to disappear I can hear music Sweet sweet music Whenever you touch me baby Whenever you're near I hear the music all the time, yeah I hear the music, hold me tight now baby I hear the music all the time I hear the music I hear the music (baby) Ahhhhh I can hear music I can hear music The sound of the city baby seems to disappear I can hear music Sweet sweet music Whenever you touch me baby Whenever you're near Whenever you're near Whenever you're near

Holiday (Bee Gees, The, 1967). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-06. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Holiday," written by Barry and Robin Gibb predating their disco era material, was their third top twenty hit single off their third album release "Bee Gees' 1st;" the song rose to the no. 16 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967 (Whitburn, 2013). Stuart Mason (allmusic.com, 2022) stated that "'Holiday' is not just a Bee Gees classic but one of British lite psychedelia's most remarkable tunes." Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: Oh you're a holiday, such a holiday Oh you're a holiday, such a holiday It's something I thinks worthwhile If the puppet makes you smile If not then you're throwing stones Throwing stones, throwing stones Ooh it's a funny game Don't believe that it's all the same Can't think what I've just said Put a soft pillow upon my head Millions of eyes can see Yet why am I so blind When the someone else is me It's unkind, it's unkind Yet millions of eyes can see Yet why am I so blind When the someone else is me It's unkind, it's unkind Di di di di di di Ooh you're a holiday, every day , such a holiday Now it's my turn to say, and I say you're a holiday It's something I thinks worthwhile If the puppet makes you smile If not then you're throwing stones Throwing stones, throwing stones Di di di di di di

I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (Hank Williams, 1949; B. J. Thomas, 1966). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-18. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" was written and recorded by Hank Williams in 1949 (songfacts.com, 2022). What is so interesting is that his version of the song never made it to any of the music charts. It was released as the "B" side of "My Bucket's Got A Hole In It," which did chart and rose to #2 on the Billboard Top Country Singles chart in Nov. of 1949 (Whitburn, 2013). However, the song has become a staple of country music artists. Covers abound, and those that charted with their versions include: Linda Plowman, Charlie McCoy, Terry Bradshaw, Jerry Lee Lewis all hit the country chart, albeit the cover that rose the highest on any of the charts was the debut of B. J. Thomas and the Triumphs, whose version reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966 (Whitburn, 2013); interesting that it did not land on Billboard's country chart (Whitburn, 1994). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: Did you hear the lonesome whippoorwill? He sounds too blue to fly The midnight train Is whining low And I'm so lonesome I could cry Did you ever see A night so long When time goes crawlin' by? The moon just went Behind a cloud And I'm so lonesome I could cry Did you ever see A robin weep When leaves begin to die? That means he's lost The will to live And I'm so lonesome I could cry The silence of A fallin' star Lights up a purple sky And as I wonder where you are I'm so lonesome I could cry Yeah, I could cry I could cry I could cry I could cry, oh I could cry, I could cry

Leaving On A Jet Plane (John Denver, 1969; Peter, Paul & Mary, 1969). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-15. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Leaving On A Jet Plane" is a song written by John Denver and covered by Peter, Paul & Mary, whose version hit the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969 (Whitburn, 2013). Denver wrote the song while still with the Chad Mitchell Trio in 1966, but the title of the song was originally "Babe, I Hate To Go" (AllMusic.com, 2022; Wikipedia, 2022). During an interview with BBC radio, Denver stated "This is a very personal and very special song for me. It doesn’t conjure up Boeing 707s or 747s for me as much as it does the simple scenes of leaving. Bags packed and standing by the front door, taxi pulling up in the early morning hours, the sound of a door closing behind you, and the thought of leaving someone that you care for very much" (countrythangdaily.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey #billsharkey Lyrics: All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go I'm standing here outside your door I hate to wake you up to say goodbye But the dawn is breakin' It's early morn The taxi's waitin' He's blowin' his horn Already I'm so lonesome I could cry So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go I'm leavin' on a jet plane I Don't know when I'll be back again Oh, babe, I hate to go There's so many times I've let you down So many times I've played around I tell you now, they don't mean a thing Every place I go, I'll think of you Every song I sing, I'll sing for you When I come back, I'll wear your wedding ring So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go I'm leavin' on a jet plane I Don't know when I'll be back again Oh, babe, I hate to go Now the time has come to leave you One more time Let me kiss you Then close your eyes I'll be on my way Dream about the days to come When I won't have to leave alone About the times, I won't have to say Kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go I'm leavin' on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Leavin' on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Leavin' on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Oh babe I hate to go

Nights In White Satin (Moody Blues, The, 1967-1968, 1972). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-14. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Nights In White Satin," written by vocalist and guitarist Justin Hayward, was the Moody Blues' second top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and their highest ranked single climbing to #2 on the chart in 1972, although it was originally released in 1968 (Whitburn, 2013). Hayward claimed that he was given a set of white satin sheets and that was the spark for the song. During a 2008 interview for the Daily Express Saturday, Hayward said "I wrote our most famous song, 'Nights in White Satin' when I was 19. It was a series of random thoughts and was quite autobiographical. It was a very emotional time as I was at the end of one big love affair and the start of another. A lot of that came out in the song" (May 3, 2008). "Nights In White Satin" was recorded for their second album "Days of Future Past" in 1967 (Whitburn, 2006). Hayward revealed his favorite cover version of the song to songfacts.com: Bettye LaVette's version, which is found on her 2010 release "Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook" (2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: Nights in white satin Never reaching the end Letters I've written Never meaning to send Beauty I'd always missed With these eyes before Just what the truth is I can't say any more 'Cause I love you Yes I love you Oh how I love you Gazing at people, some hand in hand Just what I'm going through they can't understand Some try to tell me, thoughts they cannot defend Just what you want to be, you will be in the end And I love you Yes I love you Oh how I love you Oh how I love you Nights in white satin Never reaching the end Letters I've written Never meaning to send Beauty I've always missed With these eyes before Just what the truth is I can't say any more 'Cause I love you Yes I love you Oh how I love you Oh how I love you 'Cause I love you Yes I love you Oh how I love you Oh how I love you

Tulsa Time (Don Williams, 1978; Eric Clapton, 1980). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-05. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Tulsa Time," written by Danny Flowers, was a #1 hit on Billboard's Top Country Singles chart for Don Williams in 1978 and a #30 hit for Eric Clapton on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1980, which was recorded live at the Budokan concert hall in Japan and released on his "Just One Night" album; although he did release a studio version in 1978, but it did not chart (Whitburn, 1993, 2006, 2013). What is surprising is that the song was written by a North Carolinian (Flowers) and sung by a Texan (Williams) and an English man (Clapton) (M. Smith, tulsaworld.com, Sep. 8, 2018). Williams was awarded the Academy of Country Music's "Single of the Year" award for "Tulsa Time" in 1979 (AwardsShowNetwork, youtube.com, 2011) and Tulsa, OK's mayor designated February 4, 1979 Don Williams' Day for his recognition of the city (countrythangdaily.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: I left Oklahoma drivin' in a Pontiac Just about to lose my mind I was goin' on to Arizona, maybe on to California Where all the people live so fine My baby said I was crazy, my momma called me lazy I was goin' to show 'em all this time 'Cause you know I ain't no fool and I don't need no more schoolin' I was born to just walk the line Livin' on Tulsa time Livin' on Tulsa time Well, you know I've been through it When I set my watch back to it Livin' on Tulsa time Well, there I was in Hollywood wishin' I was doin' good Talkin' on the telephone line But they don't need me in the movies and nobody sings my songs Guess I'm just wastin' time Well, then I got to thinkin', man I'm really sinkin' And I really had a flash this time I had no business leavin' and nobody would be grievin' If I went on back to Tulsa time Livin' on Tulsa time Livin' on Tulsa time Gonna set my watch back to it 'Cause you know I've been through it Livin' on Tulsa time Livin' on Tulsa time Livin' on Tulsa time Gonna set my watch back to it 'Cause you know I've been through it Livin' on Tulsa time

Thinking Of You (Loggins & Messina, 1973). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-03. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" Written by Jim Messina, "Thinking Of You" was Loggins and Messina's second top 20 hit landing at the #18 position in 1973 (Whitburn, 2013). Messina was originally in the bands Buffalo Springfield and Poco, and in 1971, he was producing Kenny Loggins' first solo album release; because Messina was so involved in the project, they credited the album to “Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina” and the title was "Sittin’ In" (P. Bausch, ontherecords.net, Jul. 18, 2017). Messina wrote "Thinking Of You" for his then girlfriend and is found on Loggins and Messina's 1973 self-titled album (songfacts.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: Something inside of me Is taking it hard each day Something inside of me Is making me feel this way Whenever you're near me, you've got me thinking of you Something about your eyes Won't let me look away Something about your smile That's making it hard to say Whenever you're near me, you've got me thinking of you You know, you've got me singing a song Whenever you're around me I just want to belong To you, I would give all of my love I wish that I could tell you all what I'm thinking of Something inside of me Won't let me begin the day Something inside of me Is making it hard to say Whenever you're near me, you've got me thinking of you Whenever you're near me, you've got me thinking of you Whenever you're near me, you've got me thinking of you

Because (Dave Clark Five, Th, 1964). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-04-01. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Because" is one of the most enduring recordings by the Dave Clark Five rising to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1964 and receiving a Gold Record for sales (J. Murrells, 1978; Whitburn, 2013). Interesting that the DC5 label execs (Epic Records) did not want to release "Because" in the USA and only released it as a "B" side to "Can't You See That She's Mine" in the UK; however, Dave Clark insisted that the song be released in the US to show that the band was more than their foot-stomping predecessor releases (R. Unterberger, allmusic.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: It's right that I should care about you And try to make you happy when you're blue It's right, it's right to feel the way I do Because, because I love you It's wrong to say I don't think of you 'Cause when you say these things You know it makes me blue Give me one kiss and I'll be happy Just, just to be with you Give me, give me, a chance to be near you Because, because I love you Give me one kiss and I'll be happy Just, just to be with you Give me, give me, a chance to be near you Because, because I love you Because, because I love you

I Hear You Knocking (Dave Edmonds, 1970/1971). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-03-31. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "I Hear You Knocking," a song written by Dave Bartholomew and originally recorded by Smiley Lewis in 1955, was Dave Edmonds' highest and only top 20 hit in the US and his first entry onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970/1971 hitting #4 on the chart (Whitburn, 2013). Gale Storm (who was an actress in the "My Little Margie" TV show [1952-1955]) hit #4 on the chart in 1955 with her version, and Fats Domino had a minor hit with the song in 1961 stalling at #67 on the chart (songfacts.com, 2022; Whitburn, 2013). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: You went away and left me long time ago Now you're knocking on my door I hear you knocking, but you can't come in I hear you knocking, go back where you been I begged you not to go but you said goodbye And now you're telling me all your lies I hear you knocking, but you can't come in I hear you knocking, go back where you been, oh yeah You better get back to your used-to-be 'Cause you're kinda love ain't good for me I hear you knocking, but you can't come in I hear you knocking, go back where you been I told you way back in Fifty-two That I would never go with you I hear you knocking but you can't come in I hear you knocking, go back where you been

It's Up To You (Ricky Nelson, 1962). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-03-29. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "It's Up To You" is a song written by Jerry Fuller and recorded by Ricky Nelson in 1962; the song was his 24th top 20 hit and 16th top 10 hit in the US landing at the #6 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (Whitburn, 2013). James Burton and Glen Campbell played guitars on the recording with Joe Osborne on bass, Ritchie Frost on drums, John Audino and Tony Terran on trumpet, Allen Harris on Piano, and Glen Campbell, Jerry Fuller and David Burgess with background vocals (wikipedia.com, 2022). In 2014, Jerry Fuller received the BMI Million-Air award for U.S. radio and TV air play for Ricky Nelson's version of song "It's Up To You" (jerryfuller.net, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: It's up to you Because I've done everything I can I hope that you Will say that I'm your loving man Make up your mind And do what you're gonna do Well you know how I feel So I'm leaving it up to you It's all so clear That I would give everything I own To have you near Never leave me all alone I need your love So, darling, please be fair Let me know where I stand And I hope that you say you care Well I've laid my cards on the table And its oh so plain to see That I'm ready, willing and able To love you faithfully It's up to you No, it's not for me to say You love me too Oh, but I hope you feel that way Make up your mind And do what you're gonna do Well you know how I feel So I'm leaving it up to you Make up your mind And do what you're gonna do Well you know how I feel So I'm leaving it up to you It's up to you Darling, it's up to you Baby, it's up to you Darling, it's up to you Baby, it's up to you Darling. it's up to you Baby, it's up to you

Never Tear Us Apart (INXS, 1988). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-03-28. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" Written by Andy Farriss and Michael Hutchence, "Never Tear Us Apart" was INXS' 5th top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart rising to #7 (Whitburn, 2013). Farriss explained the genesis of the song: "In 1986 I sat down on an upright piano and started working on the chords that would eventually become 'Never Tear Us Apart.' I thought it had potential and asked Michael what he thought of it. He told me he really liked it so I recorded a blues style demo for him. I gave the demo to Michael and the eventual lyric that he wrote was truly inspired. . . . It was a personal love lyric very much in the moment for him" (songfacts.com, 2022). Hutchence committed suicide on 11/22/1997 (Whitburn, 2013). At his funeral service, "Never Tear Us Apart" was played as the remaining members of INXS and Hutchence's brother, Rhett, carried his coffin out of St. Andrews Cathedral (michaelhutchence.org, 2021; songfacts.com, 2022). "In 2006 the song was voted 'Nation's Favorite Lyric' by viewers of VH1 Australia" (songfacts.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: Don't ask me What you know is true Don't have to tell you I love your precious heart I I was standing You were there Two worlds collided And they could never tear us apart We could live For a thousand years But if I hurt you I'd make wine from your tears I told you That we could fly 'Cause we all have wings But some of us don't know why I was standing You were there Two worlds collided And they could never ever tear us apart I I was standing You were there Two worlds collided And they could never tear us apart You were standing I was there Two worlds collided And they could never tear us apart

For What It's Worth (Buffalo Springfield, The, 1967). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-03-27. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "For What It's Worth," written by Stephen Stills, rose to the #7 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967, was inducted into the Grammy: Hall of Fame in 2000, was the group's only top 40 hit, and was placed #63 on the Rolling Stone's list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." (grammy.com, 2022; ultimate-guitar.com, 2018; Whitburn, 2013). The song is based on a protest that occurred on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood back in 1966. Kids were protesting the closing of a local club, Pandora's Box (laurelcanyonradio.com, 2017). It is now considered "one of pop's most-covered protest songs" (laurelcanyonradio.com, 2017). Producer Ahmet Ertegun suggest the song be called “(Stop, Hey What’s That Sound) For What It’s Worth" because the phrase "for what it's worth" is nowhere in the lyrics (ultimate-guitar.com, 2018). As an aside, the band was named after the Buffalo-Springfield steamroller (rockfall.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey #billsharkey Lyrics: There's something happening here What it is ain't exactly clear There's a man with a gun over there Telling me I got to beware I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound Everybody look what's going down There's battle lines being drawn Nobody's right if everybody's wrong Young people speaking their minds Getting so much resistance from behind It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound Everybody look what's going down What a field-day for the heat A thousand people in the street Singing songs and carrying signs Mostly say, hooray for our side It's s time we stop, hey, what's that sound Everybody look what's going down Paranoia strikes deep Into your life it will creep It starts when you're always afraid You step out of line, the man come and take you away We better stop, hey, what's that sound Everybody look what's going down Stop, hey, what's that sound Everybody look what's going down Stop, now, what's that sound Everybody look what's going down Stop, children, what's that sound Everybody look what's going down

Return To Sender (Elvis Presley, 1962). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-03-22. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Return To Sender," written by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell, was Elvis Presley's 41st top 20 hit, which climbed to the #2 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1962 (Whitburn, 2013). Because the song sold more than one million units in the USA, it was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1992 (riaa.com, 2022). The song was included in the Elvis film "Girls Girls Girls" (music.apple.com, 2022; Whitburn, 2013). "On January 8 1993, the US postal service released a stamp commemorating Elvis on what would have been The King's 58th birthday (songfacts.com, 2022). The public was asked to vote on one of "two equally superb but thematically distinct portraits: a watercolor of the youthful Elvis by Mark Stutzman, or a more mature Elvis painted by John Berkey" (postalmuseum.si.edu, 2022). This decision was looked down upon by many since historical figures had been preferred (songfacts.com, 2022). The youthful Elvis received 75% of the 1.2 million responses (postalmuseum.si.edu, 2022). "Enterprising stamp collectors put Elvis stamps on letters that day and mailed them off with false addresses so they would be sent back marked 'Return To Sender' and become collector's items" (songfacts.com, 2022). The Elvis stamp is still one of the most talked-about stamps ever issued by the Postal Service—and the most popular U.S. commemorative stamp of all time" (postalmuseum.si.edu, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: I gave a letter to the postman, He put it his sack. Bright and early next morning, He brought my letter back. She wrote upon it: Return to sender, address unknown. No such number, no such zone. We had a quarrel, a lover's spat I write I'm sorry but my letter keeps coming back. So then I dropped it in the mailbox And sent it special D. Bright and early next morning It came right back to me. She wrote upon it: Return to sender, address unknown. No such person, no such zone. This time I'm gonna take it myself And put it right in her hand. And if it comes back the very next day Then I'll understand the writing on it Return to sender, address unknown. No such number, no such zone. Return to sender, Return to sender, Return to sender.

Stuck On You (Elvis Presley, 1960). Live cover performance by Bill Sharkey, Home Studio, Hawaii Kai, HI. 2022-03-21. "Keeping the Oldies Alive" "Stuck On You," written by Aaron Schroeder and J. Leslie McFarland, hit the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960 and was recorded 15 days after his discharge from the Army (Whitburn, 1994, 2013). What is interesting is that RCA decided, before any song was recorded, that whatever song Elvis recorded, it would be a million seller. They assumed that "the unnamed, unrecorded Presley single would sell about two million copies, but the company “conservatively” decided on an initial pressing of one million copies. One million copies—instant Gold Record status—a phantom record to be manufactured and distributed to a public expected to buy it no matter what it sounded like . . . it was a million-seller, a Gold Record, before anyone even knew the song’s title, much less heard it" (A. Hanson, elvis-history-blog.com, May 2009). Because the song did sell more than one million units in the USA, it was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1992 (riaa.com, 2022). Bandcamp Webpage: https://billsharkey.bandcamp.com Rumble Channel: https://rumble.com/c/BillSharkey Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/billsharkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billsharkeylive #billsharkey #Oldies #Acousticguitar #Vocals Lyrics: You can shake an apple off an apple tree Shake-a, shake, sugar But you'll never shake me Uh-uh-uh No-sir-ee, uh, uh I'm gonna stick like glue Stick because I'm Stuck on you Gonna run my fingers through your long black hair Squeeze you tighter than a grizzly bear Uh-uh-uh Yes-sir-ee, uh, uh I'm gonna stick like glue Stick, because I'm Stuck on you Hide in the kitchen, hide in the hall Ain't gonna do you no good at all Cause once I catch ya, and the kissin' starts A team of wild horses couldn't tear us apart Try to take a tiger from his daddy's side That's how love is gonna keep us tied Uh-uh-uh, Uh-uh-uh Oh yeah, Uh-uh-uh I'm gonna stick like glue Stick, because I'm Stuck on you Hide in the kitchen, hide in the hall Ain't gonna do you no good at all Cause once I catch ya, and the kissin' starts A team of wild horses couldn't tear us apart Try to take a tiger from his daddy's side That's how love is gonna keep us tied Uh-uh-uh, Uh-uh-uh Yes-sir-ee, uh, uh I'm gonna stick like glue Yeah, yeah, because I'm Stuck on you I'm gonna stick like glue Yeah, yeah, because I'm Stuck on you I'm gonna stick like glue Yeah, yeah, because I'm Stuck on you