Charlie Powling
To that end, Charlie brought in Garry (Jacko) Jackson to be more involved with production, forming a 3-way partnership with Lindsay Masters of Masters Studios, who also produced their first 2 albums.
After several years of being known simply as Charlie's support band, it had finally crystalized into The Black Pepper Band after a suggestion from their bass player Wayne Wright following a ten-day stint at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2020, sponsored by the Black Pepper clothing store.
Originally said in mirth, they decided to shamelessly steal it, and are now promoted as Charlie & The Black Pepper Band, and in honour of finally settling on a name everyone agreed with (although Jacko claims he never got a vote), Charlie decided to give the new album the same name.
The current line-up still includes Charlie's partner-in-crime Melanie Macauley on backup vocals and the young and dynamic guitarist James (Gravy) Brown, who actually started professionally in the music industry as a drummer, where they've put him to fill the shoes of the late Danny Thomas.
Gravy and Jacko alternate between drums and lead guitar with Charlie's often repeated quip about having "two of the best lead guitarists in Darwin and we stick 'em on drums".
Released in late 2022, Drive the Highway was then released as a single in April 2023, followed in September by When My Ship Comes In, with both songs loved by their loyal support base and amongst the most requested when performing live.
The songs are still driven by Charlie's powerful lyrics, but all agree this album's production standard has set it apart as their best ever. I agree with them and hope you do too.
To that end, Charlie brought in Garry (Jacko) Jackson to be more involved with production, forming a 3-way partnership with Lindsay Masters of Masters Studios, who also produced their first 2 albums.
After several years of being known simply as Charlie's support band, it had finally crystalized into The Black Pepper Band after a suggestion from their bass player Wayne Wright following a ten-day stint at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2020, sponsored by the Black Pepper clothing store.
Originally said in mirth, they decided to shamelessly steal it, and are now promoted as Charlie & The Black Pepper Band, and in honour of finally settling on a name everyone agreed with (although Jacko claims he never got a vote), Charlie decided to give the new album the same name.
The current line-up still includes Charlie's partner-in-crime Melanie Macauley on backup vocals and the young and dynamic guitarist James (Gravy) Brown, who actually started professionally in the music industry as a drummer, where they've put him to fill the shoes of the late Danny Thomas.
Gravy and Jacko alternate between drums and lead guitar with Charlie's often repeated quip about having "two of the best lead guitarists in Darwin and we stick 'em on drums".
Released in late 2022, Drive the Highway was then released as a single in April 2023, followed in September by When My Ship Comes In, with both songs loved by their loyal support base and amongst the most requested when performing live.
The songs are still driven by Charlie's powerful lyrics, but all agree this album's production standard has set it apart as their best ever. I agree with them and hope you do too.
Now you're gone, I drive the highway
I turn the radio up loud
And sing how I did it my way
And hide from what I'm not too proud
For my days they are numbered
Got to squeeze what I can from life
I feel this hot rod purr and thunder
I might drive forever tonight
When you lose your desire
You can never turn back
I crossed the line, I crossed the wire
Took me too long to face the fact
The wind whispers to me
A broken heart can set you free
We did not cease to be
It just became a memory
Now you're gone, I drive the highway
I turn the radio up loud
And sing how I did it my way
And hide from what I'm not too proud
For my days they are numbered
Got to squeeze what I can from life
I feel this hot rod purr and thunder
I might drive forever tonight
We met again, asked how she'd been
She took my hand and began to cry
Was I the man of her dream?
Could she trust me not to lie?
I took her home and held her tight
It felt so good when we kissed goodnight
Now I am haunted by these fears
Her beauty enshrined in my tears
She'd gone to Spain and passed away
I heard the news on a dark black day
From the cruel in this world we hide
I think she knew when we kissed goodbye
I dance the Flamenco with my Senorita
Let the past drift away, like the colour of water
Poets make me laugh, clowns make me cry
Wipe away these tears from my eye
Sweet Senorita, tell me no lie
Kiss me real deep when you kiss me goodbye
Sweet Senorita, tell me no lie
Kiss me real deep when you kiss me goodbye
Charlie dear, it's so good to be near
You're doing well, from the gossip I hear
Just thought I'd call, while waiting on some gear
'Cause Charlie I know you'll understand my fear
I didn't do well when you went away
Deep in your spell, wanted you so to stay
But I knew you'd make it, leave the gear behind
And we both knew I couldn't, you weren't that blind
So I kept my corner, down here on Fitzroy Street
Moved in with Terry, keep away crazies I'd meet
And he knew where to score for when I'd awake
But now he's doing time, did you hear he shot that Turk by mistake
And Julie, you'll remember, we were like sisters together
Well she OD'ed about 2 years back, I'll miss her forever
Sort of feels like it's been, down-hill ever since
I lost my man, lost my best friend and lost you my Prince
Sorry for crying, it's just that strung out pain
Got a go and do a few Johns, oh, how I despise this game
And now I'm getting old, with my good looks gone
And sometimes they won't even pay, don't know how I can keep going on
Charlie dear, so sorry I didn't get through
This Voice-message is a long one, guess I was counting on you
But I'll pick myself up, maybe find a John to marry me
But if I don't sweet Charlie, you know at last I'll be free
Wipe these tears from my eyes
Wipe these tears from my eyes
So I can see the blood red skies
Life's too short for telling lies
Wipe these tears from my eyes
Wipe these tears from my eyes
Wipe these tears from my eyes
Only one life, it's time to be strong
Hit the road, dark and long
And when my ship comes in too
Carry me away to somewhere new
I walk the streets back to my home
Four dark walls, I am all alone
Try and sleep, but I'm haunted by
All the tears when you told my why
No one to blame, time has just turned out wrong
And when I'm overwhelmed, I sing this song
Pack my bags I'm moving on
Only one life, it's time to be strong
Hit the road, dark and long
And when my ship comes in too
Carry me away to somewhere new
Somewhere new
It's gone all the dignity
Of her love that strengthened me
Of what my life could've been
She said no fun left in me
Chorus:
I'm crying, she packed up and fled
I was lying, those words I said
I'm dying, beg, borrow, steal
Diamonds and pearls show her how I feel
I work in this factory
Drag myself here ev'ry day
I did not know what I had
Until it had gone away
And now I just cannot stay
Every day doing the same
When the foreman blows the horn
Must learn to switch off my brain
Chorus
On the train I go each day
I don't know where, what, which way
That lady she smiles at me
Her smile maybe set me free
Chorus
Last year best forgot, got locked up in that slot
Christmas alone, called you on the phone
No doubt love was gone, your voice full of scorn
I spent that next five months doing hard time
So I got that bank loan, bought this hot car from Jimbo
Now I'm racing from a cop, in the zone, ain't gonna stop
'Cause I'm going home, I'm going home
Nothin' gonna stop me from going home
From prison to mine site, not sure which is worse
No child's laugh or gentle touch of the woman I yearn
Remember that other time I worked in that mine
And when I got home, didn't we have a real high time
You sure loved me then, but the money didn't last
When it was spent, the only thing left
You were pregnant, our youth gone so fast
I'm going home, I'm going home
Nothin' gonna stop me from going home
Not sure if you'll even speak, my parole? Worry about it next week
Should I ask to stay? Throw it all for one day
'Cause I got that bank loan, bought this hot car from Jimbo
Now I'm racing from a cop, in the zone, ain't gonna stop
'Cause I'm going home, I'm going home
Nothin' gonna stop me from going home
The music's loud, as we move through the crowd
Sweet Mary-Lee, must be home by dawn
Now my mind won't work, and my poor body aches
And my shirt is torn
Sweet Mary-Lee, she stole my car
Disappeared without a trace
She said she loved me, lied to my face
Left me here in this lonely place
Standing on the edge, looking deep down
My time almost gone, won't come back around
I search for the truth of my life
Before they lay me in the ground
Sweet Mary-Lee, she's haunting me
I dream of her in the night
Her ghost seeks redemption to be free
I wake up blinded by the light
So what should I do, what can I say
To make those demons go away
Guess I'll pack a bag and hit the road
And drive through the night to a new day
The music's loud, as we move through the crowd
Sweet Mary-Lee, must be home by dawn
Now my mind won't work, and my poor body aches
And my shirt is torn
Our gang are tough, we build the road
Get the job done, fast or slow
But each day's the same, carry that load
Lay the stone and we're heading home
My table made of wood
We stay late and the food is good
So pick up guitar or sing a song
Or just come and be, talk if you want
Tell a story, short or long
Always welcome in my company
There was a time I searched alone
Down dark streets I did roam
You found me, sat me down
Under a tree with friends at home
My table made of wood
We stay late and the food is good
So pick up guitar or sing a song
Or just come and be, talk if you want
Tell a story, short or long
Always welcome in my company
He lived with me and my then young wife
As a boy cut deep as a knife
Come home from school, found his mother there
She turned on the gas, took her life
I kept his car, a converted V8
Four on the floor, heaps of power down low
Me and Mary would ride into the night
And turn up loud that stereo
Now I'm with you, please hold me tight
When I face those demons in the night
And when I cry, whisper in my ear
Darling, it's gonna be alright
I must be gone in the morning light
And won't be back for many a day
I'll think of you on those lonely nights
To help me keep those demons away
I see my end, my mortal fear
And regret the wasted past
I want to start again, I thought I could
But my life has gone too fast
I will come back to you my dear
In your arms is where I feel safe
So wipe my tears and soothe all my fear
Help me be strong for what I must face
The alarm's gone off, the time has come
I must be gone my darling wife
Help me pack, please hum a cheerful song
Let me forget my dreary life
When I get home can I buy that old car?
It reminds me of that one I had
Ride out of town, turn up loud the stereo
And forget all that makes us sad
Let's ride that hotrod out of town
Can't pay my debts, we'll leave at night
New horizon, new people, new sound
We'll leave behind the reasons to fight
So wait for me, my darling please
Don't turn away and leave me alone
We'll search the backroads for some inner peace
Maybe find a new place for our home
So wait for me, my darling please
Let's share what little time we might
I'll try and be the man you want from me
So you'll hold me in the night
So I'm looking for my fifteen of fame
Andy Warhol was the same
Not be forgotten in time
With that same old head-line
Overdose in back lane
Nobody knows his name
Your kiss may bring me that new start
It leaves a footprint on my heart
But poisoned blood Interferon, drift off with a vacant stare
The pain of lost dreams too much for my soul to bare
So I'm looking for my fifteen of fame
Andy Warhol was the same
Not be forgotten in time
With that same old head-line
Overdose in back lane
Nobody knows his name
Can't keep a lid on it, tears flow, depression grows
The ones I love so close are the most vulnerable
So I'm looking for my fifteen of fame
Andy Warhol was the same
Not be forgotten in time
With that same old head-line
Overdose in back lane
Nobody knows his name
In the end always comes to that same old line
Just seemed like good idea at the time
I hitched a lift to Brisbane town
Met that gorgeous young thing
She had a boyfriend six foot four
He worked late, she drank without him
I whispered softly in her ear
I thought that was a waste of sin
He came home, threw me down the stairs
She blew me a kiss as he kicked my ribs in
In the end always comes to that same old line
Just seemed like good idea at the time
I bought my first car, an old Zephyr
Off my house mate for forty bucks
It had no rego and I had no licence
The front end shook, had to pump the brakes
I drove it for work and for play
Cops pulled me over near Gippsland Lakes
They shook their heads and locked me up
The Judge was sick of my mistakes
In the end always comes to that same old line
Just seemed like good idea at the time
I thought it cool, like a poster on my wall
To get tattoos on my skin
Me and my mates got them large and small
Just a game to see who could win
But posters change on the wall
Friends change as you grow tall
And those blue line scars I thought were cool
Just became embarrassing
I met a young girl, she wasn't that bright
But she looked good in that mini skirt
So late at night when my drunken friends would fight
I'd meet her in the back lane to talk and flirt
Yes, you can guess, I didn't protect
She was fifteen and I was in strife
Her father said I must show respect
At eighteen I had a child and wife
In the end always comes to that throw away line
Just seemed like good idea at the time
In the end always comes to that same old line
Just seemed like good idea at the time
I've always found Charlie reticent to talk about his past, so thought I'd try Julia Zemiro's standard opening question to guest artists on RocKwiz to list their first album bought with their own money. Well, it worked, and I couldn't stop him talking:
"I've got three for you. I came from a politically active family with a proud working-class identity and can remember growing up listening to early Australian folk music, with its origins in the Irish rebellion against English tyranny, and artists like Mahalia Jackson and Paul Robeson bringing the American civil rights movement, and its equivalent campaign for social justice for First Nations Australians, into our lounge room."
"Even though I was only a kid, I started 'preaching' against injustice, I must have been such a know-it-all pain. My musical influences were further widened when my parents bought my very first record, the live recording of Pete Seeker's We Shall Overcome concert at the historic Carnegie Hall in 1963, introducing me to songwriters like Woody Guthrie and Huddie Ledbetter (Lead Belly) and the newly emerging Bob Dylan. I loved that record and played it over and over."
"I then 'borrowed' the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album off my brother-in-law for several weeks, and played it to death, it was so scratched and worn out he had to replace it when I eventually gave it back, and records weren't cheap in those days. I can remember singing along to it in my bedroom, escaping from the outside world."
"And I think my third album, which I bought with my own money, was Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Waters, full of brilliantly descriptive 'pop' songs."
Charlie talks about how those early influences instilled in him a love of story-telling within music, like with Dylan's Who Killed Davey Moore on that early Pete Seeker album: "I was amazed how that song described so vividly, and yet so simply, the brutality of boxing, the deep pain of human suffering and the inhumanity of capitalism. I have always tried to emulate that story-telling within my music, so far not very successfully, but I'll keep trying."
He then went on to list a litany of later influences like John Schumann, Paul Kelly, Rodriguez, Kev Carmody, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen and many more far too numerous to mention here, like I said earlier I couldn't shut him up.
Charlie finally got around to officially releasing his first 2 albums to online platforms and national radio in the lead up to his third album Charlie & The Black Pepper Band, released in December 2022, which he believes is his best work yet. The rest of us agree, including his long-time partner-in-crime Melanie, who also sings back-up vocals. The album's first single was Drive The Highway.
His management team then released an additional 3 singles over the course of 2023: Fifteen Of Fame, When My Ship Comes In and King Canute.
Charlie and the Band are currently back in the studio working on their 4th album.
When you visit our website, we also collect some basic information that does not identify individual users. We use this information to determine our users demographics and interests, so that we can better understand and serve our users.
If you send us personal correspondence, such as emails or letters, or if other users or third parties send us correspondence about your activities on our site, we may collect such information. We may use that information and other information that we obtain from your use of our site to resolve disputes, troubleshoot problems and enforce our agreement for Terms of Use.
We may share aggregate statistics about our sales, traffic patterns and related site information with other businesses, but these statistics will include no personally identifying information.
We may share your relevant information with hosting service providers and/or other reputable vendors for the purpose of production or maintence of your websites. Your information will not be shared for any other purpose and will be kept secured.
We cannot ensure that all of your private communications and other personally identifiable information will never be disclosed in ways not otherwise described in this Privacy Statement. For example, we may be required to disclose information to the government or third parties under certain circumstances, or third parties may unlawfully intercept or access transmissions or private communications. We can (and you authorise us to) disclose any information about you to law enforcement or other government officials as we, in our sole discretion, believe necessary or appropriate in connection with an investigation of fraud, intellectual property infringements, or other activity that may be illegal or may expose us to legal liability.
All user credit card information is securely communicated using secure socket layer (SSL) software, which is the industry standard and among the best software available for secure commerce transactions.
All user information stored on our server is stored in an encrypted format. Notwithstanding these efforts, we caution you that perfect security does not exist on the internet.
Charlie turned to Lindsay Masters (Masters Studios) once again for the production, with Lindsay playing bass on most of the songs as well as contributions on lead guitar and backup vocals. Lindsay sometimes played in Charlie's support band and they had built up a good working relationship. He brought in his son Ben to help out on drums on some of the tracks, and likewise with his wife Linda who contributed with backup vocals on a couple of songs.
Of course, Garry (Jacko) Jackson continued his contribution on both lead guitar, creating many of the riffs, and musical guidance, and again Melanie did most of the backup vocals. By this time, Wayne Wright had joined the band and was quickly nickname The Rock by Charlie because of his constant solid performances, and the ever reliable and clown of the band Dirty Dan Thomas always there backing Charlie on the drums for every significant live performance. Both Wayne and Dan helped shape the development of many of the songs, but ended up not appearing on the recorded versions.
Unfortunately, they lost Danny Thomas to cancer soon after completing the album, telling jokes to the last and how he felt "Sensational". Rest in peace Dirty Dan, you live on in our memories.
One song on the album introduced to the band a new member, a young gun guitarist James (Gravy) Brown, who Melanie recalls first played on Fifteen of Fame one night at Dolly's Bar, one of their regular haunts.
Gravy always says how the song suits him, being written in a minor key, and Melanie recalls that first night he played lead guitar: "It was electric, I think we in the band all had goosebumps, and the crowd roared, everyone knew something special had just occurred".
From then on Gravy would jump up on guitar whenever they played Fifteen of Fame live, and was the obvious choice for the recorded version. Charlie and Lindsay laid down drumline, bass and a low key rhythm and then had Gravy lay down his lead, three takes, and in the end Lindsay used the first take relatively untouched. They always intended to add backup vocals and other instruments to fill out the sound, but once Charlie heard its raw energy, he instantly declared it finished.
Although completed in late 2019, 'Traveller in the Storm' wasn't actually released via online music platforms and national radio until 2022 as a preliminary lead into their 3rd album release that same year, with both Fifteen of Fame and King Canute going on to be released as singles in 2023 and receiving extensive airplay on radio around the country.
The first song 'Footprints in the Sand' is the story of a man who ends up in prison after a jealous rage, and is writing to his lover seeking redemption. That song and 'It Kissed Me Tenderly' were both considered the most commercial and have gone on to be some of Charlie's most requested.
However, when asked which songs he prefers, Charlie nominates Soldiers' Lullaby and False Values being the two he's most proud of:
Soldiers' Lullaby relates the horror a young soldier has towards the impending battle, and how he wants to escape back into his dreams about the woman he loves but had to leave behind, both of them knowing he will probably never return. Why must he march to war with flags and lies, he didn't ask to be a soldier!
And False Values where he describes the media fussing over celebrities, but nobody notices the death of his friend who came to Australia, worked hard and raised his children with great dignity after losing his wife in the fight for democracy in Myanmar. The world is full of false values!
The album took a long time to come together and was finally completed in 2018 with a short run of CDs being produced. However, it wasn't actually released via online music platforms and national radio until 2022 as a preliminary lead into their 3rd album release that same year.
Production was by Lindsay Masters (Masters Studies) who also played bass and lead guitars on some of the songs, with Garry (Jacko) Jackson making a significant contribution, playing on most of the tracks. Charlie's partner-in-crime Melanie Macauley sang backup vocals.
Now I'm here, this brutal lair
These men don't care, fight back despair
I die inside, it's the deepest cut
Each time those prison gates slam shut
Meet me down the Strand, on that beach in Queensland
Cooled by the fan, we'll sway to music from the band
The warm sea will sooth this crazy man
And wash away our footprints in the sand
I'm writing now to you dear
My regrets and what I fear
That you've found another out there
I'll post it soon a little smudged from my tear; it says
Meet me down the Strand, on that beach in Queensland
Cooled by the fan, we'll sway to music from the band
The warm sea will cleanse the blood from my hand
And wash away our footprints in the sand
Maureen says I let her down
Thought I was quite the man around town
When we were young, had so much fun
Chasing rainbows in the sun
But now she spends her days in a dressing gown
Got myself too deep in debt
Wake up nights covered in sweat
Seemed good idea at the time
But now looking to do this crime
To release that noose around my neck
So I'll meet my friend outside of town
Got a plan, sawn that shotgun down
Stolen car, we'll hit the road
If all goes smooth, I'll drop him off at home
Maybe then I'll just keep driving on alone
We sat and drank Margaritas
Our flights were both delayed
She asked if time might not cheat us
If together we stayed
She said, I'll sit and watch the dawn with you
Then I'll say goodbye
I'll sit and watch the dawn with you
Then I'll say goodbye
The room was small and dingy
A stop-over with no style
But in her arms I lost myself
Just me and Gideon's bible
Our life stories we did tell
It all felt so right
Maybe Gideon cast a spell
On ships passing in the night
But as we lay the sadness came again
That which we tried to chase away
There was a price we both could not pay
Only dream what might've been
We sat and watched the dawn
Then we said goodbye
My lady casino, my lady casino
My lady casino, she wants more
In my humble opinion it looks like stealing
But she's excited, red dress, high heel
Strange men in cars, working street bars
She reached for love that she could not feel
Well I told her then where the journey ends
There's some shit in life you just can't defend
But she worshipped celebrity
Bought and sold by the company
My lady casino, my lady casino
My lady casino, can't buy me
There is a ghoul on the scene and I'm startin' to scream
The ice forms in my vein
But there's no sleep for rust, as it turns into dust
Haunts me in my dream
There's no escape my guilt it seems
The redemption dove sits on my shoulder
Damnation vulture on the other
As they fight for my life, I remember my wife
The way I messed her over for my other lover
In the end I go down slow, older I get the more I know
I'm not running the show
So call my name, it's all the same, life, music, a song
And when I'm dead and gone, the music drifts away
And only the notes remain
With every word in every line, the truth so much clearer
I knew that place, could feel that space, the past so much nearer
My throat was tight, I could not speak
And my eyes blood red and filled with water
And now the raging mob drags me away
For what I stood for I must pay
And as our eyes met across the street
We both knew I might not survive this day
And as my body breaks and I fall in despair
Your words from your time in exile are clear
If in the crowd, there's one who's not forgot me
If there's one perhaps who asks how I am
Say that I'm alive, but deny that I am well
That I'm even alive is a gift from a God
I thank you Ovid
I know you spent time with that man
Could hear him when you picked up the phone
In the silence we would both feel the pain
You could never stand to be alone
When I left you on that street
Words were there but I did not speak
My foolish pride gave you all the blame
I was playing some type of childish game
The world is full of love that goes unspoken
It doesn't mean that the ties are broken
Separation leaves a cleaner wound
Among the ghosts of my bedroom
Smoke my last cigarette for the night
Will think about it in daylight
I remember when we used to fight
Round and round who's wrong or right
I do not hold the key or answer
Touch has no memory, reason has no plan
I see death, blood and broken bone
My name but scratchings on a stone
So if I break and run from the line
Please forgive me, I need more wine
To escape back into my dream
Of my beautiful wife I had to leave behind
Must I leave my dream to die
Please let me stay and grow older
Don't tell me the reasons why
I didn't ask to be a soldier
As I drift in and out of sleep
She stands with mother and gently cries
Live on our knees or die on our feet
We march to war with flags and lies
So if I break and run from the line
Please forgive me, I need more wine
To escape back into my dream
Of my beautiful wife I had to leave behind
I see her there, lit by the moon
Long black hair, smell of perfume
Hold her tight, takes my breath away
In the dawn light, she whispers "lay with me today"
Must I leave my dream to die
Please let me stay and grow older
Don't tell me the reasons why
I didn't ask to be a soldier
Can't remember what I said
You were standing, shaking your head
For one second I lost control
I was mad for you, heart and soul
Will I sleep tomorrow in a prison bed
Maybe they block that road ahead
Sure will if he was dead
Looked like it to me
Didn't hang around to see
Watched my boy sleep, kissed him goodbye and fled
I dream we put our boy to bed
Play our favorite song like we were newly wed
We are dancing, drinking tonic and gin
I reach to touch your smooth skin
But it's only a dream, a dream
Only a dream, a dream
Only a dream, a dream
Only a dream, a dream
What about my mate, died the other day
His body all worn away
Worked in the fields and on assembly line
Always stood up for those at his side
Came from a place they call Mandalay
Wife died, left young family
She had been beaten by the military
For her support for democracy
It broke him bad, but never show how sad
Raised those kids with dignity
And fought from afar for Aung San Suu Kyi
Hugged me with tears when she was free
So maybe on the news, entertainment we choose
But where I'm standing, false values
False value, false value, false value
World's too full of false value
(Well you can) Say that I am weary, say that I am sad
Say that health and wealth have missed me
Say I'm growing old, but my friend please add
Life has not passed me by, it kissed me tenderly
It kissed me tenderly
For those things that I done wrong
And took me from where I belong
By your side and in my home
I heard your cry when I was gone
And as I passed, I found love
And before too long, I found death
It lived with hate, I saw it too late
All mingled with regret
And the knock on the door, a loved one who is gone
Whisper of death from the lips of the abused whore
There was silence in the womb, but screams filled her bed-room
She seeks the silence of the tomb
(Well you can) Say that I am weary, say that I am sad
Say that health and wealth have missed me
Say I'm growing old, but my friend please add
Life has not passed me by, it kissed me tenderly
It kissed me tenderly
Don't let your misfortunes find a home
I'm here, you won't be alone
And as we fade and face the end
May you find peace as my lover and my friend
(Well you can) Say that I am weary, say that I am sad
Say that health and wealth have missed me
Say I'm growing old, but my friend please add
Life has not passed me by, it kissed me tenderly
It kissed me tenderly
I stay awake late at night
Watch her deep in sleep
Climb in bed, hold her tight
Only she can make me weep
Thunder in the distance, I hear the war
From my fears I must hide
But like King Canute on the shore
I cannot hold back the tide
I scream and shout to the sky
What's it all about
The truth he said, it turned out a lie
Now too many people are dead
King Canute was not divine
Was not full of foolish pride
He just spoke how life is strange
Some things we cannot change
Thunder in the distance, I hear the war
From my fears I must hide
But like King Canute on the shore
I cannot hold back the tide
My children lay down to sleep
I cannot hold them as they weep
Turn my face to the wind
Feel that cold bite deep within
So burn a candle in the window
I'm on that long road back to you
Nine hundred miles to go
Keep that light burning low
Why did I leave my home
I left you all alone
Now I'm lost and forlorn
I'm just a traveler in the storm
My journey is too long
I fight to come back from
For my enemies grow strong
And block the road to my home
So burn a candle in the window
I'm on that long road back to you
Nine hundred miles to go
Keep that light burning low
My friends have fallen all around, cry as I lay them down
Now alone I face the storm battered, bruised and beaten
Watching for the sunlight, waiting for the dawn
So burn a candle in the window
I'm on that long road back to you
Nine hundred miles goes so slow
Keep that light burning low
So I got that bank loan, bought this hot car from Jimbo
Now I'm racing from a cop, in the zone and I ain't gonna stop
'Cause I'm going home, I'm going home
Nothin' gonna stop me from going home
Last year best forgot, got locked in that slot
Christmas alone, called you on the phone
No doubt love was gone, your voice full of scorn
I spent that next five months doing hard time
Missin' my home, missin' my home
From prison to mine site, not sure which is worse
No child's laugh or gentle touch of the woman I yearn
Remember that other time I worked in that mine
And when I got home didn't we have a real high time
You sure loved me then, But the money didn't last
When it was gone, the only thing left
You were pregnant, our youth gone so fast
I'm going home, I'm going home
Nothin' gonna stop me from going home
Not sure if you'll even speak, my parole? I'll worry about it next week
Should I ask to stay? Throw it all for one day
'Cause I got that bank loan, bought this hot car from Jimbo
Now I'm racing from a cop, in the zone and I ain't gonna stop
'Cause I'm going home, I'm going home
Nothin' gonna stop me from going home
Hate this 'leaving home' feeling
It's the hardest thing to do
But if I'm gonna get where I gotta be
Need to say goodbye at noon
I've had all this week, and they've paid me too
Lost myself in love with you
But now I must pay my due
And I'm finding it the hardest thing to do
Church bells ring through my window
And they are out of tune
If I'm to get to where I'm going
Have to leave my love by noon
And I won't be back 'til June
Will she wear my ring or is it way too soon
Can't help but wonder if she'll find another
And break my heart in two
Church bells ring through my window
And they are out of tune
If I'm to get to where I'm going
Have to leave my love by noon
Have to leave my love by noon
I must make no delay
The sun has nearly set
Seems only yesterday
When we first met
You were dancing
Moving slow
Dressed in silk and satin, so beautiful
I held you close
As I said hello
Swear I saw the Holy Ghost before I let you go
In my dreams you linger
I watch your light dim low
And hear your gentle whisper
As you go
Now I am so lonely
Your voice I miss
Your smile, your touch
Your kiss
You were dancing
Moving slow
Dressed in silk and satin, you looked so beautiful
I held you close
As I said hello
Swear I saw the Holy Ghost before I let you go
Oh, how I miss you so
Worked the street in St Kilda
Step-dad, left home thirteen
I was down, score for me will ya
Gave me her last morphine
Some people find themselves in darkness
And to see they must shine
And when that darkness is gone
Their light will keep shining on
When I was lost, she was there for me
Helped me on my journey
Through the fog I begun to see
She left so I would be free
Some people find themselves in darkness
And to see they must shine
And when that darkness is gone
Their light will keep shining on
Now she's gone, I cannot hide
The lost chance to say goodbye
Life and regret must forever be
I will follow soon on my Odyssey
You may find yourself in darkness
And to see you must shine
And when that darkness is gone
Your light will keep shining on
Your light will keep shining on
Now I'm much older, ain't that the truth
Somewhere along the line I got tired of my life
Hard working days drained away the spark of youth
Lost your desire for me and walked away from being my wife
I don't blame you babe, I would've done the same
There ain't no point in playing the blame game
We were just so good there for awhile
And when I remember it all makes me smile
I hear your voice drifting on the wind
My thoughts confused, where to begin
I see a shadow but the light's too dim
Was that you or is this not a place I can come again
In the cool of the evening we watch the rising moon
Softness of its light filters into the darkened room
Whispering how you were mine
I swore I'd love you to the end of time
Wine was just so fine, I was twenty-five, it was great to be alive
Wine was just so fine, I was twenty-five, it was great to be alive
Got his name from those around
Cause he prayed at night out loud
Said he could smell the hate
Wanted to hide from his fate
Scared his soul could burn
And those haunting him would return
And at night her dark black hair
Is in my nightmare
One thing I come to know
Doing time goes so slow
Reverend could see I was down
Not even a smile when he played the clown
So told me a tale with sting
To give up, a fatal thing
Slowly I came round
In the end laughing out loud
Helped me write a letter to my Maureen
A long poem of hope and dream
In those words I felt so deep
The pain that disturbed my sleep
Put my release date
Said she'd meet me at the gate
Had to say goodbye to Reverend Joe
Gave me a hug, told me to go
One thing I'd come to know
Doing time goes so slow
Doing time goes so slow
Doing time goes so slow
I took for granted your love so sweet
Me and Sam using more each week
Tried to stop but made me so sick
You kissed me, whispered goodbye, walked on down the street
My wallet's empty and fuel light's flashing
So is the light on the cop car behind
Blood, tears, a tragic ending
When you talk to friends who knew me try not to be unkind
There was a time when no one could break
The bond we shared, you so loved me deep
Those memories haunt me when I'm awake
And only sweet morphine can put me to sleep
Is there redemption for a man like me
Will prison fix it, or maybe House Odyssey
No one to blame I did it my way
Choices I made, high price to pay
Hidden deep, hide my despair
Feel so lost and nobody's there
Alone I live, hand to mouth, day to day
Pay the man, take the pain away
Pay the man and take that pain away
My wallet's empty and fuel light's flashing
So is the light on the cop car behind
Blood, tears, a tragic ending
When you talk to friends who knew me try not to be unkind
When you talk to friends who knew me try not to be unkind
So I'm looking for my fifteen of fame
Andy Warhol was the same
Not be forgotten in time
With that same old head-line
Overdose in back lane
Nobody knows his name
Your kiss may bring me that new start
It leaves a footprint on my heart
But poisoned blood, Interferon, drift off with a vacant stare
The pain of lost dreams too much for my soul to bare
So I'm looking for my fifteen of fame
Andy Warhol was the same
Not be forgotten in time
With that same old head-line
Overdose in back lane
Nobody knows his name
Can't keep a lid on it, tears flow, depression grows
The ones I love so close are the most vulnerable
So I'm looking for my fifteen of fame
Andy Warhol was the same
Not be forgotten in time
With that same old head-line
Overdose in back lane
Nobody knows his name
Early version of King Canute, the most recent single release from Charlie & The Black Pepper Band. This video featured Dirty Dan Thomas on drums and Old Col on bass, both have since passed away, but they live on in our memories. RIP Danny and Col.
Drive the Highway - Charlie and The Black Pepper Band
Description: Charlie Powling and The Black Pepper Band's live version of Drive the Highway, Charlie's single release off his 3rd CD, performed at Dolly's Bar in Darwin, Australia.
Fifteen of Fame - Charlie and The Black Pepper Band
Charlie Powling and The Black Pepper Band's live version of Fifteen of Fame, Charlie's single release off his 2nd CD Traveller in the Storm, filmed for Darwin's Nightcliffe Seabreeze Festival television and online broadcast in 2020 - a 'one-take' special performance featuring James (Gravy Train) Brown on lead guitar, Gary (Jacko) Jackson filling in on drums, Wayne (The Rock) Wright on bass and Charlie's partner-in-crime Melanie Macauley on backup vocals.
Charlie and The Black Pepper Band - My Lady Casino
Charlie Powling and The Black Pepper Band's live version of My Lady Casino, a song first recorded on Charlie's self titled first CD released in 2018, this performance filmed at Dolly's Bar in Darwin and features Gary (Jacko) Jackson on lead guitar, Doug Corby on drums, Wayne (The Rock) Wright on bass and Charlie's partner-in-crime Melanie Macauley on backup vocals.
Charlie and The Black Pepper Band - King Canute
Charlie Powling and his support Band performing at Darwin's iconic Deckchair Cinema for the 2019 Darwin Festival. The song is King Canute off Charlie's 2nd CD 'Traveller in the Storm' released that same year. The Band featured Gary (Jacko) Jackson on lead guitar, Wayne (The Rock) Wright on bass, Melanie Macauley on backup vocals and on drums was Danny Thomas who passed away in December 2020 after a long illness - RIP Dirty Dan, you live on in our memories.
Charlie Powling Band - Only the Notes Remain
Charlie Powling and his support Band performing at Darwin's iconic Deck Chair Cinema for the 2019 Darwin Festival. 'Only the Notes Remain' is off Charlie's self titled first CD released in 2018. The Band featured Gary (Jacko) Jackson on lead guitar, Wayne (The Rock) Wright on bass, Melanie Macauley on backup vocals and on drums was Danny Thomas who passed away in December 2020 after a long illness - RIP Dirty Dan, you live on in our memories.
Charlie Powling - Car Song
Charlie Powling and an early (slow) version of the Car Song recorded back in 2017 at Dolly's Bar in Darwin, Australia, which eventually appeared on Charlie's first self titled CD released the following year. (In memory of Danny Thomas and Old Col - gone but not forgotten.)
1. Our direct licensing guidelines
1.1. These are the direct licensing guidelines of Charlie & The Black Pepper Band (Charlie Powling). At present we do not have the capacity to directly licence any of our sound recordings or music videos for public performance or transmission.
1.2. Given the legal and administrative costs involved with direct licensing we are unable to offer direct licenses at competitive rates for public performance or transmission. We will review our position every 12 months to consider whether the size and skill base of our organisation enables us to engage in direct licensing.
1.3. In the meantime, if you require a licence for the public performance or transmission of one of our sound recordings or music videos you should contact the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) at www.ppca.com.au or call (02) 8569 1111.
1.4. If you wish to provide any feedback or comments on our direct licensing policy,
here.
