Moment in the Sun

Released JUNE 25th, 2026

Moment in the Sun is the perfect soundtrack to the audiobook by the same name. Praised by Earmilk, AmericanaUK, NPR, the Hollywood Times, and MANY more, Moment in the Sun showcases “Matt’s resonant, sometimes mellow, sometimes soaring voice (At The Barrier).”

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You pick your poison, I’ve got mine
Could be religion, drugs and sex or wasting time
Now poets shout Go Go Go, Howl and Cry
And be just like Kerouac and pass the wine
Let’s all be like Jack Kerouac and pass the wine

So please, pass that the old jug of wine
Pass whatever makes you shine
As if it could be the last time
Won’t you, pass that old ju-hug of wine!

Like Papa Hemingway on holiday in Spain
Engulfed in siesta through the pouring rain
To drown the dink of loves lost hurt and pain
Shot from a boda bag into his vein
Wine, shot from a boda bag into his vein

We’re all gonna die
That’s just life
But in the meantime
Won’t you pass that wine

The improvised the beat and the sway
The jazz of life that signals the way
Once a roaring writer forced to the fray
He was a poor son-of-a-bitch on his dying day
We’re all poor-sons-a-bitches on our dying day

Every generation, a new path
Face the future, mind the past

In another life I was a writer that’s true
Who may have penned an unknown novel or two
But now you hear me singing a different tune
Was too damn lonesome writing my story for you
Too much heartbreak in a girl like you
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Oh Angela, when schools up,
No more following their rules
Some lessons rough, but look above
the trees are all in bloom.
Don’t ever let them bring you down.
The same kind of people laughed at the world being round
Let them say we got stars in our eyes
but those too scared to dream just criticize
The railroad tracks, the shortcut back
Past the drive in picture show
With our hands clasped, sprint the bridge over the gap,
hearts racing like the river below
Don’t ever let them bring you down.
The same kind of people laughed at the world being round
they say that we got stars in our eyes
but those too scared to dream just criticize
Oh Angela, don’t wannna leave yah
Let’s dream away this afternoon.
Oh Angela, I’ve got an idea
Let’s walk together least till June
Her joy, was not like the rest
No dreams of fame or fancy dress
Loves a boy, who looks like James Dean
In knock off shades & second hand jeans

She loves cafes, surrounded by books
She loves her heroes, for the chances they took
Sky for days, down that road out of town
The holidays here, get me down

Wallflowers, grow tall
New horizons, they call
Wildflowers, roam free
Coal to diamonds, you’ll see

He looks for signs in the stars
And melodies in pawn shop guitars
His best friend’s his old corvette
The engine’s dead, but he ain’t done yet

Wallflowers, grow tall
New horizons, they call
Wildflowers, roam free
Coal to diamonds, you’ll see

Hey, if we don’t go
Today, we’ll never know
Hey, if we don’t go
Today, we’ll never know

We were made, for more than this
Here lies a grave, but there lies a wish
To change our fate, then dreams become
And radiate, just like the sun
And to the sun, come on let’s run

Wide open days, wide open skies
The dream you made, right before your eyes
Come on come on
Wallflowers, it’s time to roam Wildflowers
Wide open days, wide open skies
The dream you made, right before your eyes
Come on come on
Wallflowers the world’s your home Wildflowers
Ah ah, oh oh
I felt the pull and didn’t question why
We are all gold and rivers deep and wide
I tried to ignore but your smile did hook
Asking for more every step that we took
Would you follow me down could you make me a home
From these roads that I’ve found and these dreams that I’ve known
Could you find me again if I slipped away
If I was caught in the wind and I wanted to stay
Cuz you make me…
Alive, alive and home
And you’re taking me…
High, higher and home
If we kept it simple, if we kept it light
If I held you closely but not too tight
We’d forget our hunger, forget all our pain
To dream and wonder and never age again
If dew dripped salty down your face
I’d catch them all and hold them in place
If there was ever a question about love
We’d shout together to the heaves above.
We are all the same just with different names
We are all the same no one else to blame
Champagne eyes rain down on me
Drown out the lies so I may see
I traded it all, all for love
I did not fall, no I’m standing above
I traded it all, it all, it all for love
Early in the evening, as the sun’s sinking low
She takes my hand, leads me to go
Sweet lady, Gypsy Queen
Take me to the river and wash me clean

Then eye to eye with the stars up above
She laid me down and wrapped me in love
Brown eyed baby, gypsy queen
How I long to be the song you sing
Lye-Li-Lye-La, gypsy queen
Is all we see, some familiar scene

In the brush hear the crickets hush
Without a sound, our souls are bound
On the wind hear her song begin
Secrets sung, hearts are won

Deep in the arms of midnight
She lays beside me, and holds me tight
I’m lost in love and she’s fast asleep
Now I’ve forgotten, what promises to keep

Sweet lady gypsy queen
So much unknown and unseen
Brown eyed baby gypsy queen
What will tomorrow bring
The world is waiting
So step outside
No hesitating
It’s a big bright sky
All of your life
You’ve waited for this
The moment is right
You’ve got your wish

Not even the wind can stop me now
As long as my feet are on the ground
Not even the wind can stop me now
I’m drifting further from the crowd
Not even the wind can stop me now.

Sun on your back
Blue skies before
There’s nothing you lack
Not anymore
Be swift be brave
And never behave
Believe in yes
I guess you’ll dance to your grave.

Nothing can stop me
As long as I believe
Nothing can stop (Your love, your love)
As long as I believe (Is one love, one love)
A strong wind can never stay
But while it’s here I get blown away
And now I’m getting over myself
And it’s the greatest feeling I’ve felt

You get lost in the nighttime sky
Searching for the reasons why
And are you getting over yourself
Cuz it’s the greatest feeling you’re felt

Once it’s lost, can’t be saved
Whatever the cost must be paid

And are you getting over yourself
Cuz it’s the greatest feeling you’re felt

The short cuts I’ve left behind
This time around I’m beginning to find
That I’m getting over myself
And it’s the greatest feeling I’ve felt

With each step I’m looking for your
I’m wondering if you’re looking for me too
And are you getting over yourself
Cuz it’s the greatest feeling you’ve felt

Music, music in my soul
Keeps the heart from turning cold
Music, music in your soul
Eases the pain of growing old
And are you getting over yourself
Cuz it’s the greatest feeling you’re felt
Do do do do, do do do do do do
Da da do, do do do-oh
Da da do, do do do-oh

The mountains no they don’t care
How you found your way up here
They just roll, like a lazy river stroll
That holy high country breeze
Dancing through those aspen leaves
They make them roll, from the spring until the snow

Stone me sweet mystery
Is this real or am I asleep
Oh I don’t know, so I just roll

Now why did it take me so long
To follow mother nature’s song
She calls my soul, and my love grows
Now high atop this rocky world
The simple life unfurls
And it just rolls, like the tall grass bends and folds

Stone me Colorado sky
It’s the sweet rocky mountain high that calls me home
So I just roll…yes you did, you…

Just above the timber line
Backpack is full but not the mind
It let’s go, oh how it rolls

Stone me in your red rocks
Under your starlit sky where heaven rocks and rolls
Better than gold
Stone me sweet mystery
Is this real or am I asleep
Oh I don’t know, so I just roll
Stone me Colorado sky
It’s the sweet rocky mountain high that calls me home
So I just roll… welcome home
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Your skinny legs so tan.
Carried you far across this land
Now your youth never meant to last
This harvest too, shall pass
But Babe, come ease your mind.
Let idleness unwind.

So Ramble, My Rose
It’s a Gamble, but my love grows
So Ramble, my Rose
Whichever way the wind blows.

Your painted hand in mine
barefoot walking back in time
Morning Glories by the mountain stream.
Offer up their lazy dream.
So we swayed to the lullaby.
Sung from that old magpie.

Now I don’t mind
If we’re just wasting time
Cuz when u are by my side
Steady she goes and light
So lets waste some time together
In this moment is forever

Love at all costs, my chips are all in.
If you never play, how can you win?

A mischievous smile and a long embrace
Signals your season’s changing state.
But what is time but moments shared?
So share this love and leave nothing spared.
And yet I’ll hate to see you go
My very own Ramblin Rose
My very own Ramblin Rose
Never Knowing which she rolls
These mountains roll on down
Into this angel town
And further south you see
The lazy beach communities
Drive highway one up north
The attitude of a different sort
Frisco with her fog and bay
The sights so sweet, I think I’ll stay

Come follow me
Where the sky meets the sea
California on my mind
There’s no rain just warm sunshine
The ocean breeze makes us feel fine
With California on your mind
That’s California on your mind

City lights hypnotize
So do California skies
Redwoods cliff rocks and wine
Desert air campfires feel fine
Hit the mountain slopes and snow
Famous people wherever you go
Catch a wave at sunrise
In California it’s no surprise

Could it be you
Pinch me if it’s true
Open arms you took me in
I’m in love again
California
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There ain’t nothing like the road
Forget all you been told  
Ain't nothing like the road
Where the sinners all are saved
And the good dreams all are made
There Ain't nothing like the road
There's some old friends, I've gotta see
And a sweet girl, named Miss Emily
Now, I don't know what I'll do when I'm there 
But the timing is right, that's oh so clear  
Cuz there ain't nothing like the road  
All your troubles, they fade away 
When those wheels hit the highway  
You soon find you've got nowhere to be  
So you're making new friends from all the strangers you see
Cuz there ain't nothing like the road   
I'm sorry I've been gone
And its been so long 
Aut I must be on my way  
To that old highway  
It's all I've known  
It's how I've grown  
I've given it flesh and bone

Listen

Down the Road

Released July 10, 2010

Down The Road is a major key driven fun and upbeat folk pop record. It was nominated for album of the year by the LA Music Awards and was a featured favorite on Jambands.com. The making of the album was also featured in his award winning film VW Bus Tour: Americana Bohemia and also served as the soundtrack for the film.

Frayed blue jeans 
springtime sun
One way to move me
baby you are the one
you are the one
hand in a pocket
an arm around you
lean close and you’re rockin
I love those things that you do
I’ll do them too, just for you
She laughs, I laugh
I sing, she dance
Falls in, my arms
I hold, her strong
Her kisses sweet
Can’t find my feet
If ever I’m not by your side
I promise to follow close behind
Hips swaying  blue eyes
Never lived a day
'Til under your sky
I feel alive, under your sky
A country meadow
Red wine  If there’s no heaven
I’ll take this time, for all time
That’d be fine, I’ll take this time
Frayed blue jeans
Flower in your hair
Your smile soft and sweet
Shines everywhere
Without a care, you shine everywhere  
We walk together
Down the lane
Into forever
Where we forget out names
we forget our names
It’s all the same
we don’t need a name

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If God made the rain, then you made the sunshine 
If you stole all my time, that’d be just fine  
There’s no secret here, I’m losing control 
If I gave you my heart, would you take all my soul 
Oh no, hair shimmering gold  

Forces unseen 
Swimming underneath  

Kick off them heels, and down that whiskey
Let the bottle bust, down at our feet
Bare feet dance, without a cut
Drunk fumes in the air, holding us up 
Sweat bleeds, arms swinging free  

This night, so right 
Moonlight, in your eyes
Footprints, fingertips
Fronts steps, whiskey breath
Fumbling, falling
Screen door, to the wooden floor 
Windowsill, I’m holding you 
Blue jeans, bracelets and rings
Entangling, entangling  

Grab that bottle of whiskey
Bring it right over to me 
I’ll have more than a shot 
Babe I’ll take everything you’ve got
I’ll surely die in my dreams 
Unless you rescue me
I can see it in your eyes 
You can run but you can’t hide
Whiskey one, two, and three 
Whiskey for when you’ll be missing me  
We’re staying up ‘til the sunrise
We’re feeling good we’re feeling alright
So take your love and let it shine 
I love your soul I love your kind
Fallin, fallin faster 
Fallin, to the floor
Fallin, fallin faster 
‘Cuz you’re given me, so much more  

A crush has come over me 
I’m inside of her and I can’t speak
She’s inside and I’m so weak 
She’s deciding when we will peak 
Oh, I lose control and I’m - Fallin

I’m following ‘cuz you take me there
Untouchable but I touch you here
May last three hours but I don’t care 
'Cuz I can last baby I’m not scared 
Oh, she’s got my soul and I’m – Fallin

You lick your lips and I close my eyes 
About to let it all unwind 
We’re testing out the ultimate crime
When we’re together there is no time
Ah, she’s got it all, yeah she’s got my soul, and we lose control and we’re – fallin

I wonder if there will be
A world left when we’re through
As far as I can see 
The only one left here is you  ‘cuz we’re - fallin
Gold diamond spreads her wealth
From the sky above
To all these seeds floating around 
Searching for love 
I hear the wind calling your name 
Calling to me 
Do you hear the same
From across the sea  

Well sha na na nah 
Come with me to stay 
Oh la la 
On a lazy day

If you don’t take the time 
Then you don’t know (you don’t know)
Search for years but love is blind (love is love is blind) 

Like the breeze that blows  
The first time I held you close 
I swore you were my twin 
With the top down of course
We took a little spin 
Radio blasting
How do you do
Feet stomp hands clapping
Hallelujah  

I shout down to the streets below
Ain’t life so sweet
Nobody’s saying but everyone knows The same as me 
Glass jugs full of wine 
And all of our friends 
Caravan to the countryside 
Where the river bends 
Campfire crackling glowing
Into the night
Trade your guitar for a woman
And hold her tight
We’ve got to leave the East Coast before we get old 
We’re heading out west with two pockets full of gold 
Those are just pockets full of dreams you say
But we’ve got nothing left to lose we’re heading west today

So we 
We’ll be passing through Ohio 
We’re just a band on the run 
Looking for some girls and fun  

Well Billy got married
And Bobby went to Jail 
We picked up Jimmy on the freeway 
And I fell asleep at the wheel  

So we, never made it through Ohio 
No we, never even left Ohio

Billy fell in love with a checkout clerk 
Bobby got caught robbing a bank, what a jerk
Jimmy lived the life of a hippie hitchhiker’s way 
And I’m a narcoleptic, I fell asleep that…  

We never did see Kerouac out on the road
Inspired I wrote a screenplay but it never got sold
‘Cuz we never made it out to the West Coast 
And this song is all that I’ve got left to boast  

I never thought the city was tough
But, now in the country I found me so much love
And, wide open spaces and places to play
As for the West Coast we’ll see you some other day
They say the East makes you hard 
The West makes you soft 
But we got stuck between the two
I guess we just got lost
I’m not afraid to speak my mind 
I want to take you home tonight
Come and get your fill, I’m gonna get my too 
Do what it is that you want to do
You point your finger and call me over
I really want to get to know her 
No I don’t want another number 
I just want to make love to you girl

I don’t want to say goodbye 
So do you feel like getting high 
There’s so many things that we could do 
So do you feel like making love too I know that I do I do  

Your friend has gone and it’s last call  
You’re running out of reasons to stall
You say you’ve got rules you play by 
But I’m not like any other guy 
Come and take my hand and take a chance 
I know you want to get up and dance
You’ve got nothing to be shy about
Don’t you want something you can shout about
I know that I do I do  

Won’t you take a look inside 
Maybe you’ll soon realize You feel just like I do
So do you feel like making love too I know that I do I do  

You step in and I shut the door 
Two more seconds and we hit the floor  

You’ve got to finish what you started
Even if it’s more than you bargained for
Relax and let’s begin 
Close your eyes it’s just a little sin  

I’m just a dog with my tail between my feet
I’m on the floor I’m beggin please 
Or are you just a little tease
I want to get inside find out what you’re all about
I just want to make you shout
When work has got you feeling
feeling down 
And you’re sick and tired of all of this 
running around 
You’ve got an aching in your stomach 
but it’s higher than you think 
You’re looking out for any girl  to give you a wink  
But the days slip to years
and they roll on 
You can’t get out of your head 
just where you went wrong
Then one day like a summer’s breeze
she floats by You double take, there’s no mistake
you can’t believe your eye  

Is it a crush 
I don’t think so
I’m calling it love, love, love
Is it a crush
I don’t think so
I’m calling it love, love, love

You go out on a Tuesday
for beers and a show 
You don’t want to ask her
so how will you know 
She’s sitting right next to you 
with eyes straight ahead
You hold her hand inside of yours
she’s more than a friend
But is it a crush –  

Now you find she’s always
on your mind
And every night you ask her,
“Girl, is it your place or mine?”
The morning comes too soon
and you go your separate ways 
Then you meet up for lunch
to sneak away and play 
Now is that a crush –  

I’m in heaven
and I thought you should know (you should know)
I’ve got it so bad, girl, I hate it when you go (don’t go)
I’d like to take your smile, put it in my pocket
(your smile) 
So I could have it on-call, like a doctor 
You’re the doctor of my daydreaming world.
I’m caught in a daydream
I know I fade away I live in a fantasy world
It just seems easier that way
You can catch my whisper
I hum it often enough Diagnosed as a loner 
I’m humming to my own beat.

Well every place I go
It seems like I miss the show 
And every time I leave 
I get these feelings of insecurity  

Well you probably guessed it
 I left all the clues 
This one completely reveals me
 We all try on different shoes  
We live in a matrix 
A maze of delusional views
Center stage spending days
The spotlights on now you must choose  

So if you’re caught in a daydream
Just’a keep paddling on 
You may never find what you’re looking for
but the journey’s never done

So daydream 
And maybe 
I’ll be
free
I met a girl from New Orleans
Baton Rouge or Metairie 
Took her back Ohio way
We made love to a summer’s day
We got a little drunk we got a little high  
We started talking about the stars in the sky
And how we’d like to be
Swimming in the deep blue sea
Of clouds that were a floating by
Was it you or was it I 
To thread the needle of your life
Could you be my bride  

But down the road (down the road) 
We’ve got a long way to go (a way to go)
I know you love me (love me) 
But that’s the way it’s gotta be  
‘Cuz down the road (down the road)
You may never know (you never know) 
In dreams of you 
Are visions of, visions of, visions of the truth

I never had this hard of time
But these dreams of you running through my mind 
I asked you not to say goodbye 
My my my, how the time does fly 
Well pack it up and heading out again
Could have been my biggest sin
But when I saw the sun arising 
Saw our love on the new horizon  

Sometimes I dream out loud
Sometimes I talk in my sleep 
Sometimes I am not proud 
Of what I believe 
But there is still hope for me 
As long as the moon shakes the sea
Never give in 
Someday you may win.
Have you heard of a thing called life 
If you’ve forgotten you’re gonna learn it twice
You’re bound to travel many miles 
And if you’re lucky you get to wear a smile
Let go of all your pain and strife 
And just remember, it’s just a thing called life

A kid skipping stones on a stream 
Flying through his head  all kinds of crazy dreams 
He stops a robber and he slays a dragon 
Saves a princess from a flooding canyon 
That boy lives in a fantasy, he ain’t quite right
Ah, come on mom and dad it’s just a thing called life  

He’s on a bus, heading west 
With the new sun arising  he forgets about the mess 
That he left back home
I won’t turn back he says, "It’s me they’ve never known." 
A girl with flowers in her hair, now that be nice
But don’t you worry none,  it’s just a thing called life

He steps into the city and the big bright lights 
Some call this home but he ain’t sure tonight
He takes his one bag,  checks into a cheap motel Wondering where all his friends went,  I guess it’s just as well 
Over his bed hangs a crucifix with Christ
Whatever gets you by man, it’s just a thing called life  

He’s got a girl now, but no flowers yet 
He ain’t giving up hope, no,  on this you can bet 
An agreeable arrangement, sad but true  
Sometimes you’ve just got to do, what you can do
Every answer has an equal price
But nothing’s wrong or right, it’s just a thing called life  

Now some indulge some laugh it off (ha ha)
Some believe, some carry the cross
Some love some dream  some commit the crime 
It is what it is you may feel like you’re doing time
Just don’t forget to take a bite
‘Cuz there it goes again, just a thing called life

Listen

Gypsy

Released May 1, 2012

Gypsy became known as "The Barter Album" as Matt traded his 1972 mustang convertible to the studio owner to cover the recording costs. The mustang started its life as a rusty heap that Palka lovingly restored for three years prior to the album’s creation. It was recorded all analog and also includes live string and horn arrangements. Reminiscent of 70s Van Morrison baked in folk pop sunshine, Gypsy makes you want to hit the road with the stereo blasting.

Here comes the sun 
the music played
and this one forever changed
now I feel it all
all around me
I see you all  and I believe 
Yeah yeah yeah yeah  

You got love (oh don't you know it)
You got love (but you can't hold it)
You got love (you better show it)
If love is all we need  then I'll believe in this dream

Now the caravan 
stopped by my home 
so I packed my bag and I hit the road
what lies ahead
no one can guess
the past is dead
so I'll do my best
Yeah yeah yeah yeah  

You got love (oh don't you know it)
You got love (but you can't hold it)
You got love (you better show it)
If love is all we need, I will shout, I will sing  

I am alive 
for the first time
here comes the sunshine 
like your love and mine

Now I lost my way 
and I lost my time 
Finally
Lord I feel just fine 
oh that magic feeling
comes slipping through
first time I heard the music 
first time that I met you

I said, woah, oh, there you go 
Come on and hit me like some rock n roll 
I said, woah, oh, daddy’o 
now you hit me like a domino
I said woah oh there you go 
come on and hit me like some rock n roll 
There you go, now you know
Item description
God damn you dressed so fine 
Your arms stretched into the night 
With braided locks and lips that curl 
Shake them hips come on shake it girl
For seven days and seven nights
These thoughts of you and the rest of my life 
I dreamed you whispered in my ear
I’ll be your one and only dear
Cuz I know your secret
Snuck in when you were dreaming 
It hasn’t changed that much 
And I still haven’t lost my touch
Cuz I know your secret
I found your secret
The same as before

I’m lost for words what a beautiful mess
Starts with your boots and then the rest
Lets let a scratchy record play 
And get down some old fashioned way 
Creaking floors cracked window pains
After tonight it won’t be the same 
Whispers the breeze through them old pine trees
Forget all reason do as you please  

Cuz I know your secret...

She's the school girl
in the short skirt 
acting like she don' t know 
smiling looking good 
she'll take a young boy
make him a man
break his heart
just to mend it back again
Summer's in bloom
I climb the window to your room 
Sweet honey to my soul
to the tall grass we go 
with song in the air 
the clouds they disappear
Now this music man
baby he's got a plan  
Oh oh, yeah

Sweet baby calls me to tell me she's mine
(ain't nothing sweeter than her wine) 
She sings with the band in the summertime 
(ain't nothing sweeter than her wine) 
A barefoot dancer in the warm sunshine
(ain't nothing sweeter than her wine)

I'm lost in the way 
how my wildflower sways
and I haven't a care 
alive in this country air
cuz we already know 
we made that promise long ago 
to be wild and free
like the wind like the sky like the sea

Sweet baby calls me to tell me she's mine 
(ain't nothing sweeter than her wine) ...

Gypsy come with me
the water's cool and clean 
your eyes sparkle brown and green
lets dive into the unseen
Losing steam 
This busted dream 
The weight’s getting heavy 
Static sight
Into the arms of the night
Just hold that wheel steady
The words she said 
Are in your head 
“You’re good at being alone.” 
Endless miles
And strangers’ smiles 
Ain’t no cure, no cure for lonely…  

You’ve got gypsy in your soul
And a heart that leads you to the road 
If the years leave you feeling cold 
When you find that woman don’t you let her go-
don’t you let her go,
She’s the gypsy in your soul

California
I used to know you
Those sunny days so sweet
But back East
Not in the least
Old friends to make and meet  
Out with dawn 
To sing your song
The roads are long and many 
Head for the coast  
Loves you the most 
But sweet Jenny, she’s waiting and ready…  

Miles and years 
Looking over our shoulders
Fight those fears for another day
Wipe those tears
The worst is over
Don’t you walk away
Don’t you walk away…

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Who knows how long
I have waited for you
so won't you come see me
here in California
where I've got sand in my hair
and a sunburn everywhere 
yeah, we've got everything 
except for you that's what's missing  

Where did love go 
she goes high and I go low
where did love go
she asks why and I don't know
where did love go 
she says it's fine but I don't think so
where did love go

Does your hair hang low
like so long ago 
me I haven't changed
a head in the clouds above the rain
I hope you can see 
everybody needs a dream 
I only answered you with yes 
what is it dear, I will confess  

Where did love go...  

Leave tonight
all my life 
I have waited for you
and a love that's true  

where did love go

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Everything's gonna be alright
With your friends by your side 
Everything's gonna be alright
Full of love full of life
Every step we take 
sure there's mistakes
but this I know 
Love will guide us home...in time.  

You're never alone
we're always here 
wherever you go 
this I've got to make clear
You and me
we've got one another 
can't you see 
you're my sister...and brother

Everything's gonna be alright...  

Love is the way
that's all I know
that isn't to say
I've found my home
we all need a friend
to lean on 
so lets look ahead
won't you help me sing...this song

Everything's gonna be alright...  

Everything's gonna be alright
fill the darkness full of light 
love will lead us through the night
everything's gonna be alright
I've been a stone
Rolling down this road
it's been so cold 
With nowhere to call home 
I ramble on 
Wherever I choose
I sing my song 
So tell me how could I lose  

Oh the sun will always shine for you 
Barefoot babe and blue sky too 
Oh the sun will always shine for you 
The less I dance the more you do 
The sun will always...shine  

I want to be 
Where the sun's shinning down on me 
I'll take you there 
There's not a moment left to spare 
Come on let's go 
I'll tell you everything I know 
We'll make it through 
A lot of me but mostly you  

Oh the sun will always shine for you...  

When the sun goes down
And we head out of town 
Wherever we go
I hope you follow
But in the mean time 
Give us sunshine

I love the sunshine (it's your's & it's mine)
I love the sunshine (let it shine, let it shine)
I love the sunshine (we're sure feeling fine)
I love the sunshine (in the sunshine)
I’m just a school boy
Chasing that school girl 
And it’s a simple joy
She got me, she got me running all over the world 
Now I don’t mind
Tell me what would I do with time
But get on that bike and go
The road, the road’s the only way I’ve ever known…  

One of these days, I’ll grow up 
One of these days, if I’m lucky enough 
One of these days, I’ll get back to you 
One of these days, you know I’d like to 
One of these days, oh oh  

Now these better days
I’d like to think they’re here to stay
And come what may 
Don’t ignore me, I adore you, like to see more of you 
And it seems to me
All we need to do is dream 
And in dreams we’ll be 
Unbreakable, unstoppable, forever young and free…

The door’s wide open, for the first time 
You were, always hoping, you would read the signs
Now your, path is chosen, what you seek you’ll find… 
but in the meantime…

When that train slows 
To that last stop
And it’s time to go 
You feel, you feel your sinking, like a rock
But all those friends you’ve made 
And all the joy you gave
And everybody knows 
You’re a stone, that’s made to roam, and now you’re heading home
But one of these days…

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Nature’s son 
Lost one 
We’re waiting for you when you come
Pretty dancer
You should ask her 
"Will you help me catch the sun?"

Blue jeans
Sweet dreams
Are all that I need 
She knows 
And you know
Still it hurts to go

Brown eyes 
Can’t deny
They hate to see you go
But blue skies  
Are on the rise 
We wish you good luck on the road  

Blue jeans 
Sweet dreams ...

Days go by one by one
I’m still chasing the setting sun
Nights slip by two by two 
Nobody knows what’s happened to you 
Years march three by three 
Into the mist and out to sea
Love grows ten by ten 
But love is lost if not shared my friend

My my, love, gotta share all my
My my, love, where is my   

Music in my soul, where it leads I follow 
Music in my soul, I don’t know where I’m going, no-oh
Since forever and a day 
I knew it to be true 
the world was standing in the way 
but there was nothing it could do 
secret signs revealing 
every step that I would take
silenced by the feeling
it was all at stake

well yes it is 
yes it is
The dream will live
The dream will live 
you know it's true 
so sing it too 
the dream will live  

the dream you were dreaming  
mirrored that of mine
in a world of unbelieving
it would take a little time
so you locked them all away
to keep them safe inside 
awaiting for the day
I would come to your side  

well yes i did
yes I did
the dream will live...  

oh, my love
easy, slow
oh, my love, don't you know
the dream will live
on this love we give
the dream will live

and I will not profane you
by crying out your name
but you will know what to do
all the same  

Yes you will
the dream is real
the dream is real...  

Oh, my love
forgive me so
Oh, my love
I need you so

the dream will live
on this love we give 
the dream will live

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Listen

Stealing Home

Released 2016

American Songwriter raved, “He’s a visceral and committed singer, and a songwriter of real range and singular expression. Palka, as we know, has spent a lot of time on the road, and those journeys have led to beautifully developed and inventive songs of hope. Long may he ride!” Stealing Home takes us on a musical journey from fully produced power pop, to island rock, roots rock and finally stripped down folk with all of Palka’s influences wrapped in an Americana glow.

Little leagues and younger days
And dreams of making the show
The road has led me far away
But still those dreams I hold
Every spring I’d train, through the wind and rain
Cleats caked in mud
Overcame the pain like a hurricane
I did it all for the love
Where did all our heroes ever go
You never see nobody stealing home
From town to town and coast to coast we roam
But if given the chance I’m stealing home
Came to town just a walking on
Looking for work and pay
Most of my life I got it wrong
This time I was ready to play
Give me a shot let me show you what I’ve got
And I stepped to the stage
It was hot but my fears forgot
So I wrote a new page
And in the darkest night you’ll feel you’ve lost your way
When every answer seems to lead you far from home
Can’t trust the safe advice from those who always stay
When the wind blows, you’ll know, it’s time to go
It’s time for-
Stealing stealing home (All I’ve ever wanted)
Stealing stealing home (All I’ve ever known)

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We need a little break
Right now there’s too much at stake
Read the words from my mouth
I want to head south

We could put the top down
No one would know that we’re around
We could just slip away
Let’s leave for Mexico today

Tino, let’s go
To a little place called Mexico
Yes, yes, yes we’re going home
To a little place called Mexico

We made it across the border
There’s just one thing to order
Let’s get bit by the tequila worm
I know it’s going to make your stomach squirm

The dusty streets are filled with joy
We bumped into a young Mexican boy
We gave him money and he told us a joke
Now we’ve got ourselves something to smoke

Tino, let’s go
To a little place called Mexico
Yes, yes, yes we’re going home
To a little place called Mexico

We’re in the land where time they don’t keep
We’ll send you postcards when we can think
Mañana, Mañana
There’s no worries today
I’m worn down to the bone
I best get walking
Thrown out like fools gold
Ain’t worth a dime

I’ve got dreams I don’t talk about
A worried mind all alone
I’ve got fears and a world of doubt
Troubled times no one knows

Ain’t got nowhere to go
But fate came knocking
Luck has run out cold
Before my prime

You give me reasons
I don’t believe ‘em
I’ll never understand why
Too many questions
That leave me guessing
How could I be fine?

Everybody knows
I hear them talking
I guess somebody told
No peace I find

Worn down to the bone
I best get walking
Thrown out like fools gold
Ain’t worth a dime

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It will always be about a girl
In time you’ll see about a girl
Endlessly searching for a lover
Would you take it or leave it and run for cover
No matter what you believe in the world
It will always be about a girl

Give me your touch, give me your love
I need it so much, send it from up above
It’s what you do, that blows me away
Too good to be true, I’ll believe anyway

She once said to me sharing is caring
Then she proved to me this understanding
Oh, I’ll never be free without a girl
Anyone you see, no just this one girl
Oh, I need to believe she’ll be my true lover
Will she wait and see what’s here to discover

You like to pretend, you don’t care
Is there no end, you just smile and stare
I’ll run til I drop, so do what you please
No please make it stop and put me at ease

Give me give me what I need
Your touch your touch is what I need
Give me give me what I need
Your love your love is what I mean
Give me love give me, give me love
Give me love give me all of your love

I would crawl through the fiery gates of hell
I would give you my life, my soul I would sell
I would search through the endless stars up above
Only if only if for a piece of your love
For love, yeah he-yeah,
For, your, love
We’ve got to leave the East Coast before we get old
We’re heading out West with two pockets full of gold
Those are just pockets full of dreams you say
But we’ve got nothing left to lose we’re heading west today

So we...We’ll be passing through Ohio
We’re just a band on the run, looking for some girls and fun

Well Billy got married
And Bobby went to jail
We picked up Jimmy on the freeway
And I fell asleep at the wheel

So we, never made it through Ohio
No we, never even left Ohio

Billy fell in love with a checkout clerk
Bobby got caught robbing a bank, what a jerk
Jimmy lived the life of a hippie hitchhiker’s way
And I’m a narcoleptic, I fell asleep that...

So we, never made it through Ohio
No we, never even left Ohio

We never did see Kerouac out on the road
Inspired I wrote a screenplay but it never got sold
‘Cuz we never made it out to the West Coast
And this song is all that I’ve got left to boast

I never thought the city was tough
But, now in the country I found me so much love
And, wide open spaces and places to play
As for the West Coast we’ll see you some other day

Cuz we, never made it through Ohio
No we, never even left Ohio

They say the East makes you hard
The West makes you soft
But we got stuck between the two
I guess we just got lost
I believe - I believe in you believe in me
Money - Who needs it when love is free
I can - I can make a change I can make a stand
For this love - This love is all that I am

Love, (Don’t fight it)
You’ve got the love inside so don’t you hide it
Love (Don’t fight it)
I will stand up proud and I will shout it
Love (Don’t fight it)
I will share what’s mine like the sun that’s shining
For love

Yes, Yes, Yes - Here’s all my love here’s all my best
I confess - Never felt more alive never been so blessed
Take my hand - Lead me out far across this land
For this love - This love is all that I am

Love, (Don’t fight it)
You’ve got the love inside so don’t you hide it
Love (Don’t fight it)
I will stand up proud and I will shout it
Love (Don’t fight it)
I will share what’s mine like the sun that’s shining
For love

Look around do you hear the sound of love
(Don’t fight it)
The trees that sway, the neighbors that wave, that’s love
(Don’t fight it)
You can do anything, just spread your wings and love

The first light that dawn brings
To late in the evening
Into the woods or city
The islands far out at sea
To the mountains so wind-blown
And everywhere you roam
Feel it now, feel the love grow
You spread the love when you let it show
You gotta..

Give your love, give your love away
Give your love, give it all away
With your first breath let me hear you say
Give your love, give it all away
‘Til your last breath on your dying day
Give your love, give it all away
Into the twilight
Fireflies dance and spread their light
The evening breeze is cool and nice
Stars up above wake the night
I know you should you think you might
Dance with me in the moonlight

Oh my baby, where have you been
Don’t say maybe, you’ll never win
The night is lovely, and so are you
No time to be lonely, I know just what to do

Into the twilight
Fireflies dance and spread their light
The evening breeze is cool and nice
Stars up above wake the night
I know you should you think you might
Dance with me in the moonlight

The birds sing you a song, as they drift asleep
The day’s long gone, but the night’s within reach
I grab your hand, and pull you close
I could be the man, you’d love the most

Into the twilight
Fireflies dance and spread their light
The evening breeze is cool and nice
Stars up above wake the night
I know you should you think you might
Dance with me in the moonlight

Nights filled with magic, such as these
Better reach out and grab ‘em,
before you’re begging please
I can not fathom all the love that we need
Somewhere beyond the light
Eyes strain but just out of sight
Each breath, how many earned
Each step, a lesson learned

Beauty blessed in shades of grey
A summer’s song fades away
Ripe fruit plucked from a flower
The sweetness wanes every hour

Can you see me
Would you tell me I’m not alone
Did you hear me
I’m only flesh and bone
Let me break on through the wreckage
Of a stolen seedless night
Let me believe for one second
Love continues after life

Every moment I have wasted
Drifting out into the mist
Midnight’s hand forever chasing
‘Til it seizes with a kiss...you

Who would have thought
You’d sink so low
Gambled and lost
Your only soul
Up on your feet
It’s time to go
But who’s gonna take me now

Blessed are the lost and lonely
May they wake together at dawn
Heaven knows I’m not the only...one
Singing this same song

Let me break on through the wreckage
To see the light of day
Some say in life there is a message
What it is I can not say

Who would have thought
You’d sink so low
Gambled and lost
Your only soul
Up on your feet
It’s time to go
But who’s gonna take me now

If I make it through the wreckage
To see the other side
I will give you safe passage
For you gave me back my life
Youthful faces herded into lines.
Patiently waiting for their given time.
You keep them deaf and dumb and waiting in the rain.
You got a new idea well we’ll make you feel ashamed.
They want their money reaching to the sky.
How could they do it if we all thought we could fly.
Won’t you stand up you’ve got something to stay.
The accusations fly they say they’re gonna make you pay.

Goodbye innocence, I guess this means I’ve grown.
I’m out of sight
So out of spite
I’ll take the fight to the road.

Few of us are kings while others we are pawns.
The dreamers dream while the mute they go unharmed.
The carrot hung always just out of reach.
Faith and obedience they were the wrong thing to teach.
You give up this life for freedom after death.
You walk your own road well they trip you every step.
Step out of line and pay the penalty.
Bribes lies and crimes, hell, that’s democracy.

The abuse of power is spinning out of control.
But I’ll make it right
With all of my might
I’ll take the fight to the road.

A bleeding heart left trampled in the road.
With such a good clean start how could it be bought and sold.
The preacher the politician both were fighting for a cause.
Now who’s in whose pockets who’s living by different laws.
Status quo keeps the population weak.
Propaganda stained between their teeth.
Blood for oil and military gains.
Corporate interests upheld by political games.

We won’t abide by what we’ve been told.
We’ll survive
We’ll unite
We’ll take the fight to the road.

So walk the road as only you can.
And don’t you dare even try to understand.
A single step is stronger than a word.
And you’d be better off to forget all that you’ve heard.
The serpent’s hiding and spying along the way.
He uses fear and he’ll twist those words you say.
But fear him not and heed not his call.
‘Cuz you’re what he’s not and for that you’ve got it all.

Here I stand and I’ll never grow old.
‘Cuz I realize
That I’m alive
I’ll take the fight to the road.
I fought hard but I fell short.
I gave it all was my only reward.
I’m not done but I’m done for today.
Don’t know where I’m going but I know I can’t stay.

So I, hopped that train and headed east.
Made the choice that hurt the least.
With Indian summer alive in the air.
I know it’s a lie but I don’t really care.

Fields for harvest and fields left bare.
View for the passengers based on their fare.
My ticket read beneath my thumb.
No exchanges, no refund.

So I shuffled through the cafe car.
Yellowed tooth suits, their bellies to the bar.
No window seats, no seats anywhere.
Down with the baggage, I could stand there.

You know I, stood tall but quicksand.
I took a fall I don’t understand.
I tried my best to be a man.
Nowadays I...
Just don’t give a damn.
Hell burns the best made plans.
Just do the best you can.

Head in hands, suitcase for a seat.
Nothing wears a man quite like defeat.
I thought of lost love and the boys upstairs.
It’s never simple and they’re never fair.

So it’s hard luck, hard love.
Hard rain following me from above.
Caught in the crosshairs of circumstance.
Don’t know what’s coming ‘til it’s already past.

There was a girl from a Midwest town.
Who liked the boys, to chase her around.
No certain terms, she asked me to stay.
Flanneled sheets, in fields we lay.

But somewhere I crossed the line.
She was no ones, but I took her for mine.
Forgot that clue that some fool spat.
Can’t hit your target if you don’t know where it’s at.

You know I, stood tall but quicksand.
I took a fall I don’t understand.
I tried my best to be a man.
Nowadays I...
Just don’t give a damn.
Hell burns the best made plans.
Just do the best you can.

Rolling distance
Stretching time.
Grows between us
And I’ve resigned that I’ll be fine.

You know I, stood tall but quicksand.
I took a fall I don’t understand.
I tried my best to be a man.
Nowadays I...
Just don’t give a damn.
Hell burns the best made plans.
Just do the best you can.

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