ABOUT THE ALBUM
The final three months of the year often feel like the busiest, the most festive, and the most chaotic. As the days become shorter and darker, we light the candles, carve the pumpkins, drag the outdoors indoors, dress up in outfits of whimsy and wonder, and gather together with fond friends and found family to take part in traditions as old as time and as new as the latest crazy idea. ‘Tis the season, so let’s celebrate “Thankoweenmas”!
Lyrics: RC / Trystan
Musical Arrangement: RC
Mixing & Engineering: Trystan
ABOUT THE STORY
From the first day of October to the first day of January, our house does not look as it does during the rest of the year. Starting with Hallowe’en, we pull out the decorations and begin making the place festive! November first sees the spooky themes recede into an Autumn/Winter theme, then after Thanksgiving, we fully give in to the Christmas spirit, and thus it stays until the New Year. This delightful run of chaos has become known in our home as “Thankoweenmas”.
Of course, there’s a lot more going on during this time of year… candles are lit for Diwali, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa among many, many other celebrations worldwide. And, let’s not forget that this entire season also coincides with the High Holy Days of American Football. Go, Team!
A bit much for you? It’s true there’s a lot to do, a lot to remember, and a lot to endure during this time of year. So if you’re all-in, join in the festivities! And if the loud music, screaming kids, and general craziness is too much for you, grab some egg nog and sit down for a movie marathon… Hallmark or B-Movies are both a classic choice, and we don’t judge! Either way, curl up with someone special, or sing the house down with fifteen special someones, because the best thing about this time of year is being together.
LYRICS
Thankoweenmas
The evergreens drip festive red, and the turkey’s stuffed with candy.
A warty witch is dressed like Santa and she’s looking fancy.
My trick-or-treat bag is filled with sugar plums and some pumpkin pie.
A festive wreath hangs from a tombstone as undead friends stop by.
There is tinsel in the stuffing and there’s mistletoe on the ham.
Put on a costume then make a wish and pass the candied yams!
Fill up the yard with lights and zombies dressed in gay apparel,
Grab a candy cane dipped in gravy, and sing some scary carols!
Grandpa watches the game just as well…
Hallmark Cardinals versus Buffalo Bells!
It’s Thankoweenmas!
From the shopping center to the graveyard,
It’s here so don’t forget to send a card!
It’s Thankoweenmas!
The holiday that lasts three months long!
Wrap up the pie you know you can’t go wrong!
Now I gotta buy more paper plates, better head back to the store.
And also get some candy corn, and more batteries, and so much more…
Oh, and an iced, triple-shot espresso, extra caramel, no ice, with a splash of cream!
All this stuff is so necessary this time of year it seems.
And now we’ll all go shopping… (Shopping! Shopping!)
Shopping! (Shopping!) Sh-Sh-Shop-Shop-Shopping!! (Shopping!!)
It’s Thankoweenmas!
Werewolves caroling and huff-puff-puffing,
And we’ll stuff the stockings with the stuffing!
It’s Thankoweenmas!
Trim the pumpkin and then carve up the hall!
Deck the turkey, we will do it all!
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas!
It’s Thankoweenmas!
Is it Frankenstein or frankincense? I don’t know.
Which one is pumpkin spice? Guess I’ll use them both!
It’s Thankoweenmas!
The holiday that lasts three months long!
Drink some egg nog and sing this lovely song!
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas!
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas!
Thankoweenmas! (Thankoweenmas!)
Thankoweenmas!
Monsters At My Door
The sun is down and the moon is rising.
Creatures roam the streets. It’s not surprising!
A short, bright, yellow thing in overalls…
A regal girl, blonde and fair, gives me pause.
A cheerful stocky guy, bushy mustache…
I’m terrified he’s here to super smash!
A blue cartoon dog putting on a show,
It’s… skipping! Skipping ‘cross my lawn below!
The pumpkin wards are lit! Do not enter! Beware!
Skeletons guard my porch, so don’t… so don’t you dare!
Don’t come up to my door, stay away don’t come near,
And don’t speak those three words… those words fill me with fear!
‘Trick or Treat!’ they cry into the night!
From the street, they fill my heart with fright!
Monsters at my door… monsters at my door…
There are monsters at my door! Chills me to the core!
They hold their bags out, pleading, commanding,
The monsters at my door… so desperately demanding!
I can’t take it anymore, all these monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
A pack of pups in little rescue vests,
A badge emblazoned on each tiny chest…
A caped crime-fighter leaps into the light,
Takes his candy, and flees into the night!
Then three fierce pop-stars rise, weapons aglow!
Their blades whirl to defeat their ev’ry foe!
Despite their charm, they cannot be denied…
Full sized Snickers to keep them satisfied!
The spiders wait for you! Do not enter! Beware!
Zombies defend my yard, so don’t… so don’t you dare!
Don’t come up to my door, stay away, don’t come near,
And don’t speak those three words… those words fill me with fear!
‘Trick or Treat!’ they cry into the night!
Can’t retreat! It fills my heart with fright!
Monsters at my door… monsters at my door…
There are monsters at my door! Chills me to the core!
They hold their bags out, pleading, commanding,
The monsters at my door… so desperately demanding!
I can’t take it anymore, all these monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
[Instrumental Break]
‘Trick or Treat!’ they cry into the night!
Smell their feet! They fill my heart with fright!
Monsters at my door… monsters at my door…
There are monsters at my door! Chills me to the core!
They hold their bags out, pleading, commanding,
The monsters at my door… so desperately demanding!
I can’t take it anymore, all these monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
‘Trick or Treat!’ they cry into the night!
Tiny feet, they fill my heart with fright!
Monsters at my door… monsters at my door…
There are monsters at my door! Chills me to the core!
They hold their bags out, pleading, commanding,
The monsters at my door… so desperately demanding!
I can’t take it anymore, all these monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
Monsters at my door!
There’s a turtle in a bandana now…
But I’m out of candy!
Terrorbyte
[Instrumental]
Midnight Static
My mind is clear, but nervous I…
Senses sharp and hearing spry,
Perceived did I a subtle voice…
A voice I heard and had no choice.
A trembling in my mind I felt,
As the static signal spelt
A modulation all too clear.
Intrepid I, no madness here!
I tuned the dial to hone in,
To better hear the voice within,
And there, so faint, so far beneath,
A signal none but I could reach!
Naught but static to all but I,
An empty hiss, a hollow cry…
But sharper, keener ears were mine!
I hear it clear, a voice malign!
Static background, an evil sound!
Malicious, wicked voice unbound!
A message sent, a cruel intent,
The midnight static malcontent!
I am not mad! Not mad am I!
Midnight static…
Midnight static…
Sharpen the gain, signal aligned,
My steady hands and steady mind…
Science, logic… not mad am I!
A clever brain and thought unblind.
I do not sleep, ignite the spark!
I will not sleep, I light the dark!
I cannot, could not sleep tonight!
I’ll reveal the ill within the night!
Static background, an evil sound!
Malicious, wicked voice unbound!
A message sent, a cruel intent,
The midnight static malcontent!
I am not mad! Not mad, am I!
Midnight Static… Have I gone mad?
I can hear it…
I can feel it…
Sta-static spirit…
I’ll reveal it…
I hear it grow…
Above… Below…
And now I know…
I know… I know… I know… I know…
I KNoOoW!!!
[Instrumental Break]
Static background, an evil sound!
Malicious, wicked voice unbound!
A message sent, a cruel intent,
The midnight static malcontent!
Static background, an evil sound!
Malicious, wicked voice unbound!
A message sent, a cruel intent,
The midnight static malcontent!
I am not mad!!! Not mad am I!
N-no-not m-ma-mad-d-d!
Not mad! (N-n-not mad am I!)
Not mad am I, not mad but sane…
I hear the static in my brain…
I am not mad…
I am NOT mad!
I am not… I can not..
I can not…
But… Have I gone mad?!
Double Feature
Double Feature!
Double Feature!
Double Feature!
‘Demonic Toys’ awake to make a bloody murder scene.
‘Re-Animator’ brings the dead alive with glowing green.
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ will do the Time Warp dance.
‘The Bride of Frankenstein’ rejects the monster’s dark romance.
In ‘Johnny Mnemonic’, a hacker dolphin cracks the code.
The cars in ‘Maximum Overdrive’ now own the open road.
‘Tron’ fights for the users on the game floor.
‘Starship Troopers’… would you like to know more?
Put on your 3D specs.
You’ll love the bad effects!
We’ll watch the creeps and creatures
At the sci-fi
Double Feature!
He drinks his Dr. Pepper, but if ‘Godzilla’ only knew
‘The American Werewolf in London’ is a Pepper too!
Audrey Two from ‘Little Shop’ eats the dentist up with glee.
I don’t know ‘bout you but he sure looked like plant food to me!
In ‘Highlander’, in the end, there can be only one,
And ‘The Toxic Avenger’ needs to get his mopping done.
Out of bubblegum and kicking asses…
See ‘They Live’ with these special sunglasses!
It’s so bad, it’s such a treat,
You won’t wanna leave your seat!
We’ll watch the creeps and creatures
At the sci-fi
Double Feature!
Double Feature!
The xenomorph in ‘Alien’ has blood made of acid,
And Betty White feeds the giant croc by ‘Lake Placid’.
As Riddick stares into ‘Pitch Black’ and declares it looks clear,
‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space’ bring cotton-candy fear!
‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’ is about resurrecting the dead.
Psychics from ‘Scanners’ just need to think to explode your head!
You can eat ‘The Stuff’, it has no drawbacks.
Congress melts in ‘Mars Attack-ack-ack-ack-acks!’
We’ll watch the creeps and creatures
At the sci-fi…
Double Feature!
Double Feature!
Double Feature!
‘Slither’, ‘Tremors’, ‘Cyborg’, ‘Street Trash’…
‘Species’, ‘Zardoz’, ‘Virus’, ‘Starcrash’…
‘Doom’, ‘Krull’, ‘Chud’, ‘The Thing’, ‘Iron Sky’…
‘Mac and Me’, ‘Class of Nuke ‘Em High’…
‘Doll Man’, ‘Lifeforce’, ‘Repo Man’…
‘Ticks’, ‘Nemesis’, ‘The Running Man’…
‘Evolution’, ‘Idiocracy’…
‘Hardware’, ‘Phantasm’, ‘Dark City’…
He-Man in ‘Masters of the Universe’ protects the Earth.
In ‘Titan A.E.’, humans prove they still have worth.
“I’ll buy that for a dollar!” says the guy in ‘RoboCop’.
The deadly ‘Blob’ is oozing down and simply will not stop.
‘The Puppet Master’ brings his tiny killers out to play.
‘Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow’ will fly away.
‘Event Horizon’ is a hellish fright.
‘The Black Hole’ swallows up the starry night.
Neon light, past midnight,
You know this is movie night!
We’ll watch the creeps and creatures
At the sci-fi
Double Feature!
Double Feature!
Double Feature!
Double Feature!
At the sci-fi
Double Feature!
At the sci-fi
Double Feature!
The Autumn Night
A time out of time
Holds still in fading light,
A whisper silent,
A shadow out of sight…
The autumn night.
I’d give a thousand years to feel this autumn chill,
Feel the crunching golden leaves, the somber night so still.
The smell of cardamom and pine lingers so faintly,
Lost within this memory.
We drift along the misty road,
Wind rushing wild through your auburn hair,
And our faces flushing in the
Cool night air!
As we race past the amber trees,
Leaves bright in the air, feel alive!
We chase the road that has no end
As we drive
Into the autumn night.
To hold you close as the autumn leaves fall like rain,
Together, become the moment and ease the pain.
The chilling wind, the warmth of you… the moment unfolds.
We become the season’s gold!
We drift along the misty road,
Wind rushing wild through your auburn hair,
And our faces flushing in the
Cool night air!
As we race past the amber trees,
Leaves bright in the air, feel alive!
We chase the road that has no end
As we drive…
[Instrumental Break]
We drift along the misty road,
Wind rushing wild through your auburn hair,
And our faces flushing in the
Cool night air!
As we race past the amber trees,
Leaves bright in the air, feel alive!
We chase the road that has no end
As we drive
Into the autumn night.
A time out of time
Holds still in fading light,
A whisper silent,
A shadow out of sight…
A time out of time
Holds still in fading light,
A whisper silent,
A shadow out of sight…
The autumn night.
(The autumn night, the autumn night)
The autumn night.
(The autumn night, the autumn night)
The autumn night.
Pass The Gravy
Aunts and uncles, in-laws, and siblings arrive,
Cousins, nieces, nephews pile in,
Ready to relax after their long, long drive.
Dog runs out to sniff at all our kin.
Barks at Uncle Bill …Oh I’m sure he knows why,
But they both know we’re all family here.
Everyone is welcome, feel free to stop by,
Come on in and have yourself a beer.
Turkey’s in the oven getting hot!
Yams and cornbread’ll hit the spot!
Have a sip of cool sweet tea.
We can’t wait to pass the gravy.
Ma and her in-law are fighting in the kitchen…
Is the meat cooked enough? Such a spat!
Bill jumps in to help, so they just yell at him.
Oh well, I guess they can agree on that.
We hope it’s ready, time to eat.
We’ve gathered ‘round and took our seats.
Turkey’s almost here, and I’ll be
Asking someone to pass the gravy.
Turkey’s out, gold and dripping!
Thankful for what we’re getting,
We hold our hands, say our prayer, and say Amen.
Bill’s loud as we knew he’d be…
Aunt Barb is sounding crazy…
Let’s all settle down now and pass the gravy.
Everybody’s stuffed and grinning,
Pie’s in the oven, dog is sitting.
Uncle Bill’s still wanting seconds… Course he does!
So, pass the gravy!
Around this table, we’re a crew.
So thankful for each other, too.
A family as we’ll ever be,
And so we smile as we
Pass the gravy!
(Hey Barb, pass that pecan pie too, would you please?)
Around this table, we’re a crew.
So thankful for each other too.
(Has anyone seen the cat?)
A family as we’ll ever be,
And so we smile as we
Pass the gravy!
(Put that down! That’s not a toy!)
Pass the gravy!
(So glad you could make it again this year.)
Pass the gravy.
I Believe
I was only a child when I first believed —
Red coat, quiet boots, a face I’d never see.
I would wake to the surprise in the morning light —
Everything had changed while I slept through the night!
Now I’m older, but I’m holding close the memory.
All the magic of that time still lives in me.
Every time I sign that name that isn’t mine,
I leave a little of that wonder behind.
Underneath the ribbon, underneath the bow,
Underneath the stories told to children long ago,
There’s something that’s true beyond what we can see
In the spirit of giving, undefined and free.
It’s the meaning behind all the holiday cheer,
And that’s why I believe, this time of year.
Strings of colored lights along the windowsill,
A candle in the dark to say we’re waiting still.
There’s so much to the wonder that I can’t explain,
An uplifting spirit that doesn’t need a name.
Maybe that’s why the season shines so bright.
It’s the light that finds the lonely in the darkest night.
Somewhere out there someone’s hoping for a sign
That the world hasn’t forgotten how to be kind.
Underneath the ribbon, underneath the bow,
Underneath the stories told to children long ago,
There’s something that’s true beyond what we can see
When we make the world brighter than it used to be.
It’s the meaning behind all the holiday cheer,
And that’s why I believe, this time of year.
Maybe it’s a story, maybe it’s a prayer,
Maybe it’s just something we made up to bear
The cold December…
But I’ve seen it moving hearts like it was real,
So what does it matter, if it’s something I can feel?
If I remember…
Just a kitchen table, just the well-worn chairs,
Just the people I love most, finally gathered there.
Long roads, late flights, a hundred miles of cold,
Just to sit beside the ones who make the dark feel less alone…
And I know I’m not the only one who understands.
All around the world, the light’s aglow in different lands.
Celebrations draw us closer as the year grows old.
The warmth in the affection pushes back the cold!
Underneath the ribbon, underneath the bow,
Underneath the stories told to children long ago,
There’s something that’s true beyond what we can see
In the deepest connection of humanity.
It’s the meaning behind all the holiday cheer,
And that’s why I believe, this time of year.
Wish List
Mistletoe all around
As the snow falls to the ground,
Colors shining gold and blue,
I need one thing before it’s through.
Your gentle voice implies
So much more is found inside,
Packaged so perfectly…
The only gift I want to see.
No toys, no woolly socks,
Just you in a yuletide box.
When the season starts to sing,
You’re the only thing!
You’re on my wish list!
(You’re on my wish list)
You’re all I want, this Christmas!
(All I want, this Christmas)
I don’t need more than this.
(Just you, just you)
You’re on my wish list.
(Wish list)
(Wish list)
The window’s frosted white,
But your laugh is warm tonight.
Oh, we’ll stay forever here,
And make our own Christmas cheer.
‘Cuz I need nothing more,
Not a thing bought from the store.
If Santa asked what I claim,
I’d point to you and call your name.
No toys, no woolly socks,
Just you in a yuletide box.
When the season starts to sing,
You’re the only thing!
You’re on my wish list!
(You’re on my wish list)
You’re all I want, this Christmas!
(All I want, this Christmas)
I don’t need more than this.
(Just you, just you)
You’re on my wish list.
(Wish list)
Ding-dong, let it snow!
Jingle bells ring out below!
Hear the laughter —
(Ho-ho-ho!)
Faster and brighter!
(Oh-oh-oh!)
Sit by the fire!
Your love’s the gift, under the tree!
Oh, you’re all I need!
(You’re on my wish list)
You’re on my wish list!
(You’re all I want, this Christmas)
All I want, this Christmas!
I don’t need more than this.
(Just you, just you)
You’re on my wish list.
(You’re on my wish list)
You’re on my wish list!
(You’re all I want, this Christmas)
All I want, this Christmas!
I don’t need more than this.
(Just you, just you)
You’re on my wish list.
(Wish list)
(Wish list)
Climbing The Christmas Tree
Boxes scrape and furniture’s askew, something’s in the air,
Strange and piney, sharp and green — I didn’t ask, and I don’t care.
Humans always rearranging, they don’t think about the cat.
Oh, they’re leaving. Peace and quiet finally, and — what is that?!
Closer now, the shiny thing — a bauble, red and round,
A sniff, a paw, a careful bat — it makes a pleasing sound.
I nudge again, then I look up, amazed at what I find…
Branches everywhere like ladders, built for paws like mine!
(…What are you doing?)
I will climb the Christmas tree… Oh, this could be the way
To spend this busy, noisy, crazy holiday.
Shiny and bright, with colored lights as far as I can see
This is where I’m meant to be… climbing the Christmas tree!
(Get out of there!)
(This is why everything’s plastic…)
Higher now, the lights are swaying, red and gold and blue,
Every branch reveals another toy, shiny and new.
One swat sends them tumbling — oops — and now they’re mine to keep,
And I just keep on climbing, even though it’s getting steep.
(Was that really necessary?)
Climbing up the Christmas tree… It’s my new favorite way
To spend this busy, noisy, crazy holiday.
Shiny and bright, with colored lights as far as I can see
This is where I’m meant to be… climbing the Christmas tree!
Swaying, creaking — looking up — right at the top, it shines…
The final goal — the biggest prize — it’s pointy, gold, and mine!
Shaky now — the branches thin — this close I can’t turn back!
My claws extend, but there’s no tree — just plastic, and then a crack…
(Uh-oh! There he goes!)
Landed soft — of course I did, I planned it all along…
That tree was clearly unstable; my climbing skills were strong!
Trophies scattered all around me, gathered from the fight,
Soft beneath, and overhead, a roof of branches, glowing bright.
Warm and snug, and all for me — I’ve earned this little nest,
Found my spot beneath the tree… and now, I think, I’ll rest.
I have claimed the Christmas tree… it’s mine, you know it’s true,
Though I suppose I’ll let you think it’s still for you.
Fuzzy and warm, sheltered from harm, with new toys just for me!
This is where I’m meant to be… under the Christmas tree.
(He looks so cute under there!)
(…We should put a bow on him!)
Snow Globe
All the lights are lit and the stockings hung with care.
These family visits are too much for me to bear.
The shops all blare their endless carols every day,
As I cringe and tremble, longing for New Years Day.
The cat is screeching from inside the Christmas tree,
Aunts and in-laws everywhere who won’t let me be,
And the kids, all the kids, are screaming out their lungs…
There’s too much noise. I want it over with. I’m done.
Just put me inside a snow globe,
Far away from all the noise!
I’ll be safe within a snow globe,
While the kids unwrap their toys.
So leave me inside a snow globe,
Alone inside
My place to hide,
Inside my snow globe.
The family sings the carols like a flock of ducks.
Not the same carol, no, but all of them at once!
Endless singing, the lights too bright, and too much cheer.
Wish me a merry Christmas far away from here.
Deck the halls! The family shouts — (Fa-la-la!)
The chorus screams, the dog runs out — (Fa-la-la!)
The tree lights strobe, leave me alone — (La la la la la!)
Cheers and laughing… mind is snapping… (fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!)
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-Aaahh!!!
Just put me inside a snow globe.
I’ll be safe within a snow globe.
So leave me inside a snow globe.
Alone inside
My place to hide,
Inside my snow globe.
Just shrink me down and seal me tight in glass and snow,
Where all the lights are dimmed and embers gently glow.
I’ll watch the world in miniature, calm and still,
No crowds, no noise, just quiet snow upon the sill.
Just put me inside my snow globe,
Far away from all the noise.
I’ll be safe within my snow globe,
While the kids unwrap their toys.
So leave me inside my snow globe.
Alone inside
My place to hide,
Inside my…
Oh, leave me inside my snow globe,
Secure in my solitude!
I’ll be safe within my snow globe…
Don’t forget to send me food,
While I’m tucked inside my snow globe!
Inside my snow globe,
Inside my snow globe,
Inside my snow globe.
Inside my snow globe.
Where I’ll…
Be left…
Alone…
Revolutions
[Instrumental]
Turn Around
Standing still as the new year turns,
Breath held soft while I discern,
The moment’s meaning, now I know,
Is ‘tween the frozen flakes of snow,
And I turn to see…
The year behind me slips away,
Fates lost, saved for another day.
I see myself a year ago,
Looking back with regret, although
‘Round he turns to see…
Turn around and see yourself.
Turn away, become something else.
Turn around, take in the view.
The future’s yours. The year is new.
Likewise I turn to what’s ahead,
A road uncertain I must tread,
But at the end I meet my gaze…
A friendly face that knows the way.
But does he see me?
Myself and I colliding now…
We see our paths, not knowing how.
Facing forward, my mind is set.
I’ll walk my path. There is hope yet.
And I turn and see…
Turn around, you see yourself.
Turn away, become something else.
Turn around, take in the view.
The future’s yours. The year is new.
[Instrumental Break]
Turn around, you see yourself.
Turn away, become something else.
Turn around, take in the view.
The future’s yours. The year is new.
(Turn around) …And see.
(Turn around) …And see.
(Turn around) …And see.
(Turn around) …Turn around.