In My Van

from Slouching Towards Bethlehem (RM) 2008 by Robert James

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about

In My Van. I always wanted to write a song paying homage to my trusty steed, Alex. I had two vans. Alex #1 died shortly after I traded Dad for Alex #2. Alex #1 was a bit of a mess. A driving catastrophe of sorts. Three engines, breakdowns and some waiting on the side of the road moments but we never missed a gig or were late for one. Of course, when you don't have that much faith in "ol' reliable", you do tend to leave the shack earlier than normal. Two hours is plenty of time when you need to drive five or six miles to get to the show. Alex #2 fared remarkably better. Never a breakdown. Never a missed show. He died in late fall of 2019. Shortly before my brother passed away. And in front of my brother’s trailer, no less. As if to say, I could never let you down, RJ. Like the old Buck Owens song about Sally. Alex was a good ole’ girl. A bit of a cliffhanger ending for this song. And somebody always asks me if the guy drives away alone or not. If I was the character in the story I’d say no. I’d definitely say no. I’d keep that gas tank full. Alex #2. That’s the pony we’d ride … xoRJ

lyrics

Wanna take you out for a spin in my van
Pack a lunch…. we’ll go for a drive if you can
I’d like to drag you where the warm wind blows
I’ll write your name in the sand
I’ll take you out to see, now - in my van

Find a cassette while I drive you around in my van
Just root around and find something loud if you can
Let’s pack up our things and just run away
And hope that they’ll all understand
Is there some place you’d like to go with me in my van

We don’t need much money
We can find our way along
I’ve been waiting forever for you
Holding out so long ...

I drive you home or we just drive away in my van
It’s getting late; let’s make our escape while we can
I’ll drive to where the warm wind blows
You think of beaches and sand
Or do I drive away without you in my van

In my van -

We don’t need much money
We can find our way along
I’ve been waiting forever for you
Holding out so long ...

I drive you home or we just drive away in my van
I drive you home or we just drive away in my van
I drive you home or we just drive away in my van ...

I drive you home or we just drive away in my van

Lyrics & Music (c) 2008 Robert James
Angry Lion Publishing SOCAN/ASCAP
A division of Horace Media 2016

credits

from Slouching Towards Bethlehem (RM) 2008, released December 1, 2008
RJ: Lead Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bass Guitar
Kevan Van Keith: Drums & Percussion
Sid Perez: Keyboards & Stylus Percussion
Backing Vocals: RJ, Kevan & Sid. Handclaps as well.

Recorded & Mixed @Mainline Sound, Vancouver, Canada
Engineered and Mixed by Sid Perez
Assistant Engineer: Robert James
Original Master by Sid Perez 2008
Remastered by Robert James & Landr Services 2016
Produced by Robert James for The Kingsway Group 2008

A division of Horace Media 2016
Lyrics reprinted by permission. Angry Lion Publishing
Cover Design & Layout:
Malcolm Summersby & MAS for The Kingsway Group
This release* Remastered 2016 Horace Media

Special Thanks to:
Pro Tools and Landr … a worthy righteous combination …
The usual suspects: Fender, National, Gibson & Ovation guitars.
Amplification by Fender, Traynor, Marshall & Gretsch.
Special Thanks to Malcolm Summersby. MAS design.
As always, my three F’s: Family, friends and fans. You cats rock.
Most of all this is your album.
*To see individual track listings and album art
please click on the song title …

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about

Robert James Wetaskiwin, Alberta

As 2024 rolls along we hope to leave you a few more single releases xoRJ

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