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Skypaint: A Cyber Rock Opera

by Russell Chudnofsky

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1.
2.
Momma’s Warning Laila: I remember as a child running off into the wild Momma coming after me she never learned to set me free I never followed mother down and I am not inclined to stick around in this defunct, ship sunk sad old town And I say “I’m never gonna go back home” Now Momma’s disapproved of Sky ever since I brought him by “Just like your father” she would say guys like that they never stay I’ve never cared what Momma said she warned Sky would not get ahead find another man instead So I said “We’re never gonna go back home” But lately something’s going wrong I feel like I just can’t hang on There’s something deep inside that hurts and everyday it’s getting worse I need to leave here right now and find some one to help somehow And though I know what Momma’d say I’ll die if I don’t get away I don’t want to see mother down but I’m not inclined to stick around soon one day we’ll leave this town then I’d say “We’re never gonna go back home”
3.
Welcome Home 04:10
Welcome Home Sky: It’s so good to be back in your arms by the stars tonight Gazing beyond the pond’s mirrored light Reflecting the glow far below of a moonlit sky By the lagoon hear my tune a lullabye Just remember what I say, when I seem so far away Your home is in my heart Laila: When I was young I would run so very far away, I’d never known a true home where people stay And if dreams could come true I’d be you so I could crawl inside There I would find in your mind a place to hide Sky: When you’re feeling all alone, remember that you have a home Your home is in my heart Sky and Laila: So Welcome Home To My Heart Laila: Sky I sense that something’s wrong it won’t let me be So hold me near and I wont’ fear as long as you’re with me always stay with me Sky and Laila: Welcome Home to my Heart
4.
The Good Old Days Sky: As long as I’ve been round I’ve had this one friend that I know I can count on A bit of a wise man- was always there to lend a hand when all had gone Now Hank is from a family of healers who’ve passed all their wisdom down So don’t you worry Laila, Hank he’ll fix you right, he’s the best here around Like it was in the good old days- We helped each other hang on In the good old days- That’s right now the good old days are gone, Hank it’s good to see you- it’s been way too long life can get out of hand Well I need to introduce you this is Laila- the fairest in the land So I was wondering as Laila’s feeling down she tells me something’s wrong I figured you could see her would you have a look and we’ll be moving on Hank: Yes Sky it’s been years so glad to see you man, I’d thought you’d cut and run It’s good to meet you Laila I’m so pleased to see that Sky has found someone Now let me clarify for you and Sky cuz what he’s saying’s slightly off Though I may be no magician I can treat a cold, a headache or your cough Like it was in the good old days… I know it seems a pity but I’m going to the city anyday I’m splitting with the family business no one needs a healer anyway- least not today So I’m gonna be a doctor- found a mentor Riley J Jones is his name you should meet me in the city- I’m sure he could cure Laila from her pain But let me warn you now Sky that the doctor’s fees are more than you can pay find a way to make some money quick, before your lady fades away like it was in the good old days… Hank gives Laila an amulet to wear around her neck: Take this chain for luck to wear it was my dad’s he passed it down to me Even though we just met Laila you are now one of the family
5.
Goin’ to the City Sky: So I’m working 7 days a week I’m saving all my money for the day We’re going to the city cuz my lady Laila’s got to get away She’s feeling pretty ill and I want her to get the best help all around we’re going to the city by tomorrow night we’re gonna leave this town Gonna go to the city my baby’s she’s a got to get away Gonna go to the city I’ve been saving all my money for the day I got myself some new clothes in the city I’d be looking kind of square I just bought me a new suit black and blue and I cut off my ratty hair Gonna go to the city looking all sharp like they do Gonna go to the city If they’re looking like that then we will too Gonna go to the city my baby’s she’s a got to get away Gonna go to the city I’ve been saving all my money for the day We’re gonna see this doctor, Riley J Jones, Hank he says he’s all the rage He best be as I’m working every day and barely make a slave’s wage yes I may be skeptical about the modern medical routine So what if we’re living longer when our lives are run by a machine Gonna go to the city- the good old days were then and this is now Gonna go to the city- I don’t seem to have a choice anyhow Gonna go to the city my baby’s she’s a got to get away Gonna go to the city I’ve been saving all my money for the day
6.
Hide Your Pain Chorus: Hide Your pain, Hide Your pain cuz there’s a new revolution changing human evolution. Hide Your pain, Hide Your pain One day we’re gonna say how could we ever have lived that way Humanity so down in every way and I say- I’ve found the cure Chorus “Here’s what they’ll be saying” Long ago to soothe our soul we hid in a haze of sex and drugs and rock n roll tried to hide from our pain and sorrow but it’d grow more tomorrow but this is no longer the case I’m singing Man is the victim of an evolutionary mistake, Nature has let us down. It is up to us to take the next step in the evolutionary process. Ever since man covered his frail body in the hide of the wooly mammoth, he has been artificially manipulating the natural world.. We do not need to be controlled by evolution. We can control it ourselves now. We need to merge as one. Death will be but a memory, a relic of a bygone era. We no longer need to depend upon these faulty bodies for survival. No more suffering. I will scan your brain, and then I will redesign your brain. My nanodots, miniature wireless computers, will be sent into your old brain, and connect you into your new brain, a computerized replica of your old brain. Escape into my E-scape. We will eliminate the bladder-human waste, we will do away with the toes- true freedom from the body and all that keeps us from accomplishing our dreams inside my nanoscopic machine. I understand the girl is a bit ill. Make you sure you set up an appointment for a PHYSICAL.
7.
Robopsot 01:28
Robospot Hank: Everyone around me has these little robot pets they call them Spot And someone needs to walk them that is me at least for now it’s all I’ve got These robopets have been designed to be so much more than your man’s best friend And if they do annoy you shut them off the switch is under it’s rear end Sky: Here here boy….. I Love you Robospot Hank: You can own a mixture of a cat, a dog, a squirrel, a cockatoo And you’ll never have to deal again with scooping up your pet’s poo poo Riley J: These robopets have been designed to be so much more than your man’s best friend I’ve transferred their souls from their bodies through a process that will now extend With Hank Their lives which have been saved so now your pet may live forever what a feat Riley J: And next I will achieve this step with humans as soon as my work’s complete
8.
Follow Me Down Hank (sings to Laila and Sky): Let me see first an apology as I’m not sure where to begin, the doctor’s detained- but he’ll soon explain, what’s gotten under your skin Riley J: The results are back there’s not much time to act - If we move now you could pull though But this much is certain that the final curtain is closing with or without you Laila grasps her chain Sky, Laila, Hank and Riley J: aah, aah, aah, aah- Riley J: Follow me down- down into your new home It’s time to go- Welcome to your new home Riley J (to Laila): Since you’ve been inspected now we have detected a sickness that’s spreading throughout Killing your self, destroying your health, there’s no time left to lie about Hank (sings to Sky): Sky I’d advise, you be somewhat wise, as Laila may soon not be here Hank and Riley J: So go to your girley go now while it’s early the end for her is drawing near Chorus Riley J (to Laila): You’ll be the first- in this new universe- my bold and brave pioneer, you can be saved now so don’t be afraid, I promise there’s nothing to fear You need to trust me my dear, I promise there’s nothing to fear Chorus
9.
Laila's Plea 03:37
Laila’s Plea Laila: Sky- I – don’t want to die so now I can shed my skin and be enterin’ this new found world Sky- I don’t want to say goodbye I gave my love to you So come on into this new found world - with me Sky- I -don’t want to die Now I need to decide I want you by my side Take this ride with me Sky: I, don’t -don’t want you to die but this world’s not for me, I know that you can see, can’t you see me
10.
The Sci-fi Pimp Chorus: He’s the Sci-fi pimp Dr. Riley Jones Dr. Riley J Jones: Step right up climb through my looking glass In this new dream world where are we you may ask Understand my child we’ll all soon be displaced There is nowhere else to go except for inner space. Chorus The fruit in front of us now it is my new invention. With nanodots that link you to this new dimension Take a bite to unite with the cybernation’s hallucination Downloaded from the network to your imagination A sensation of the mental transcendental medication Take a bite, take a bite. it’s my new creation. Download your brain to the cyberstation.
11.
Merge as One 03:37
Merge as One Laila: Sky- I’ve got an inkling a new world’s just begun, I can’t let you leave when we can actually merge as one, Merge as one Sky- I know what you’re thinking and I understand You’re feeling uneasy this is not what we planned Maybe it’s the next step one more wild frontier a new world for the painter, the poet, the pioneer Chorus: you’ll create the skies with only your mind’s eye and I will set the sun when we merge as one, when we merge as one Sky- over the yonder into this brand new land We can create a new garden away from the Things of Man Chorus My eyes open now I see I need you right here with me So come join with me and let us run download our souls and merge as one Welcome Home Merge as One
12.
Painter of Sky II And I look to the clouds - as much as my time allows Clouds don’t laugh when I fall -don’t make me feel wrong at all Today I lay my head and spent- a whole day dancing with my head Closed my eyes and danced with you- maybe be back tomorrow too Oh I believe I saw a pinwheel fade into horizon peeled away the sky- Or was it I With a brush in hand I smudge the sky for all to see or maybe me inside my eye I’m the Painter of Sky
13.
Laila (singing from inside the E-scape) And I look to the clouds - as much as my time allows Clouds don’t laugh when I fall -don’t make me feel wrong at all Today I lay my head and spent- a whole day dancing with my head Closed my eyes and danced with you- maybe be back tomorrow too Oh I believe I saw a pinwheel fade into horizon peeled away the sky- Or was it I With a brush in hand I smudge the sky for all to see or maybe me inside my eye I’m the Painter of Sky
14.
Living Sci-fi Sky: I remember clear glass skies Reflecting waters rolling by Chorus: I’m Living Sci-fi goodbye to all that’s real I’m living Sci-fi goodbye Flung ourselves into a stream Was it all inside a dream? Chorus:
15.
Luddite's Lament: Hank: Sky let me apologize this isn’t easy to say A sickness has spread throughout our old homestead our folks and friends all passed away Sky: aahs Hank: What Laila was stricken with went on to sicken - all of the people we know But just keep in mind- if you’re so inclined that you will die if you go You can't leave here Chorus: Sky: Aah, aah, aah, aah I've got to get out and get back to my home I’ve got to leave now And get back where I’m from No this can’t be true, I don’t believe you, I see through all of your lies Like how you said that Laila’d be dead unless we left our hills and skies Hank: That was all true -You must believe when I say you can’t leave Like our folks- you’ll meet the same fate Sky: This can’t be real Hank: So stay with your girley, cuz it’s way too early to end your life trust me and wait so these wounds can heal Chorus: Sky: I've got to get out and get back to my home This never was never will be my home I’ve got to go now and get back somehow how, But Laila seems right at home here As she paints the sky I wonder how I Ever could take her from here I might as well disappear, There’s nothing left for me here Chorus: Sky: Aah, aah, aah, aah I've got to get out and get back to my home I’ve got to leave now And get back where I’m from I’ve got to get back get on back to what’s real Let me out now Hank: You just need to heal Sky: No
16.
Machines 03:52
Machines Laila: I could creates skies for hours- paint inside my eyes Needs are all taken care for me while I fantasize And laze around my made up world inside my made up scenes Chorus: Machines they now could dream our dreams Machines they dream our dreams And no more will I be alone cuz my old world was not my own I was lost but now I’ve found my home Like a solid suit of armor a shell to shield my mind I jack into the new universe leave my skin behind Laze around my world of dreams made up blues and greens Chorus How did humans live for eons Crying all the time We’ve evolved from faulty bodies and live inside one mind And laze around my made up world inside my made up scenes Chorus My true home
17.
By Tomorrow 02:41
By Tomorrow Sky: By tomorrow I’ll be moving on To where I belong back to the hills By tomorrow I’ll sing this here song it won’t be too long back to the hills I could see the hollow look in your eyes, no longer mine, was it the absence of skies, that’s changed your mind You used to gaze up and dream of the day that we could wake up somewhere so far away, but I can’t stay. By Tomorrow… I was born where the wind blew free- gazing out as far as my eye could see-just you and me There I will go back so I must say goodbye under the shelter of my own painted sky- there I will die
18.
Away from the Man I found my way back to the Garden the garden - I’m never goin’ back Away from the man back to where it all began- I said I’m never goin’ back back to the things of man Once upon my mind I could tell the time by how the stars aligned by where the sun would shine away from the man back to where it all began- I’m never goin back back to the things of man Now I’m dancing with the wind and I try to hold her closely by the trees by the trees yeah I’m tumbling through the forest- away from the man back to where it all began- I say I’m never goin back back to the things of man As long as I have the stars around me I will be alright As long as Big, Big Skies surround- surround me I will be alright Lowdown Big Sky Sounds

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SKYPAINT: A Cyber Rock Opera tells a futuristic version of the Garden of Eden tale. Jim Sullivan from the Boston Globe calls "terrific: immediately infectious, hard-rocking, and heartfelt. Skypaint may just be the best rock [or pop] opera by a small-scale band." 

Elizabeth Searle has recently written a book for Skypaint, which will premier in Fall of 2017.

credits

released March 22, 2017

Vocals: Russell Chudnofsky, Sarah Borges, Eric Schmider, Tom Sturm, Lesley Smith
Guitars, Bass, Keys: Russell Chudnofsky
Additional Keys: Phil Aiken
Drums: Steve Scully, Brian Brown
Recorded and mixed by: Erin Taylor and Brian Brown
Mastered by: Ian Kennedy

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Skypaint Boston, Massachusetts

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