Tugboat Jackson - Gotta Have A Spade To Move The Dirt

The bluesman Tugboat Jackson returns!  He's been laid up with a serious health issue, and is just getting back in action. He tells us the tale, and it's a long one:

'Bout three months ago, I got out of bed and couldn't hardly walk. I've got a bad back. bad knees ,in general wore out, but this pain was different. Was in my hip, down my butt, into my thigh and calf. Didn't think much of it. just ook it easy the rest of the day. Next day I got up with the same pains, really didn't feel well, so just laid around all day again. But in the middle of the night the pain woke me up, and I knew I had a fever. Finally after a few hours, I felt so bad could walk only with terrible pain, so I called 911 and they took me to the hospital.

Ended up I had a 103 degree fever, and sepsis! They shot me up with heavy duty pain killers antibiotics. The pain wasn't stopping. I was admitted, a steady stream of tests and doctors kept trying to figure it out. An infectious disease doctor came in, and said all the bloodwork pointed to an infection, and suspected an abscess, but none of the x-rays showed where. After three days of more tests, CAT scans, ultrasounds, and an MRI, doctor ordered another MRI of a specific area in my back, and they found the abscess! It was on a a deep-seated muscle in my back, the psoas muscle, and the abscess was right next to the spinal cord! A neurosurgeon was brought in as the other doctors told me the abscess it needed to be drained. It was causing pressure on nerves and probably pressing on the spinal cord. No wonder the damned thing hurt! The neurosurgeon said he wouldn't touch it! Too dangerous, to get to it might cause damage to the spinal cord which could lead to paralysis of my legs - or worse! 

So more days in the hospital while cultures grew to find out exactly what bacteria caused it. When they got the result, a specific antibiotic was prescribed that had to be given through  an IV. So after I was released from the hospital I had 6 weeks of IV therapy every day to look forward to! After 6 weeks I had another MRI, and the damned thing was still there, and neurosurgeon still refused to drain it. So I went to the hospital every day for IV antibiotic treatments, saw the infectious disease doctor once a week, waited forever to get into the neurosurgeon, who said keep up the treatment and have another MRI in a month! So after 129 straight days of IV treatment, the neurosurgeon had yet another MRI done and declared the abscess was gone! 

The infectious disease doctor was nervous about keeping me on an antibiotic that long, but he also told me I couldn't take a chance with it coming back. If it came back, it would more likely be worse! So kept with, iot, lived through the pain, none of the pain medication really knocked it out until about a month after the treatment started. The educated me to not wait if any of the symptoms showed up again, as this kind of infection can be fatal! And as I'm diabetic, that was a contributing factor to me getting it in the first place (and my blood sugars are well controlled!) so I had a higher likelihood than most for it to reoccur! 

When we talked to Tugboat in the recording studio, he looked well and acted like his old self. Said he's feeling good now and got a lot of songs in his head!  

Bein’ hongry helps ya stand tall
Bein’ hongry can help ya stand tall
Yer work ain’t through
If the rent come due
Gotta git crackin’ fore ya fall
 
Gotta have a spade to move the dirt
Fo sho gotta have a spade to move the dirt
Best not delay
Gotta shovel yo way
If troubles ya wanna avert
 
Usin’ a laddah, look see who's left behind
All depends on who  ya’ll find
People broken, hongry and cryin'
While you try to take what is mine
Driven by a devious mind
 
Workin' hard is a good thing
Yes, workin' hard's a good thing
But not if it comes at the cost
Of another ones loss
Jest so ya get the brass ring
 
I’m tellin’ ya man to man
You know, it is man to man
If ya take the easy pass
Jest to  sit on yo ass
Then you ain't a real man!
 
Seen plenty not give a damn
Join in on all the flim-flam
For money and fame
For ill gotten gain
Don’t live yo life like a scam!
 
May hear that it's a good plot
To take without gettin' caught
Seems a trend today
Don't nevah pay
And let all the rest of them rot!

Tugboat Jackson - 1984

 Tugboat Jackson, one of our most prolific artists here at Big And Tall Records has been absent for awhile, so it was with pleasure we saw this sound file in our email. The song 1984 compares the book by George Orwell, published in 1949, about  the dangers of big government and 'Big Brother' to modern times and the prolific lying that is going on.

Orwell's book was prophetic, as it took what was the current political turmoil of  the world at  the time, mainly Communism as practiced by the former Soviet Union and fast-forwarded what could happen to a society when state sponsored terror, control of history, and the cultural narrative could do. This warning applies equally to  the extreme political right and political left, as totalitarianism is itself a form of government that is evil in its own right. With totalitarianism comes the control of everything, usually to the deification of the wealthy that kowtow to the powers that be, and leads to blatant corruption and inequality to those who disobey in the slightest. Our business is music, not politics, so we defer any curiosity that Tugboat has stirred in the listener to the encouragement to read Orwell's book that is widely available in bookstores, online, and libraries, and see for yourself if there is or is not parallels in contemporary society and governments. 

In the past, Tugboat has been not only vocal in his lyrics but in words he had written for us. For whatever reason(s), he he declined further comment on any of his songs or opinions. He only tells us what he has to say he says in his songs. An honest enough response for an artist in any case. 

Ya think you’ve heard it all Then when ya git outta bed Lies float out over the airwaves Try to burrow in yo head Spewed out hard like the dry heaves Everything skewed all around Tryin' to make one take root The liar works on iffy ground Like a waterfall of nonsense Like the book written long ago George Orwell predicted it In his book nineteen eighty fo The bigger and fatter the lie The more outlandish and bold More that people will believe it The dirty lie that is told Repeat it loud and often Beat it hard into their ear Compassion is for the weak The only way is through fear Like a waterfall of nonsense Like the book written long ago George Orwell predicted it In his book nineteen eighty fo And the people are helpless So they have been led to believe Been lied to until they’re senseless Hardly any hope of reprieve The shadows will follow you Will tolerate no defiance It's almost too late for it For a rule of law reliance People united cannot fail Despite all the ones with riches Take back our country fight them all These lyin' sons of bitches!

Tugboat Jackson - Us Against Them

 Tugboat Jackson's output has been slim lately, as his attention has been taken up by helping his son manage the hardware store he bought from Tugboat. Tug has also been very busy on his local political scene, and with charity work. His songs usually have a social consciousness  to them, and are but a reflection of the man himself!

The way of these times try to make
I say that these times try to make
Us against them, time and again
But it’s not true, all a mistake

Same ol’ trick to conquer us all
You bet, trick to conquer us all
Bad folks are out, spread fear and doubt
Be under the thumb, big and small

Busy fighting all the others
We’ll fall into the same old crap
Fingers point at friends and brothers
It’s all just used to bait the trap

First the ones come from far away
First immigrants from far away
Put a mean frown, on skin that’s brown
Deport the bastards, far away!

They’re the ones cause all our trouble
Ones that cause all of our trouble
It comes to pass, bet yer sweet ass
Yer the next one, on the bubble

I’m tired of the same ol’ shit!
Through all of our history
Many end up and believe it
Humans end up broken and split

Take heart, it sure will not last
Nope, no way it will ever last
No matter how long, by the time it’s gone
Many freedoms will long be passed

Then we’ll start all over again
Square one, ‘bout all over again
Not much salvage, too much damage
Sure seems to me to be a sin

Blacks and the browns, off color whites
The slum poor, well as the needy
Any one that’s weak for the fight
Be re-conquered by the greedy.
 

Tugboat Jackson - A Wet Sidewalk Don't Make It Rain

 

Tugboat's refurbished resonator guitar

Our resident blues philosopher Tugboat Jackson's latest laments the liars looking to control the truth to gain power. Tug himself has said, like many others, that whoever controls what is perceived as truth has control over everything else. Tugboat plays a resonator guitar, one he found at a flea market. It was in pretty rough shape but he found a luthier who knew how to work on them. Tugboat shows off his skill on his refurbished guitar to good effect with an intro and an ending. 

In his retirement Tugboat keeps cranking out songs that may make the listener think. His chops seem to be none the worse for wear with age, matter of fact they're getting better. But he doesn't spend all his time thinking up lyrics for his blues songs. He's married, got grown children and grandchildren he loves to spoil, likes  to go fishing (and really doesn't care if they're biting or not). Tugboat and his wife are planning on doing some traveling, sightseeing, and visiting some of the blues men that worked with his Father, the few that are still alive.

 If a lie is told many times
If a lie is told so many times
When political hacks
Use alternative facts
It hides their underlying crimes

Look outside, see it's rainin'
Look out and see it's rainin'
A man with a phone
Says its dry as a bone
Power he's tryin obtainin'

I'll keep singin' the same refrain
A wet side walk don't make it rain
To think it does alters what's true
The lie will keep growin' in you

Keep all the people ignorant
Gotta keep em' all ignorant
Folks that way you see
So easy to create reality
Make it all done deliberate

Liars say the more learnin' folks got
They say the more learnin' folks got
Makes it harder to control
Gotta keep 'em in a hole
Be careful what ya let be taught

Those who tell you what is true
Have control over me and you
So beware of the big lie
Or your freedoms will fly

I'll keep singin' the same refrain
A wet side walk don't make it rain
To think it does alters what's true
The lie will keep growin' in you

Tugboat Jackson - The Last True Patriots

 Tugboat Jackson with a song that makes one wonder just where will it all end? He refers to no one by name that's in the government, but anyone with any sense of our situation knows who he is singing about. and one of the main points he makes is that all of it is not a cause; it is a symptom of something deeper. Something that has made us regress after some years of progressing with human rights. Now the world seems to be enveloped in the same conflicts, over and over again.

Sittin’ on the porch late at night 

Sittin’ with just the moon light 

Taken with gloom, impending doom 

Tryin’ to get back to what’s right 

 

Governed by grifters and liars 

I say by grifters and liars 

All departments, of government 

Worse than any of the priors 

 

Those in the know say you just wait 

The corrupt will be defeated 

But I wonder what will be our fate

 If they remain undefeated 

 

 The Congress will surely stop 'em 

But all they do is haw and hem 

The reality, it's corrupt you see 

And always goes along with them 

 

 Oh, hell! What 'bout The Supreme Court? 

They'll surely help pitch in, help abort! 

They roll over, give exec cover 

And do their best to help distort 

 

How did this happen to us? 

Have someone in charge scoffing laws? 

Pitching a bitch, throwing a fit 

What in the world was the cause? 

 

It's all just a symptom, not a cause 

The reason is simply because 

Through many years, so many fears 

And so many skirting the laws 

 

Corruption has been growing fast

Starting with years that are past 

Bad direction, insurrection 

It's finally caught up at last!

 

 And when the last true patriots

 Are shouted down, become extinct

 Will anyone even notice? 

Will anyone...even...blink?

 

Tugboat Jackson - What Do You Say, Bobby K.?

 It was bound to happen that Tugboat Jackson would wade into the political fray of current times. He takes aim at the Secretary Of Health And Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has some controversial ideas about vaccinations and other health concerns.  Tug doesn't pull any punches; we contacted him to give us some feedback, but he said it's all in the song, no further feedback needed! 

 

 

 

 

The National health guru 

Has some different beliefs

 Like vaccines cause more disease 

Than cure sickness and grief 

This is from a man who said 

He once had a worm in his head 

He said it shriveled up and died 

But it gotten fat instead 

 

What do you say, Bobby K? 

Think your ideas superior? 

 You drag your name through the slime 

By kissing Trump’s posterior 

 

 Junior also hates fluoride 

Causes cancer, arthritis too 

Adding it to city water 

Is something they shouldn’t do 

He also says that autism

Is an epidemic obscene! 

He vows to find the cause for sure 

(A hint, it’s linked to VACCINE!) 

 

 What do you say, Bobby K? 

Is your logic sound and firm? 

People think that it’s you talking,

 But I think it is the worm! 

 

Junior himself is afflicted 

By a voice hoarse and that strains 

Did he drink too much fluoride? 

Shoot too much H in his veins? 

Oh no! Did he get vaccine, 

That caused his present voice state? 

But I don’t need any science 

To know what caused his voice fate! 

 

 What do you say, Bobby K? 

I’ll say it now and affirm 

The voice area of your brain 

Has been chewed on by the worm!

 

 In the end it doesn’t matter 

The Repubs shoved him through 

The 4 elephant physicians 

Gave him their total approve 

Health has nothing to do with it 

Trump decrees it, they will pass 

He drops his pants, and wiggles 

They all fight to kiss his ass! 

 

What do you say, Bobby K? 

You’ve got a plan to save it! 

But the worm’s still doing well, 

Fills your brain full of it’s shit!

 

 So no more relying on science 

What suits The Donald’s fat ego 

We don’t need no stinkin’ science! 

Don’t need it where we’re gonna go!

 

Tugboat Jackson - Lollygaggin'

 Tugboat's back after a brief illness that required surgery, but he doesn't sound worse for wear with this new song Lollygaggin'. We pretty much know what the word means, but just for the hell of it we googled it and got this result:

"Lollygagging" is a colloquial term that means to dawdle, waste time, or fool around. It's essentially a playful or informal way of saying someone is not being serious or productive.

That sure seems to be what Tugboat's singing about. An  old guy, retired, doin' old retired guy stuff of no consequence. Good one, Tugger!

The years done caught right up to me 

Yeah, they done caught right up to me 

Places was flat, now rolls of fat 

That saps me of my energy 

 

My big ol' ass just got bigger 

My ass got bigger and bigger 

Hair was once wild, now sparse and mild 

Really cuttin' quite the figger 

 

But I do not care all that much 

That the bags under my eyes sag 

I've got an important duty 

To do nothin' but lollygag! 

 

 Used to do the nasty all night 

Now takes all night to get it right 

You know that is the way it goes 

Takes me hour to get out mah clothes!

 

 But what the hell is the difference? 

I ain't a rip roarin' young stag! 

Still got an important duty 

To do nothin' but lollygag! 

 

So ya'll got lots for me to do? 

Say, lots of stuff for me to do? 

I wasn't fired, I retired 

So it's gotta wait 'til I'm through 

 

I know ya'll might think it's a drag 

Yeah, you jest might think it's a drag 

Toein' the line, takes all my time 

To do nothin' but lollygag! 

 

Don't be thinkin' that it's easy 

Gettin' up with the risin' sun 

Without a thang at all to do

 By sundown got only half done 

 

So ya'll got lots for me to do?

 Say, lots of stuff for me to do?

 I wasn't fired, I retired 

So it's gotta wait 'til I'm through 

 

 Lollygaggin', a lost art form 

Lollygaggin', not for everyone 

Lollygaggin' take ya by storm

 Lollygaggin's tirin'... but lots of fun!

 

Tugboat Jackson - Changes

 Tugboat Jackson's latest song sees him going back to a more laid back style. The song for sure has its share of Tugboat messages, but it is delivered in a mellow voice and gentler guitar playing. Tugboat hasn't recorded anything new for a few months, as his previous 3 releases were recorded at one session and released one at a time. He has come under criticism for what some listeners perceive as too political and 'preachy'. There's no denying that he's a political musician, but his political thinking doesn't always follow any one ideology. But Tugboat is an artist for the people, and he takes criticism constructively. That no doubt influenced the change in tone, and even the messaging.  He's told us that the criticism was warranted, and he needed listener feedback to make him aware of what he was doing. He confided that he's had some feelings of burnout, and that's understandable. Since last November, Tugboat has released 15 songs! That's a lot of work in a relatively short length of time. We're not sure how many songs he's actually written in that time and how many were already composed, but we'd bet that most of them have been written within the same time frame.

We here at Big And Tall Records send out copies of the latest songs we've released to all of our artists, and this song has created a lot interest within our community. There's already been some requests for permission to use the lyrics in other's works. Tugboat has told us he authorizes any cover of his music or lyrics to our other artists. Sonny Hotchkins is working on his version right now, and others may follow. 

The way the world is can be troublin’ 

Yeah, it shore as hell can be troublin’ 

Ya gotta take a side, but keep it in stride 

Or your own troubles you’ll be doublin’ 

 

 There is a great need for big change

 But remember we all are resistant 

Keep all your desires in range 

Try your be to be persistent 

 

 If you think that change is needed

 Really think that change is needed 

Whatever you do, change pertains to you 

Things to bring it about heeded! 

 

 Make every effort for compassion 

Sometimes it’s very hard to do

 Isn’t always the trending fashion 

With some no matter what you do 

 

Gotta do what you can to be stable

 Make the effort to keep yourself stable

 Passion is fine, but keep it in line 

Do it the best that you are able 

 

On occasion, say to hell with it all! 

Yeah, just say to hell with it all! 

Keep it understood, that life still is good 

Cherish things in your life that are small 

 

Every generation has its ills 

For sho, generations all have their ills 

You’ll wonder what for, we still fightin’ war

 After history shows all that it’s killed 

 

 Keep fightin’ on for things that are right

 But take a break from all of the trends 

Enjoy whatever gets you through the night

 And your family, neighbors , and friends

 

Tugboat Jackson - Gen Z

 Tugboat Jackson's latest deals with generation labels, and how they can be used as a wedge between groups. In Tugs own words:

I was spurred to write Gen Z when I read an article about how generations after the Baby Boomer generation have it rougher than we did (I'm a Baby Boomer!)  We're using up all Social Security funds, as there's more retired people now, and they don't like it that they have to pay into something that will be run out by the time they come of age to collect it. That's but one of their
grievances, but it's the one I've read the most about. I agree with them! The system was created under different circumstances, and hasn't really been changed to accommodate modern times. The SS system itself needs to increase funding by raising the maximum amount you have to pay on. As of 2025, according to the article, the amount of income that a wage earner has to pay SS tax on is $176,100, and only 6% of wage earners make over that amount of money. Imagine if SS withholding would be raised to a max of $335,891, which is 5% of wage earners. That alone would help the solvency of SS! Of course the higher up the food chain income wise, the more tax resistant many seem to be, but it seems that without a raising of the cap, SS  is doomed!

Many in government still hold to the notion that we can't tax the rich without the economy tanking. Those that have, want to keep it and get more. Not all of them, but many of them. Some folks say my songs are too 'preachy', and dammit, I'm guilty as charged! Hence my songs about greed and the corruption of too goddam much money in a minuscule percentage of the populace. The time honored strategy of divide and conquer is still being used, and can be used pitting generation against generation, when the real problem is the amassing of wealth! I stand with my brothers and sisters of Gen Z, Millenials, and any other fabricated label to stand together, and demand the change we want and need! Damned right I'm preachy! I worried about what kind of world my kids were inheriting, and about what kind of world my Grandbabys are inheriting as well!

A personal observation from some of us at Big And Tall Records - We notice Tugboat seems more drawn and tired when we see him these days. We hope he's doing alright and not starting to burn out! He's one of our main artists, and speaks with a voice we agree with totally!

Tugboat Jackson - Good Ol' Days

 Tugboat Jackson's latest has him singing about The Good Ol' Days, a phrase that is used by many and in reference to many things. But Tugboat can explain it better than we can:

I wrote this song to express my feeling that reminiscing about the past to excess is not necessarily a good thing, at least for me. There is much in modern life that can remind us of the past. Look at all the old television shows that play on a ton of different stations. The cable TV and streaming advances have provided ample chances to watch TV shows from the 1960's and even earlier. A good example how modern technology allows people to live in the past! I confess to watching some of these, as well as old movies. And I admit a certain amount of disconnect with the modern world. Too much is happening too fast for me. I try to keep up with current events and issues, but it can be overwhelming at times. 

To make my point further, take the 1950's as an example. I remember the late 1950's, and I remember the terrors I felt with nuclear bomb frills we did in school. Roll under your desk into a ball, etc. Knowing what I know now, Rolling under a school test offered no protection in  case of nuclear attack. About the most it could do was concentrate your ashes in one spot, if there were any ashes. I remember walking to school and worrying about Khrushchev 'burying me' as I saw him say the USSR would bury the USA on TV as he pounded his shoe on the table. I remember some kids at school that had to wear a brace after their bout with polio, and a few that never came back to school because of it. And taking the polio vaccine on a sugar cube. 

There's something inside of me that always brings the negative to mind when nostalgia comes to the fore.  I try to keep it to myself. If folks want to miss the way things were, the positive things of the way things were, they've got the right.

Tugboat is a very thoughtful musician, and he still has the moves on the guitar to be able to support a song with just his voice and guitar, something that not every musician can do. He is our leading artist, and shows no sign of slowing down.  By the way, the picture on the video and in this post is Tugboat himself as a child,  with his mother and father.

I hear a lot of people my age 

People in their senior years 

Talk about The Good Ol' Days 

They wish to turn back all the years

 

 Natural to miss things from the past 

I do it myself time to time 

But nostalgia only takes you so far 

You'll forget to live in your own time 

 

The Good Ol' days are now 

No matter how bad it seems 

To want to go back many years

 Is just a convoluted dream 

 

One thing I know for sure 

Memory can be a fickle thing 

What I thought was so good

 Was really not a good thing 

 

 Advances in medicine, for one 

Makes life better and long 

Go back 30 years and check 

You'll see more people were dyin' young 

 

The Good Ol' days are now 

No matter how bad it seems

To want to go back many years

 Is just a convoluted dream 

 

Humans are a sentimental lot 

There's bound to be talk of the past 

It can be fun to reminisce 'bout years ago 

Before so many you know had past 

 

That's the hard part for me 

Reminiscing brings the ones who are gone 

That so many I loved have past 

That's the toughest part of livin' so long 

 

The Good Ol' days are now 

Make some new memories today 

For the ones that will keep goin' on 

After you've had your stay

Tugboat Jackson - The Crows

Tugboat Jackson continues with his songs that are similar to protest songs of the 1960's. They deal with some constants in human existence to particulars of the modern age. This song is an apocalyptic vision of when Earth is destroyed by greed, and gets so uninhabitable, even the most opportunistic of animals, crows, are no longer in existence. All that's left is mud, bugs, and slugs. Tugboat has gotten a lot of criticism for his content, and probably just as much positive comment for the content. But there's no disagreement about his quality of guitar playing. 

He's one of the most recorded artists here at Big And Tall Records, and it looks like there's no letting up!  It's hard to tell what motivates Tugger to go to all the effort and work to record these songs of social protest and content. He's worked hard all his life, still works part time in his old hardware store that he sold to his son, is semi-retired. He could just sit back, go fishin' and take life easy and no one would blame him. But he's got the inner fire still burning brightly within him, and we're proud to have him as one of the artists that has chosen Big And Tall Records as his recording company!

Bit after bit, it’s the same damn shit 

Don’t seem to learn nothin’ from the past 

I got a desire, are you for hire 

Or shall I just take it from you at last 

 

Might be a port, or a resort 

But if one wants it they get it any way 

Could be in store, yet another war 

Don’t matter, I want it my way! 

 

It’ll keep goin’ ‘til the earth 

Is drenched in blood 

Tell me, what is that worth 

To turn our planet into mud 

 

So many societies, are built over bodies 

It’ll take a way your breath 

Ain’t no fun to take a life with a gun 

And cause so much senseless death 

 

 It’s the same ol’ swill, the king of the hill 

Calls the shots, takes what they want 

Ain’t no bother, if ya slay each other 

It’s all the power they flaunt 

 

 Not enough left to bury ‘em, 

Leave it all for the crows 

And whatever else eats carrion 

The river of blood flows 

 

When they’ve finally stole, enough for their goal 

They have everything of their own 

They’ve played the fool, nothin’ left to rule 

Even the crows have flown 

 

All that’s left are the bugs, the snakes and the slugs 

Everything else will swiftly die 

But they’ll do the same thing, 

make their pocket book sing 

But there’s nothing left to buy 

 

They don’t know any better thing 

Gotta be something else to fight 

Bugs, snakes, garbage, and filth 

Might finally make it right I

 

 could call them sons of bitches 

But that's not strong enough 

Can't think of a word or phrase 

To degrade all their stuff 

 

Finally resort to ask God 

how could we afford 

Why were they allowed to be ruling 

But God only said as he hung his head 

 

Sorry son, wasn't none of my doin'.....

 

 

Tugboat Jackson - Greed

 An ongoing subject for Tugboat Jackson is Greed, which is also the title of his new song. As is usually the case, the best person to talk about the music is the composer/artist himself:

Might seem like I'm bein' a broken record about this subject, but I think it's an ever increasing problem. I'm not talking about somebody who wants to make enough to have a decent monetary cushion. I did it for years in my hardware business. You make it while ya can, because you don't know when lean times are coming. But there's got to be a limit! When you make decent money and pay your taxes, it shouldn't be looked upon as a negative if you think other people that do the same pay their share as well. Too much emphasis, in my opinion, is tax relief for people who don't need it.  There's getting to be more and more folks at the lower end of the economic scale that don't pay any taxes, only for the reason that they don't make enough. Many of these folks depend on government programs to just exist, and there's a great push to cut or even eliminate these 'entitlement' programs. The whole idea of calling them entitlement programs sticks in my craw! Are people 'entitled' to live? Are people 'entitled' to receive benefits from programs they paid in to? 

The idea of 'Social Darwinism' still wrongly applies, and it is unfair and rewards those who are born into a higher position of society to the detriment of those at the bottom who are only there because they are 'inferior'! If this is what America is eroding to, then it's not the America I believe in! So if that's my broken record, I'm guilty as charged!

We can't add anything to that! Have a listen:

Always hear 'bout the four letter words

 That are obscene and shouldn't be used 

I can think of some words a bit longer 

That cause a hell of a lot more abuse 

 

 Take a five letter word like greed 

Maybe the worst thing on this earth 

Takes hearts and turns them ice cold 

Changes it all in what they think you're worth

 

 If you don't have 'nough money, your cannon fodder

 If you don't have billions and billions 

You're only worth is to be slaughtered 

Along with the rest of the millions 

 

Power is a five letter word too

 But taken in its negative sense 

That is brought about by greed for it 

To covet it there's no defense 

 

There's no amount of greed that's healthy

 If you want way more than you need 

Goes especially for the real wealthy 

For it can turn into evil's seed 

 

Nothing should be magic about money 

Only reason to have it is to live 

If you rate your importance by how much you have

 It can turn your head and heart to a sieve 

 

 The only thing that clogs that sieve 

Is more and more of everything 

The rest of life flows right through it

 If they don't think it's a valuable thing 

 

Ambition goes along with all of it 

That too can be good or bad condition 

Plenty folks used to call me lazy, 

But I just never had that kind of ambition.

 

 If you detect any of this within you 

Try to take some action that's bold 

Before it takes over your life 

And steals a way your self control

Tugboat Jackson - You Still Give Me The Hots!

 Tugboat Jackson has made a name for himself here at Big And Tall Records with his songs that make you think. Songs of advice, and songs lamenting some parts of modern society. But he's not always a blues philosopher or social commentary songwriter. Tugboat had this to say about his latest:

My wife and I recently celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary! I told her we should celebrate, so we met our three kids and their families at a steakhouse we like to go to. Nothin' fancy, neither one of us are fancy people. Don't like expensive clothes and that kind of stuff. We do get a little offbeat with what we like to eat once in a while, but this night we both just wanted to spend time with our family and have a good steak. 

We didn't buy each other anything, decided to take a little trip later when the weather's better. Our kids got us some nice things, a nice plaque with our picture and wedding date on it, some jewelry for my wife, and a new hat for me! After we finished with the meal, the place had a band playing after the meal service ended. My wife kind of wanted to leave after the meal, go back home. She's a real homebody, but I told her the kids are still here, we can't just run off! So we listened to the band, danced a little, then the lead singer told the audience I was in the house, and the crowd urged me to get up and sing. Now my wife loves my singin', but she knows once I get goin' it can take me a spell to stop! But I told her I promise that I'd sing only one song. She gave me that look, and I joined the band.

Well, it was all a set-up! I'd run through this song a few times with the band through the week, so we had it down well enough to let it rip! She was really surprised! I wanted to give her some sort of tribute for puttin' up with my ass for 35 years!

So Tugger gives us a short history of their life together. We congratulate the Jackson's on their longevity in a loving and successful marriage! He told us he kept his promise and sang only that song. They had a reception afterwards, and seems like a lot of people in town showed up for it! 

Got somethin' to tell, I've been lucky as hell 

In my life and all that I've done 

The woman in my life, made her my wife 

Best woman under the sun 

 

Any trouble I got in, was there through thick and thin 

Helped to prop me up 

She's really a wiz, raised our three kids 

Always kept filling my cup 

 

 But I don't wanna give you a line 

Always hasn't been a great time 

She's sometimes a witch, I'm a son of a bitch 

But mostly we've pulled the same line. 

 

 Damn, I love ya baby 

Dig ya really lots and lots 

We got a good life, and I'm crazy 

Cuz you still give me the hots! 

 

 She helped me run the store, helped me walk the floor 

When I was just gettin' it started 

She knew about the lumber, a wiz with all the numbers 

Stuck with me never departed 

 

Runnin' a hardware store, can sure be a bore 

Sometimes I was a grouch 

I'd come home frumpy, be really grumpy 

And just collapse on the couch 

 

We had three babies, two sons and a lady 

She stayed home raisin' and cookin' 

Kept all of us well fed, put the kids to bed 

Then wiggled her ass for my lookin' 

 

But man, sometimes it wasn't breezy 

Wasn't a snap, wasn't easy 

Wondered if it'd float, at each other's throat 

Worked so hard we'd get queasy 

 

Damn, I love ya baby 

Dig ya really lots and lots 

We got a good life, and I'm crazy 

Cuz you still give me the hots!

 

 We got older got tired, then we both retired

 Sold the store, the kids all grown

 I help out at the store, trackin' parts galore 

The wife still cookin' and sewin’ 

 

But I'm the lucky one, sold the store to my son 

My wife gets out to the garden hoein' (HAH) 

We didn't know if whether, we could stand bein' together 

So much after so many years 

But it's been a blast, relivin' all our past 

And all our gone careers 

 

See our kids all the time 

Got 4 Grandbabies mighty fine 

We're lucky kids turned out well, we're thankful as hell 

They really seem to toe the line 

 

 Damn, I really love ya baby 

Dig ya really lots and lots 

We got a good life, and I'm plum crazy.... 

Cuz you give me the hots!

Tugboat Jackson - Peace Of Mind

 We are proud to announce the 100th recording just released from Big And Tall Records! It's appropriate that this milestone is reached by the release of a song by Tugboat Jackson. He's one of our cornerstone artists that helps us bring forth more quality recordings from him and others.

Ya’ll want a little peace of mind? 

From all the troubles ailin’ you?

Where in the hell can you find 

Some solace that is true? 

 

It’s not in booze, that’s for sure. 

Seen a lot of lives ruined by tryin’ 

Adds to your problems, ain’t no cure 

You get on it, you’ll be denyin’ 

 

How ‘bout a little smoke? 

That’s only a diversion I think

 Relax, take a big toke 

But it won’t save ya from the brink 

 

You say a gummy’s better? 

C’mon, what in hell’s your point? 

It really ain’t no better 

Than just smokin’ a joint! 

 

How ‘bout sex? It sure is fine! 

Good for what ails you it’s true 

But only at the time 

 Then it’s back to feelin’ so blue. 

 

Listen, whatever it is that you name, 

Use it for a diversion is great 

But if it adds to all the same 

You’re gonna suffer the same fate. 

 

 Deal with your spirituality. 

Don’t have to be nothin’ to do with religion 

There’s a difference between it and reality 

Learn its righful position 

 

We are all born of it, you see 

Not human beings tryin’ to live

 As a being of spirituality, 

But spiritual beings tryin’ to live

 As a being of humanity

 

 

Tugboat Jackson - Hearts Of Black

The latest by Tugboat Jackson is a dark song. His voice sounds particularly raw in this recording, and as usual his guitar playing is exceptional.  The first line of the song 'Be a student of human nature' and the rest of the lyrics as well as most of the recordings he's done for Big And Tall Records, could be his personal mantra. He seems to know a lot about human nature, and says he learned about it in his hardware business of many years:

Yeah, when I ran the hardware store, it was a neighborhood store as well as servicing some of the local contractors. You learned real fast which customers you could trust, and which you couldn't. Gotta say, most people wanted to be up front with their dealings with me, and I was the same with them. But there's always some, a minority to be sure, that want to cut a fat hog in the ass and screw you over. It was bad enough if a lot of money was involved, but I could understand that more than the grumpy horses ass that wants to quibble over something that costs 69 cents. In the beginning, I'd give in to them if they pitched a big enough fit. Didn't want the hassle, wrote it off as the price of doing business. But after a while, I said hell no! They can pitch as big a bitch as they wanted to, but if it wasn't right, it wasn't right! Had to call the police on two people in all those years. One started tearing up the store, throwing stuff off the shelves and all that. The other was gonna go out to his truck and get a damned gun!  Both were arrested, the guy with the gun really got in hot water. But just two in 30 years is a pretty good record, I'd say. Anyhow, I wanna say that this song may come off as a little cynical about people, which isn't a bad thing to my mind. There are some folks that mean to do you harm, period. But there's a lot of good folks, more good than bad.  Ya just gotta be alert, and watch out for yourself.

Tugboat continues to evolve as an artist and musician, and we're very happy to have him under contract! He's taking a liking to some of our other artists, and may be expanding his sound in the future with saxophones and other instruments. 

 Be a student of human nature, 

Gotta be a student of human nature 

Learn to make a call 

Before you have a fall 

If ya wanna grow and mature. 

 

Find out if your friends are true 

Better find out if friends are true 

Some look like they’re fair 

But a real friend is rare 

You’ll end up really blue. 

 

Be wary, for some talk behind your back

 Really wary for those who talk behind your back 

Seem like a friend for life 

Might be stickin’ the knife 

And it’ll take you aback 

 

Be loving, be caring, 

Pay attention, not staring 

Into eyes that don’t look back 

They may be showin’ somethin’ they lack. 

 

Be so careful of a special one 

Really careful of that special one

 Let it be understood 

Some won’t do you no good 

They will take you on a rough run. 

 

 A man has a woman in his life, 

A woman has a man in her life

 If they don’t ever choose 

To love you win or lose 

They may be sharpenin’ the knife.

 

 If they belittle your good fortune, 

Or scoff at any of the notion 

That they don’t love you 

No matter what they do 

It ain’t love but an evil potion. 

 

Be with someone that supports you all the time 

Whether life is bad, or it is sublime 

If you look into eyes that don’t look back 

Be careful of the ones with hearts of black