Mara began building a rock and roll career at the ripe old age of 19 with indie-rock band, Kid Sampson. Mara studied music composition at Amherst College as Kid Sampson began to take off. This album was the band's SECOND, and was recorded in 1999 at Slaughterhouse Recording Studio and in the practice rooms and dorms at Amherst College with amazing musicians from the college community.
LAST CHANCE SODA
TRACK LIST
(click to see lyrics!)
1, Beginning
2. Lullabye
3. Forever Baby
5. So Right
6. Do Me
7. Cornelius
10. World Out There
11. She Moves
12. Not Good Enough
13. The Truth
14. Dansk Ferie
LAST CHANCE SODA
ALBUM CREDITS
Produced by Kid Sampson and Owen Muir
Recorded by Owen Muir
Drums recorded at the Slaughterhouse by
Mark Alan Miller, John Truscinski, Jose Ayerve
Mixing and extreme helpfulness by Mark Alan Miller
Mastered by Chris Athens at Sterling Sound, NYC
Artistic consulting by the weathered Josh Friedman
Band Photo by Owen Muir
Horn Props to Dina Levi
Guitars n' stuff provided by Chris Fargis
Recording Space thoughtfully provided by
The Amherst College Music Department and
WAMH 89.3 in Amherst
Intermittent clicks amply provided by The Clock
Kid Sampson is Mike Sullivan, Mara Levi, Jeremy Sosenko
All instruments played by Kid Sampson except:
Strings on What About Your Friends, So Right, Dansk Ferie:
Violin: Gonzalo Cruz-Schiavone, Sebastian Cruz-Schiavone, Roland Satterwhite
Viola: Sam Rice-Townsend
Cello: Jane Ha, Jonathan Christopher Min
Horns on Do Me, Cornelius, Not Good Enough:
Trombone: Benjie Messer
Tenor Sax: Emiliano Garcia
Alto Sax: Michael Pisapia
Baritone Sax: Terran Olson
Brass on The Truth:
Trumpet: Jacob Cooper
Trombone: Philip Chiu, Benjie Messer
French Horn: Adam McClay
All songs © 2000, Fancy Records
1. Beginning
This is really just piano - no lyrics!
2. Lullabye
Though I'm small you can see me in the mirror
When you close your eyes
In your teardrops and in the ocean
I devote myself to running through the night
In your mind, may these words find their disguises
Somewhere deep inside
Reason gives way to superstition
Baby, I will pull you back with my lullabye
In your dreams, it may seem the waves are stronger
And that they'll pull you down
If you fear them, you will not hear them
Then you'll be stuck there on the ground
I don't dare paint this picture all in gray
'Cause too many critics would lose interest in my pain
So take my word, it's just a song with universal themes
Such as anarchy, and fate, and talking dreams
Do not cry for in this land, it is forbidden
This is a song of hope
It's not just a dream, dear to live forever
So forget your mortal fears and live it up
'Cause in the end you will find that I am with you
That I am in your eyes
And tomorrow, and tomorrow
I will never leave your side
Lullabye, you can make your own tomorrow
But you must make it yourself
If you want comfort, Look somewhere else, dear
Comfort never satisfied your heart (x2)
You've got your ticket, now you're ready for the search
Don't you listen when they tell you what you need
You just jump that plane or hop in bed
Whatever gets your head
Right back in my arms where you belong
If you're lost, you may think I'm gone forever
But I am doing fine
In your teardrops and in the ocean
It's a long way out to see the other side
Don't think twice about the past, you are not fleeing
No you just leave her behind
Be an artist, and sell the story
You just swim yourself to shore and you're doing fine (x3)
3. Forever Baby
When will this ever cease, so sick of asking why
But who the hell wants peace
Yeah, come on baby, make me cry
I can play forever baby, I can play forever baby
Nothing ever has to happen
I'm not like everybody else
No, no one else
When will you ever learn that wasn't what I meant
So don't talk out of turn and stop looking so petulent
I can say forever baby, yeah, yeah, yeah, forever baby
Nothing ever has to happen
I'm not like everybody else
Listen up!
I'm not an idiot, you're not a child
We can go on and pretend we're doing something worthwhile
Oh yeah, we're doing something
Then, when will this start for all this useless plotting
So watch me fall apart and keep smiling, keep nodding
We can stay forever baby, we'll just stay forever baby
Nothing's ever gonna happen
We're not like everybody else, no,
We're not like everybody
4. What About Your Friends
Well, a rock never moves without a hand
And a hand never lends itself to harm
Well, harm is subjective to a rock, anyway
Words never served me quite as well
They hide in the cracks, and I can't explain
Well you never needed me to speak anyway
Chorus:
I can walk away now
I can walk away now
I'll find a way to get by if I get out
Well, the cold brings his reticent approach
Bearing news of a change a year away
Just to breathe takes the strength she has to stand all away
It's the things no one sees that we all share
On the border, the cheese becomes the truth
So forgive the simplicity and stay anyway
Chorus
It's what I meant to say
You can't demean that
I'm no good anyway
So pretend that you knew that and leave some space
Oh, I'm like that, I'm like that
I'm like that, I'm like that
So, run, little girl, you cant' stay
These rocks, they are too big for you to hold
And you'll never learn to throw them back anyway
Chorus
I'm like that...
5. So Right
Tell us a story, how things used to be
When people were nicer and no one was lonely
And no one was spiteful and no one was poor
Tell us the world's not so right anymore
Plenty of sunshine and people to see
Then love was dirt cheap and flowers were currency
But it's not as bright now and it always pours
It's dark and the world's not so right anymore
Realistic depictions of every affliction today
We need your advice, we need your attacking
Til our defenses are cracking
Til we feel acutely for all that we're lacking
So we look to you in your time of renown
Thinking we let ourselves down
No one was cynical, nothing ironic
The world needed harmony and you were the tonic
Now nothing's so trite as the songs you adored
Sounds like the world's not so right anymore
Say, say it could happen, tell us it's true
As long as we try to be much more like you
And we do
We have to believe you, we have to concur
You had to work hard to be simple as you were
And not like this age and accompanying rash
When you're choking on Haight and you're buried in Ashe
And you view with delight whom you used to deplore
So who cares if this world's not so right anymore
6. Do Me
You can do me up for now
I can wash you away in just a day or
Two for comfort minus me
Pick a flavor
You choose and I will count the
Days, they run together
Time will tell
The truth is never for forever
So you're fading and falling down
Bring me with you
As if I'd nowhere better
Take your break, we're standing by
You're the apple
Though frankly I've seen better
Days, they run together
Ah the time
Is gone forever and memory never
Chorus:
Take sides and I'll be fine
'Cause my patience is endless
And I'll be there, like you care
Oh the days they run together
Ah, the time won't last forever
And pictures never
Sing for company and dance for me
It's all forgotten
Make way for self
Interest me in joining, I'll fall behind
Spring is breaking
Excused me I've got better
Days they run together
Ah, the time will take forever and
Love will never
Back down and turn it around
Cherries for strangers
So proud to let it be
Justice is served
In the dark but not for long
True perfection never comes
You have to want it honey
All that running's gonna make you say
Right on, sing me a song
Love is for losers
Romances is far too dry and so contrived
Right on, string me along
Beggars and choosers
You hold back and I'll move on
Now who's strong
What a song
7. Cornelius
Hear us, save us, you're our only hope
You'll drown if you can't cope so
We can't give you too much rope just yet
Forget all your protests, you know it's true
I used to be just like you
But now I'm exactly who you miss
Let's start this again
Chorus:
When they say you're wrong dear
Tell them you belong here
Tell them what I said
When they say you're tired
Say you're uninspired
Instead
OK now, we know you're smart
Dying in the name of art
Now if we try hard we can play our own best
Underwritten parts
Chorus
You're gold, you're too old
Watching you react
Just act like you weren't told
Let's all fold again
Chorus
Tell them they're fired
Instead, they're dumb, they're done
They're dead
8. Mainstream Band
This is not a love song
And this is not a story book
We are not audible and
He still isn't off the hook
She is not a dreamer
You are not the silent type
He is not a communist and
This is nothing more than hype
We are not physical
They are not making plans
He is not coming here and
We are not a mainstream band
Prechorus:
She could take her hat in her hand
But she was running around
And she was gaining no ground and well
She was moving inside of her dreams
Losing sight of the drive in the ride into Cleveland
He could take his hat in his hand
But he was running around
And he was gaining no ground and well
He was moving inside of his dreams
Losing sight of the night in the flight over Cleveland
There's nothing sacred about it
But it's a message for the kids
Chorus:
We are not a mainstream band
We are searching for the soul of America
We are not a mainstream band
And we're not gonna move til you understand
She is not a mention
And you are not a holy man
This is not convention
This is not for you to understand
They are not in prison
We are not on solid ground
She is not a waitress and
You are not supposed to make a sound
You are not invited
We are not near the end
This is not a legend, no
She is not your only friend
Prechorus
Chorus
You are not a rock star
They are not dignitaries
He is not talkative
We are not prone to worry
You are not plastic
She is not made of sand
We are not sold out and
We are not a mainstream band
They are not chasing us
We are not the master race
You are not erasing much 'cause
This is not a typical case
Prechorus
[recent studies have shown that there is, in fact,
nothing sacred about it
But it's a habit for the kids]
Chorus x2
9. Mr. Wonderful
Doot doo doot doo...
Well, there's this man called Mr. Wonderful
And he lives in a palace
And he only goes outside if it's raining hard
He's a kind hearted soul
And he will save you from your misery
He will find you when you first let down you guard
And his ladies in waiting,
They provide him with his arrogance
So that he is risking nothing when he calls
He is safe there in his kingdom
Protected from my hatred
When he leaves so fast there's no chance to find fault
Chorus:
That's when he came along telling me that I was wonderful
Tempting me just for one moment to stay
He lured me with praises,
Intrigued me with danger
That I never thought I would crave
Well, he approached me at the right time
I'd been thinking about leaving
His deceit was what I needed to clear my mind
No, my actions were not heartfelt
They were cruel and calculated
So I let him break the boundaries I'd defined
Chorus
He had broken something beautiful
In my blindness I had let him
My time spent with him, it opened my eyes
And they'll say, "Hello, Mr. Wonderful,
You forgot to check your messages"
And the rain outside is thick
And I'm falling fast
I do not deserve your kindness
I am frightened and judgmental
I would let you see my secrets if I dared
Though he left no visible fingerprints
You are tracing the pattern perfectly
And I feel that I should tell you he's been there
That's when you came along
Telling me that I was wonderful
Asking me just for one moment to stay
You opened right, up asking nothing from me
Yes, you offered me more than I gave
That's when you came along
Telling me that I was wonderful
Asking me just for one moment to stay
If that's all it takes, I'll admit my mistakes
If you'll let me in out of the rain
Doot doo doot doo..
10. World Out There
It's okay, there's a world out there
There's a place where people never disagree
And understand apology
It's okay, there's a world out there
Everyone wears badges for the things they've solved
Like the way you like to get involved
It's okay, there's a world out there
Where no one dare talk about what might have been
Or lie awake and laugh at your chagrin
There's a world out there
Everyone wears scars in loads and goads and cries
At songs about prolonged goodbyes
So get set and be set
Miss the times you thought you had
Think you're alone
This is not that bad
But this is not your home
We will never disagree (x3)
Goodbye
11. She Moves
She walks through ice, no one to feed her fire
Now we observe the slowly melting beauty in her eyes
She moves in twos, liberty will conspire
Chewing the seams, instructing the severity and size
Chorus
Can't you do anything
She's taking photographs, and we're waiting
She feels the groove, setting her clock to moonlight
Colors the tide of feature film celebrity attire
She walks alone, probably after midnight
Shifting the tables, and letting her significance expire
Chorus
She's being modernized, and we're waiting
She moves through rock, she can be your foundation
You've never seen the yellow lines and warning signs displayed
She moves through oceans, use your imagination
Drown her in color and cast her in your suffocating shade
Chorus
She's got an attitude, and we're waiting
She's going crazy with her fancy education
Forever numbing any sign of disenchantment
Why bother trying to escape from this disaster
That awful feeling that you once mistook for passion
She's going crazy with her
Forever numbing any
Why bother trying to escape
That awful feeling that you once mistook for passion
/
She walks through ice, no one to feed
She moves in twos, liberty will
She feels the groove, setting her clock
She moves through rock, she can be yours
She walks alone
12. Not Good Enough
Lalala
That's not good enough, not good enough
One in a billion, so incredibly brilliant
Ashamed and resilient and
That's not good enough
But you're cute and you're built and you're beautiful
Blinding and brutal, but
That's not good enough
Oh, the air smells sweet
The tension's thick enough to eat but
Did I know what I know now
It's not surprising, coming to and realizing
That we're downsizing but
That's not good enough
Only they are so insistent I share
But I'm a team player and
That's not good enough
Oh, but I can't quit, I sucked it up enough to spit
But did I know what I know now
So am I regressing, or is it just regret
I wanted to be older
But it hasn't happened yet
Wanted to be smarter, and have the guts to say
Nothing's ever over, unless something is wrong
Now it seems that way
That's okay
We're not gone, and we can be strong
And we can move on but
That's not good enough
But it's fair, though I wish you weren't there
And that I was cool and couldn't care
That's not good enough
Oh the years go by, the fears subside and
I'm a brand new guy but
Did I know what I know now
That's not good enough
/
I know something's wrong
I'm not doing anything
I know nothing's wrong
I know nothing's happening
13. The Truth
If I'm sinking slowly then at least I'm breathing fast
And this is still a love song
Did I ever tell you about my second skin
I wear it for protection from the heart of my chagrin
It's become quite useful though these days it's wearing thin
An old forgotten treasure from the places that it's been
I started getting better when I let it out to fly
But now it won't stop circling no matter how I try
And I have all the symptoms but the doctors still deny
They say some sinner's Saturday is wrapped up in goodbye
If I'm sinking slowly then at least I'm breathing fast
And this is still a love song
Chorus
'Cause wilder things have patience
And consciences are wrong
But you're the softest thing I ever
Take a moment, catch my breath,
And watch what I am falling into
Well I was only dreaming when you wanted me to play
But by the time I heard you, you were well upon your way
It's never when I'm searching that I find the words to say
I could turn the tide, but for the crashing of the waves
Now you've seen the emotion and you've heard me stand my ground
I'd sacrifice that toughness if my bruises could be bound
Don't the days go quickly when you start to count them down
We both know the impetus won't always be around
If I'm sinking slowly then at least I'm breathing fast
And this is still a love song
Chorus
Sometimes the rain is only meant to spell disaster
Sometimes the truth is just as painful as it seems
So we won't sit and share our stories of survival
Well, in the darkness we can dream
If I become too obvious I'll censor my regard
I'll find the ocean quickly and I'll watch it from the stars
Then you'll melt me slowly from behind or you'll smile me off my guard
And I'll stop saying nothing just to keep you where you are
For all the sleep it's cost me, you'd think I'd know where to stand
For all the devil's trying, I can still control my hands
If it's cost you tears, well it was never what i planned
'Cause you're living it up on the dance floor and I'm playing it in a band
If I'm sinking slowly then at least I'm breathing fast
And this is still a love song
Chorus
You're the softest thing I ever
Never had at all
14. Dansk Ferie
You'd lead a wild life, but while you're ready
This Serengeti, you've found your place
So much makeup, what a waste, well
If you're alone, don't be upset
The man in the doorway wants you to forget
Where's your extraordinary
Plan of action when dissatisfaction descends
Might be right, but it depends
If you're around, don't be surprised
The world is nothing in your eyes
Chorus
How can I stand up so assured
And watch my friends going overboard
Why should I sit down and be still
When if I don't you will
Pretty popular but, you're no hero
Regular Nero the way you play
What was built in a day
If you're alarmed don't be concerned
Such a melodic way to watch it burn
Chorus
It's not impossible but so elusive
Too inconclusive to say for sure
What's been left, what's in store
If you're alone, don't be distraught
You were nothing til you forgot
Chorus