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Lyrics of some of Charley's Songs. Click On song titles To access lyrics and to return to this menu. MANY OF THESE SONGS ARE RECORDED ON CHARLEY'S ALBUMS AND ALBUMS BY OTHERS. After All These Years Count On Me Count Your Blessings Fiddler's Dream From Dusk to Dawn Florida Blues Grandpa Flatpicked I'll Get By I Wish I Didn't Know I Remember You I Would Do It All Again Florida Moon Play Something We All Know Harmonica Joe So Many Songs (So Little Time) Travelin' Through My Time Story of My Grandfather's Waltz The Band's Playin' Waltz Across Texas Way Up In Waco

After All These Years Copyright 1988 by Charley Groth

He was diggin' through a closet for a coat he couldn't find, When he came across an old guitar he'd long put out of mind; When she asked what he was doing, He couldn't answer, though he tried-- For he'd found the dreams that once he had denied. When she came in from the kitchen, he'd pulled out his banjo too, And he stood there looking kind of lost, not sure what he should do. Well, she loved him, and she'd shared his dreams; Her tender heart knew what to say: AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, please darlin', won't you play?" Dust on the cases, rust on the strings; Hippie kids now turning kind of gray; Smiles on their faces; Sweetly she sings; AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, at last, again he plays. Now the Colorado teepee is a house on Fourth and Grand, And a little Honda car's replaced their psychedelic van; All the children are in school; there's not a dark cloud in the sky-- But sometimes they feel real life has passed them by. (CHORUS) (BRIDGE) In the still suburban setting, their old songs sound good as new, And their shining eyes see only two young travellers, passing through; Oh, they're doing fine, and they know it, but they dream of other days, And AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, he loves her and he plays. Dust on the cases, rust on the strings; Hippie kids now turning kind of gray; Smiles on their faces; Sweetly she sings; AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, at last, again he plays.

Count on Me Copyright 2006 by Charley Groth

COUNT ON ME; I'll stand beside you through the years; COUNT ON ME; I'll share your laughter and your tears; There's no way we can see right now just what our fates may be, But I know---you can COUNT ON ME. COUNT ON ME; I'll keep my promises to you; COUNT ON ME; I'll help with everything you do; If it storms we'll stick together, 'til the golden sun we'll see; There's no doubt---you can COUNT ON ME. COUNT ON ME, I'll be here to hold your hand; COUNT ON ME: you know I'll always understand; Let's live our lives together, like a long, sweet melody; Every day---you can COUNT ON ME. INSTRUMENTAL TURNAROUND COUNT ON ME, and we will make the perfect team; COUNT ON ME, and we'll live out our cherished dream; There's one thing I know for certain: we will love eternally; Ever true---you can COUNT ON ME. COUNT ON ME, I'll keep my promises to you; COUNT ON ME: you know I'll never leave you blue; There's one thing I know for certain: we will love, eternally; Ever true---you can COUNT ON ME. COUNT ON ME.

Count Your Blessings Copyright 2005 by Charley Groth

It isn't fair! I used to bawl. I'd bang my head against the wall, And ma would just say Son, you COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! I want a brand-new toy, I'd cry, when I was just a little guy, And ma would say You try to COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! Count the blessings you have had and you'll find reasons to be glad; You'll see life is not so bad, so COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. You eat home cooking every day; you're living in the U.S.A.; Now you go out and play, and COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!" "I need new shoes, I'd sit and sigh, and pop would say Well, so do I, And ma would tell me Son, you COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! How come we don't have lots of dough?, I'd ask--as if they ought to know-- And ma would say You go and COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! Count the blessings you have had and you'll find reasons to be glad; You'll see life is not so bad, so COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. You eat home cooking every day; you're living in the U.S.A.; Now that's all I have to say: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!" The world has turned; years roll away; that boy who was is turning gray, And mother's sleeping high up on the hill; But lessons that she taught remain, and when sometimes I could complain, It seems I hear her whisper to me still: Count the blessings you have had and you'll find reasons to be glad; You'll see life is not so bad, so COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. You eat home cooking every day; you're living in the U.S.A.; Now that's all I have to say: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!" Ma would smile and she would say COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!"

Fiddler's Dream Copyright 2006 by Charley Groth

The fiddler sits and rocks, by the fire in the night, And he hears her in the kitchen, so it seems; His good girl's gone away, but in memory she stays; She's walking in the old FIDDLER'S DREAM. He plays her favorite tunes; his grown kids don't like the sound, And they all propose assisted living schemes-- But he remains at home; in his heart he's not alone; She's with him in the old FIDDLER'S DREAM. They shared their joys and tears for more than fifty years; Together they defined what true love means; Now his good girl's had to leave, but he's not left to grieve; She holds him in the old FIDDLER'S DREAM. The fiddler sits and rocks, with his fiddle in his hands, And he hears her in the bedroom, so it seems; The fire falls down to coals, but still she warms his soul; She's smiling in the old FIDDLER'S DREAM. And she loved the way he played, as they loved away their days; They understood just what "together" means; He believes she didn't go, and that's all he has to know; She's living in the old FIDDLER'S DREAM. He believes she didn't go, and that's all he has to know; She's living, and she's walking, and she holds him, in the old FIDDLER'S DREAM.

Florida Blues Copyright 1994 by Charley Groth

Way down south, I got some sand in my shoes, And I woke up this morning with the FLORIDA BLUES; FLORIDA BLUES--I surely want to go back home! Let me tell you the news: babe, I got the FLORIDA BLUES Days are gettin' short and all the leaves are fallin' down; Nights are gettin' cold and snow's a-comin' around; FLORIDA BLUES--enough to make me grieve and moan! Let me tell you the truth: babe, I got the FLORIDA BLUES (BRIDGE)Got the FLORIDA BLUES in my body and soul I'm all packed up and gettin' ready to go; I'm droppin' on down to where the warm sun shines-- I don't know why I left it behind! Way down south, I got some sand in my shoes, I woke up this morning with the FLORIDA BLUES; FLORIDA BLUES--tonight I'll be a-rollin' home! I've got nothing to lose: babe, I got the FLORIDA BLUES! INSTRUMENTALS, BRIDGE AND LAST VERSE REPEAT

Grandpa Flatpicked Copyright 2002 by Charley Groth

GRANDPA FLATPICKED his guitar, and he could make it ring; I'd listen long and yearn to learn to make my flattop sing; (INSTRUMENTAL); I'd practice every day, Pickin' with my grandpa, in that good old fashioned way. GRANDPA FLATPICKED his guitar; he taught me all he knew The years went by; I tried and tried--then I could flatpick too (INSTRUMENTAL); I found those time-worn tunes, Pickin' with my gandpa, in his quiet afternoon. (BRIDGE) Then when grandpa had to go, and left us all down here below, We thought that he had gone away to stay; But when I pick his old guitar, he comes no matter where we are, And lives again in every note I play! GRANDPA FLATPICKED his guitar; his music's in my heart; I love to play like grandpa played, when he gave me my start; (INSTRUMENTAL); I feel his fingers fly; Pickin' with my grandpa, as in the days gone by. BRIDGE REPEAT, THEN GRANDPA FLATPICKED his guitar, and I learned at his knee; I listened long; I'll pass it on, to those who follow me; (INSTRUMENTAL); I'm keeping at it still; Pickin' with my grandpa, and I know I always will. (INSTRUMENTAL); I practice every day, Pickin' with my grandpa, in that good old-fashioned way.

I Wish I Didn't Know Copyright 1979 by Charley Groth

Sometimes I wish to God I'd never seen a highway, And I wish I didn't know where highways go; Wish I'd never climbed around the high Sierras, And I'd never heard a freight train whistle blow; I have a good home and a good job in the city Put my savings in the bank and watch them grow; But sometimes I still think about those highways-- And then I wish to God I didn't know. There's a little cabaret in Kansas City, And there's a senorita down in Mexico; There's a fiddle-playing friend of mine in Houston; And in the mountains north of Denver there's still snow. There's a white line in my heart I used to follow; Try to tell myself today I'd never go-- But sometimes I still think about those highways-- And then I really wish I didn't know. (BRIDGE) The music of a million miles is a kind you can't forget; Those big tires make it all along the way; That old road song may have an end, But no-one's found it yet, And folks're out there singing every day! I can't tell you that I always feel this restless; And I do believe in going with the flow-- But sometimes I still think about those highways-- And then I wish to God I didn't know.

I Would Do It All Again Copyright 1990 by Charley Groth

They were sitting out on the front porch swing, And they were talking about the kinds of things That old folks talk about at the end of a day; Grandkids running through the flower beds; A joke he'd heard, and a book she'd read-- Then the old man took her hand, and she heard him say: (CHORUS) We were right and we were wrong; We were weak and we were stong; Sometimes we'd lose and then sometimes we'd win; We have laughed and we've cried; It's been a wonderful ride; I love you, and I WOULD DO IT ALL AGAIN. In her heart she held every day they'd shared, And she remembered the way they'd always cared; In sunshine and hard times they had always been true; Back she wandered through the many years, And he saw her smiling through her sudden tears, As she whispered "Oh, yes, I would do it too..." (CHORUS) They were sitting out on the front porch swing, And I was just a kid, hearing everything; Now I sit here with you in the twilight's glow; Grandkids running through the flower beds, And I'm saying to you what my granddad said, As he took her hand in his so long ago: (CHORUS) We were right and we were wrong; We were weak and we were stong; Sometimes we'd lose and then sometimes we'd win; We have laughed and we've cried; It's been a wonderful ride; I love you, and I WOULD DO IT ALL AGAIN.

Florida Moon Copyright 1989 by Charley Groth

There's a FLORIDA MOON hanging high, In a soft southern sky, As I fly once more in dreams back to you; I think I know just what I'd say, If we could walk by the bay, And talk again that sweet old way we used to do; (CHORUS) FLORIDA MOON keep shining down, Through the live oak trees; In my memories it's like a favorite song; Oh how I'd love to go someday Back to the south, and the bay-- Back to you, and that FLORIDA MOON. There's a FLORIDA MOON on my mind; Dusty roads and years unwind; Still I find from all my dreams, I'm not free; We can't recapture times gone by, But I swear with you I'd try To live again that sweet old life that used to be. (CHORUS)(INSTRUMENTAL) FLORIDA MOON keep shining down, Through the live oak trees; In my memories it's like a favorite song; Oh how I'd love to go someday Back to the south, and the bay-- Back to you, and that FLORIDA MOON.

Play Something We All Know Copyright 1983 by Charley Groth

In the southern state of Georgia He was pickin' for a paycheck, In a little country bar some years ago; A crowd had slowly gathered, Gettin' in out of the weather-- Tryin' to find a place where lonely winds don't blow. Crankin' out the day's top forty, He was fighting for his living, But the kid could see he wasn't getting through; Then at last somebody spoke up, Sayin; "Son, we like your singing, But there's one thing we sure wish you would do: (CHORUS) PLAY SOMETHING WE ALL KNOW; Help us let these blues go; We don't need an all-new show; PLAY SOMETHING WE ALL KNOW! PLAY SOMETHING WE ALL KNOW; Help us let these blues go; Lean back and let your tunes flow; PLAY SOMETHING WE ALL KNOW." Well, he played them folks some Willie, And a few by Mickey Gilley; Then he brought old Hank and Johnny Horton back; He sang about Felina--how she danced in that cantina-- And he sang the Cannonball right down the track. When the smiles had started spreadin', And the dancers started steppin', The kid had learned a lesson ever true-- And I never will forget, somebody said to me in Georgia, "Son, there's one thing we sure wish you would do: (CHORUS) INSTRUMENTAL TURNAROUND (BRIDGE) Now it's raining, and it's cold outside, And sometimes we need a place to hide, Where it seems like everything is goin' to be all right; And the songs we knew when we were young Are still the best that could be sung, So let us hear those good old tunes tonight! (CHORUS)

Harmonica Joe Copyright 2000 by Charley Groth

I�m thinking tonight of HARMONICA JOE; On the hard sides of our town he lived long ago; He looked like a bundle of rags in the street, But he played those harps of his both hot and sweet; And oh, Lord, how I wish I could go Back to play one more tune with HARMONICA JOE. My old folks said no, but I�d go where he sat; On the corners he�d play for some coins in his hat; His body was bent; even then he was old; I realize now that he slept in the cold; But oh, Lord, what a kid didn�t know Of the ways of the world for HARMONICA JOE. When I got a guitar, he taught me to play; We�d laugh and we�d say we�d be big stars someday; But then I grew up, and I went away, And what happened to Joe, I don�t know. But I�m thinking tonight of HARMONICA JOE, And it�s clear to me now what I missed long ago; In all the confusion of making my start, I never did say what I held in my heart� And oh, Lord, how I wish I could go, Just to sit one more time with HARMONICA JOE. (INSTRUMENTAL) I thought of him, yes, but then less and less, As I cut my path and I built my success� But now that�s its over, I have to confess� I can�t get Joe out of my mind. But I�m thinking tonight of HARMONICA JOE, And I know what I should have done, so long ago; In all the confusion of making my start, I never did say what I held in my heart� And oh, Lord, how I wish I could go, Just to tell him I loved him� HARMONICA JOE.

Travellin' Through My Time Copyright 1985 by Charley Groth

TRAVELLIN� THROUGH MY TIME was never easy, And Runnin� with the blues was all I knew; But I woke up this morning, feelin� better; Maybe I�ve been TRAVELLIN� THROUGH MY TIME to you. Your hair�s a shining river down my pillow; The night was right; the whispered words rang true; Maybe you�ll wake up this morning, feelin� better; Maybe I�ve been TRAVELLIN� THROUGH MY TIME to you. TRAVELLIN� THROUGH MY TIME, I never really knew where I was goin� Lyin� here beside you now, I hope I do Maybe you�ll wake up this morning, feelin� better; Maybe I�ve been TRAVELLIN� THROUGH MY TIME to you. I thought I�d get my boots and slip away while you�re still sleepin� That�s what my old heart has always made me do But I woke up this morning, feelin� better; Maybe I�ve been TRAVELLIN� THROUGH MY TIME to you. Maybe you�ll wake up this morning, feelin� better; Maybe I�ve been TRAVELLIN� THROUGH MY TIME to you. I woke up this morning, feelin� better; Maybe I�ve been TRAVELLIN� THROUGH MY TIME-- You know it�s been a long, long time; Maybe I�ve been TRAVELLIN� THROUGH MY TIME to you.

The Story of My Grandfather's Waltz Copyright 1980 by Charley Groth

Years ago, when I was younger, and the old folks were alive, And the world was different than it is today, In the evenings my grandfather would take his fiddle down, And bow a tune or two the country way. There was one we'd ask to hear before his hands got stiff and tired, And the fiddle had to go back on the shelf; With a smile he'd spin it sweetly; it was a waltz he loved to play-- And we knew that he had made it up himself. (CHORUS) I always called it "My Grandfather's Waltz" Because he never would give it a name; His heart was humble, I know; he tried to let his pride go; But he was proud of that waltz just the same. I'll always call it "My Grandfather's Waltz"; Though the man who first played it is gone, The music cast a strong spell; I remember it well, And my grandfather's waltz lingers on. As we spent our days like pocket change, and didn't count the cost, Many seasons slipped on by in joy and tears; Then the fiddler's tune was ending; his last notes died away, And he laid down the heavy burden of his years. All alone I sat one midnight, after he had crossed the bar, Sadly wishing he were with us here once more, When I thought I felt him near me; a ghostly fiddle played, And the melody was one I'd heard before. (CHORUS) I have travelled through my lifetime, turning things I've seen to songs; Had to leave that farm where I was born behind, But the fiddle travels with me, and my grandfather's waltz Brings the old days and the old folks back to mind. In the magic of his waltz, his spirit somehow still survives; When I play that tune I almost see him smile-- For the music that he fashioned came flowing from his heart, And he lives again within it for a while. (CHORUS)

The Band's Playin' Waltz Across Texas Copyright 1984 by Charley Groth

THE BAND'S PLAYIN' WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS; The old cowboy asks her to dance; They've shared forty years of hard livin', But they've never lost their romance. In a border cantina he holds her, As he's held he so often before; He tips back his hat then to kiss her, And they go steppin' out on the floor. (CHORUS) And THE BAND'S PLAYIN' WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS-- They're waltzing in Texas tonight; When THE BAND'S PLAYIN' WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS, In Texas they're doin' all right! THE BAND'S PLAYIN' WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS; They were young when the old song was new; In those days they did lots of dreamin', Now the best of their dreams have come true: After all these long years they're together; Their love never faded away; She smiles and goes waltzing off with him, When they hear the sweet fiddles play. (CHORUS) (BRIDGE) He never did make lots of money; She has no big home in the hills-- But they've always trusted each other, And somehow they've paid all the bills. Now they still drive to town of an evening, When they know there's a band comin' in, And in some little border cantina, They waltz across Texas again. (CHORUS) And THE BAND'S PLAYIN' WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS-- They're waltzing in Texas tonight; When THE BAND'S PLAYIN' WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS, In Texas they're doin' all right... In Texas we're doin' all right.

Way Up In Waco Copyright 2005 by Charley Groth

I left you WAY UP IN WACO, And I'm down to a dead end tonight, Polishin' barstools in Brownsville, Because we never got it quite right. My pride says I ought to keep going; My heart tells me I should go home. You're way up there somewhere in Waco, And I'm down here in Brownsville alone. I left you WAY UP IN WACO, But I write you each week without fail. A friend said he saw you out dancin'--- So I guess you're not readin' my mail. My pride says I ought to be angry; My heart tells me I should have known. You're WAY UP IN WACO without me, And I'm thinkin' I need to go home. Now I could slip south of the border, And never be heard from again; Or I could try out California--- That's one place where I've never been... My pride says "It's three in the morning!"; My heart tells me "Drive it straight through!". Maybe we could piece love back together, If I were WAY UP IN WACO with you. INSTRUMENTAL Maybe it's not too late to be happy, If I were WAY UP IN WACO with you.

I'll Get By Copyright 2005 by Charley Groth

I got your "dear John" letter, And it bit me like a snake-- But my heart's been so broken There's just nothing left to break. It makes me sad to see you go, That much I won't deny-- But I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY. I'm not a "dear John" virgin, So I've heard this all before,-- Runnin' up and down the music road, About a million miles or more. But I'm fresh out of heartache, And the tears I used to cry; I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY. Tomorrow night in Tulsa I'll get back on the stand, And play my job as usual in a five-piece country band-- But I won't call you after, Though you know I'll want to try; I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY. I got your "dear John" letter; I won't let it hurt for long; In fact I think I'll see if I can Put it in a song; I'll keep it 'til it's torn and worn, Although I don't know why; I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY. Now I'll get lost in Austin, when we finally get back home; I suppose I'll find some woman; I don't like to sleep alone-- But I won't call your name out, And I won't wish I could die; I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY.

Count Your Blessings Copyright 2005 by Charley Groth

I got your "dear John" letter, And it bit me like a snake-- But my heart's been so broken There's just nothing left to break. It makes me sad to see you go, That much I won't deny-- But I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY. I'm not a "dear John" virgin, So I've heard this all before,-- Runnin' up and down the music road, About a million miles or more. But I'm fresh out of heartache, And the tears I used to cry; I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY. Tomorrow night in Tulsa I'll get back on the stand, And play my job as usual in a five-piece country band-- But I won't call you after, Though you know I'll want to try; I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY. I got your "dear John" letter; I won't let it hurt for long; In fact I think I'll see if I can Put it in a song; I'll keep it 'til it's torn and worn, Although I don't know why; I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY. Now I'll get lost in Austin, when we finally get back home; I suppose I'll find some woman; I don't like to sleep alone-- But I won't call your name out, And I won't wish I could die; I've got my old guitar, and I'LL GET BY.

I Remember You Copyright 2008 by Charley Groth

I REMEMBER YOU; oh yes, I always do, The words we whispered then, and the love we knew; Now you've gone on, and somehow I get through, But every night, I REMEMBER YOU. I REMEMBER YOU, as the sun goes down, When quiet makes it's way into our little town; The years roll by; now there've been quite a few, And every night, I REMEMBER YOU. I find you waiting for me in my secret world of dreams; I can hold you close and kiss your lips and love you there it seems; We had it all, when everything was new; Now every night I REMEMBER YOU. INSTRUMENTAL TURNAROUND, THEN... I find you waiting for me in my secret world of dreams; I can hold you close and kiss your lips and love you there it seems; We had it all, when everything was new; But every night I REMEMBER YOU. You've gone on, and I'll keep going too, But every night I REMEMBER YOU. The mornings come; I always make it through, But every night, I REMEMBER YOU.

So Many Songs (So Little Time) Copyright 2008 by Charley Groth

SO MANY SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME, Old ones and new ones, and some that are mine; Seasons slip by so swiftly, it seems like a crime; There are SO MANY SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME. In youth we believe spring always will last, And later that summer will never be past; Then the green leaves are turning to colors sublime, And there are SO MANY SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME. Young ones, don't waste it; be sure that you taste it; Go find your treasures, and savor life's pleasures; Then when winter winds blow you'll know lots of good rhymes; SO MANY SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME. INSTRUMENTAL TURNAROUND, THEN... SO MANY SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME, Sunrise and sunset, and both of them fine; They've all slipped by so sweetly, these seasons of mine; There are SO MANY SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME. Young ones come near me; I want you to hear me Go take your chances; get into the dances; Then when winter winds blow you'll know lots of good rhymes; SO MANY SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME. Then wherever you go you'll know lots of good rhymes; SO MANY SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME.

From Dusk to Dawn Copyright 1979 by Charley Groth

I was walking through a railroad yard one night not long ago, When I met an old man standing stooped and silent in the snow; Weathered suitcase sitting by his feet, the wind against his back; He was waiting for an empty car, down by an icy track. The old man wore a ragged coat that couldn't stop the cold, And the tape he'd wound around his shoes, I didn't think would hold; Like a timeworn twisted oak tree, he looked tough but almost beat, So I said I'd buy us coffee in a cafe on the street. He was tryin' to find his way FROM DUSK TO DAWN; Nowhere special left for him to go; he had nothing left to pawn, And the only thing he knew to do was to keep on keepin' on, Tryin' to find his way FROM DUSK TO DAWN. The all-night diner's lights glowed bright in the darkness on a hill, And they looked as warm as the lights of home--a refuge from the chill; When we'd slipped inside and thawed ourselves, black coffee tasted good, And the old man started talking, as I'd thought perhaps he would. He told of places he had been and things he'd meant to do; Of willing women he had known, and one who'd known him too; He spoke about a million laughs and a million miles of pain; Of a life alone, out on his own, when he'd had to catch a train. He was tryin' to find his way FROM DUSK TO DAWN; Nowhere special left for him to go; he had nothing left to pawn, And the only thing he knew to do was to keep on keepin' on, Tryin' to find his way FROM DUSK TO DAWN. (NARRATION) In an hour the coffepot was dry and we'd had ourselves some food, When the old man said "I thank you, son", and he was in a leavin' mood; Though he still looked tired he smiled and gave my hand a steady grip, Then we walked outside, into the night, back on his endless trip. As I watched him go I drained my cup, and I wished that old man well. I suppose our paths won't cross again, unless we meet in hell; When I hit that frozen street myself, I had an itch to scratch; On the run from there to sunrise, I had another old train to catch! I was tryin' to find my way FROM DUSK TO DAWN; Nowhere special left for me to go; I had nothing left to pawn, And the only thing I knew to do was to keep on keepin' on, Tryin' to find my way FROM DUSK TO DAWN. We're all tryin' to find a way FROM DUSK TO DAWN.

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