1. Without A Net

When the night is swollen, ready to burst
Hard to swallow, in this heat you're dying of thirst
When you're seeing red, passions underfed
And the hunger's churning within
Long repressed desires rage like forest fires
As they burn through your skin

Without a net, without a net, I am falling
Without a net, without a net, I will fall
Fall into your arms

When your pulse pounds rhythms into your brain
'Cause the light at the end of the tunnel's a train
So we jump aboard with the pedals floored
Red hot engine choking on coal
There's no turning back as it melts the track
And it thunders out of control

Without a net, without a net, I am falling
Without a net, without a net, I will fall
Fall into your arms

The choice is clear, there is no choice
I see your face, I hear your voice
I can face the fear, I can face the doubt
I know one way in but no way out

The circus is back in town
(Bring on the clowns, bring on the freak show geeks)
All alone on the high wire never look down
(Bring on the clowns, bring on the side-show freaks)
'Cause the fear inside
Can twist love into a tightrope ride
Just relax what's done is done
You can't hesitate
It's too late

Without a net, without a net, I am falling
Without a net, without a net, I will fall
Fall into your arms

© Music: Jessie Jacobson-Jarrett Lesko-Brian Bielski
Lyrics & Melody: Jessie Jacobson (February 1988)

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Slide Guitar, Backing Vocals
Brian Bielski: Drums
Richie Owens: Backing Vocals

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988.
Mixed by Michael James 2024.

2. Pay No Mind


Linda looks through story books
Pictures the one she knows she will never find
Linda sighs and shuts her eyes
Leaving the one who loves her behind

Linda wilts, at windmills tilts
Wanders in vain for love of a different kind
Heaven-sent and leather-bent
Sad as the blind leading the blind

Pay no mind

On patchwork quilts
On pale white sheets
She slips away

Linda veils her heart with her fairy tales
As beauty sleeps
She's longing to be released
Face the beast that takes but never gives
Linda weeps

Pay no mind

©1987 Music & Melody: Jarrett Lesko-Jessie Jacobson
Lyrics: Jessie Jacobson

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Guitars, Backing Vocal
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988.
Mixed by Frank Sposato.

3. Silent Crossing


I stand at the silent crossing
I watch as the waves are tossing her away
I follow the tracks lead nowhere
Her hollow laughs pierce the night air
I see you sway
I feel her stray in half-light
I need you to stay

I stand on the shore, I shiver
I know I may not forgive her
But I will try
To look on her in a new light
To search for the sun at midnight
I see you sway
I feel you stray in shadow
I need you to stay

I wait at the silent crossing
I watch as the waves keep tossing you away
I see you sway
I feel you stray
I need you, stay

I know there is no hope
The waves just keep tossing
She's lost forever
At the silent crossing

© Jessie Jacobson (March 1988)

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Backing Vocal
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988.
Mixed by Frank Sposato.

4. When Les Was More (Version One)

Now golden ringlets fall
Unclasped in haste
You, you warned me night and day
Still I kept returning for one more taste

Still I remember
Yes I recall
When Les was more
Then Les was more

Now silver's tarnished
Soft fingertips that come unlaced
Now no more aerial lights in the darkest nights
My arms wrapped 'round your waist

Still I remember, yes I recall
When Les was more than a dull ache
When Les was more
Les was more than a heartbreak

Now stone breaks, scissors cut
Sad paper dolls we stopped to trace
Now you are gone and you said that you told me so
But never, no never face to face

Still I remember, yes I recall
When Les was more than a dull ache
When Les was more
Les was more than a heartbreak

©1987 Music & Melody: Jarrett Lesko
Lyrics: Jessie Jacobson

Jessie Jacobson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass
David ‘Spiggy’ Miller: Lead Guitar, Guitars
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Second Language and Dan Bates.
Engineered by Dan Bates.
Recorded on analog 24-track 1/27/88 at Zeitgeist Studio.
Mixed by Michael James (2024).


5. Swing Time (1988 Version)


Sleepless nights, sad patience waiting
Folded hands in still laps
Caring too much, loving, hating
Circle smoke ring hazy
After one, scene is getting duller
After two, blank stares
After three, a wash in muted colors
But after all, who cares?

What I mean is, can’t be sure if I’m
Rocking and rolling in swing time

Where can he be, does it matter, did it ever really?
He’ll only lie, he’ll only flatter
She’s hot-breathed soft words crazy
After five, morning light is blinding
After six, you shake your weary head
And after seven, awake as your heaven
Rains down around your bed

What I mean is, can’t be sure if I’m
Rocking and reeling in swing time

I can see you slip away to face the day in silence
Dreams of peace and dreams of comfort
Fade to dreams of violence

What I mean is, can’t be sure if I’m
Rocking and rolling in swing time

© Lyrics: Jessie Jacobson (1988)
Melody: Jessie Jacobson-David Miller (1988)
Music: Jessie Jacobson-David Miller-
Jarrett Lesko-Brian Bielski (1988)

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Backing Vocal
Brian Bielski: Drums, Backing Vocal

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988.

6. What More Do You Want
? (1988 Version)

When the tears have run dry
And there's just white lies under grey skies
And the sun disappears
As it burns black holes in your blue eyes
It gets dark, it gets cold
And there's nowhere else to turn
It gets tired, it gets old
And you know we'll never learn

Well, how can I hold you
When I don't have the strength?
How can you keep me at arm's length?

What more do you want?
What more do you want from me?

When these thoughts swarm like flies
Forming dark clouds on the horizon
And you won't recognize
Signs of hope you can keep your eyes on
So it's dark, so it's cold
So there's nowhere else to turn
It gets tired, it gets old
Left without a bridge to burn

Well, how can I hold you
When I don't have the strength?
How can you keep me at arm's length?

What more do you want?
What more do you want from me?

Got two ears, got two eyes, got two lips
Got two arms, got two hands, got ten fingertips
Got two legs, got two thighs, got two hips
Got two arms, got two hands, got ten fingertips
Design, desire, I know it's there (I can feel)
Design, desire, I don't know where but (I can feel)
Design, desire, so much to share (I can feel)
Design, desire, I know you care, because (I can feel)

How can I hurt you, when you can't feel the pain?
This love is driving me insane

What more do you want?
What more do you want from me?

© Music: Jarrett Lesko-Brian Bielski-
Jessie Jacobson-David Miller (February-March 1988)
Lyrics & Melody: Jessie Jacobson (March 1988)

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Slide Guitar, Backing Vocal
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988.
Mixed by Frank Sposato.

7. All Or Nothing


It's all or nothing
There'll be no compromises
It's all for something
There can be a million more sunrises

How can you tell me
There will be no tomorrows?
I might as well be
Caught in a web of sorrows

It's all or nothing
All or nothing

It's all or nothing
The path leads one direction
It's all for something
Now face to face with your own reflection

How can you tell me
There's only yesterdays
I might as well be
Lost in a mirrored maze

It's all or nothing
All or nothing

As you're submerging
Salt water mingles with fresh
Feelings start surging
Tingles your flesh

It's all or nothing
Dead air, electric tension
It's all for something
You get no points for good intentions

How can you tell me
It's just an imitation
I might as well be
Stripped of imagination

It's all or nothing
All or nothing

© 1988 Jessie Jacobson

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars, Keyboard
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Keyboard, Backing Vocal
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988-1989.

8. Uncertain Terms (1988 Version)


Time stands still
Now I need you to turn back the hands
The hands on the clock one more time
We’ve got no time to kill
I want to be with you
I want to be there when you call
Out in the dark
Lost in the gray
How can I see you this way?

Uncertain terms

And when you’ve lost your way with words
You think I don’t listen
You think I don’t hear but I do
You just repeat yourself
You want to be with me
You want to be still you don’t call
Out in the dark
Lost in the gray
How can I hear you?
I cannot be near you today

Uncertain terms

© Lyrics: Jessie Jacobson
Melody: Jessie Jacobson-David Miller
Music: Jessie Jacobson-Jarrett Lesko-Brian Bielski-David Miller (June 1984 + November 1987)

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Backing Vocal
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988.

9. We Stumble

I am waiting once again
In silence, in limbo, no motion in this void
All my thoughts replayed in endless loops
Circling memories, chasing my own tail
Run round through fiery hoops

We stumble in the darkness
Stumble in the darkness
Tumble into sharp, blinding light

I am fading with the light
In shadow, unfocused, an outline in the dark
Slipping out of phase, a phantom from your past
Just one more snapshot you'll process and press
Between the pages at last

We stumble in the darkness
Stumble in the darkness
Tumble into sharp, blinding light

Your eyes cannot deceive me
Your touch betrays each lie
Still you walk away from me, away from you

No message is relayed, all lines have been cut
I will look back on each secret we shared
Though the windows to your soul are shut

We stumble in the darkness
Stumble in the darkness
Tumble into sharp, blinding light

© 1987 Music: Jarrett Lesko-Jessie Jacobson
Melody: Jarrett Lesko-Jessie Jacobson
Lyrics: Jessie Jacobson

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Guitars, Keyboards, Backing Vocal
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track late 1987.

10. Curtains…I

Curtains drawn, face pressed to the window
Warm breath on cold glass
Fingers tracing the pane
Slipping, saw the light through the blackness
Felt the door closing
Kicked the chair away

You lived a million lifetimes all in one day
You died a million deaths with the wink of an eye
But this time it's really goodbye

We got something for nothing
We listened but we never really heard
Screaming – you were screaming in silence
In a joyless monotone
Piercing our hearts

You lived a million lifetimes all in one day
You died a million deaths with the wink of an eye
But this time it's really goodbye

Now I stand in the doorway and listen for footsteps
In this lonely place
Curtains, I see they're still open
There's still time – but not much time

You lived a million lifetimes all in one day
You died a million deaths with the wink of an eye
But this time it's really goodbye

There's still time
But not much time

©1982+1988 Jessie Jacobson

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Harmonica, Backing Vocal
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988.

11. Deep

Leaflets on the breeze
Slogans fill the air
You shook my still-life style
I never thought that I could care
You took me by the hand with missionary zeal

When I think I’ve had enough
That’s when you begin
Leafing through your catalog of sin

Half a mind to stop
I’ve got half a mind to run
Half awake, I have to think I missed the starting gun
Lead me down the path with secrets to reveal

When I think I’ve seen it all
When I sit content
You twist me, turn me
Leave me tired and spent

When you cross the line deep in my heart
When the rulebooks have been torn apart
When your revolution’s at my door
So much deeper than before

Paper houses burn
Cardboard walls collapse
The mysteries of life
Have just been dumped into our laps
Teach me to forget
Teach me how to feel

When I feel it’s all too much
I’ve got no more to give
But I know you could teach the dead to live

When you cross the line deep in my heart
When the rulebooks have been torn apart
When your revolution’s at my door
So much deeper than before

©1987 Music: David Miller
Lyrics: Jessie Jacobson

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Slide Guitar, Backing Vocal
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988-1989.

12. Heaven’s Gate (1987 Version)

Sad eyes stretch shadows out of shape
Search in vain for some means of escape
From your heart
As the night falls into despair
And the time crawls

I want you to hold me
Open heaven's gate

Sad eyes search for silhouettes, a sign
For a lifeline to your heart
As the dawn breaks down into tears
And your mind aches

I want you to hold me
Open heaven's gate
I want you to hold it open
Don't make me wait
At heaven's gate

As the day breaks into a smile
It's been a long while

I want you to hold me
Open heaven's gate
I want you to hold it open
It's not too late
Don't make me wait
At heaven's gate

© Jessie Jacobson (April 1987)

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track late 1987.

13. State Of Mind

You almost didn’t come in time
You almost didn’t raise the blind
You almost left me in the dark
But almost is a state of mind
State of mind

We almost lost our masterpiece
We almost left the work unsigned
We almost left an empty canvas
But almost is a state of mind
State of mind

Without a moment’s hesitation
Strip off the uncertainty
It’s off the deep end
To be free

I almost stripped the threads of fortune
I almost let this coil unwind
I almost crossed the wires of circumstance
But almost is a state of mind
State of mind

© Music: Jessie Jacobson-Jarrett Lesko-Brian Bielski
(12/10/86 + 1/12/87)
Lyrics & Melody: Jessie Jacobson (12/10/86 + 1/12/87)

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
David ‘Spiggy’ Miller: Guitar
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track late 1987.

14. Welcome To Paradise (Version One)

The world revolves
In a dream-like state
When you turn around
When you stand and wait
But not today

Sky resolves
To a perfect blue
Perfect clouds retreat
Perfect sun shines through
What did I say?

Welcome to paradise
Welcome to life

The moon escapes
From behind the bluff
And it shines so bright (burns so bright)
But not bright enough
You’ve gone away

Nights all lay
Out like souvenirs
Perfect days drag on
Like a million years
Why won’t you stay?

Welcome to paradise
Welcome to life

©1988 Jessie Jacobson

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Electric Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Backing Vocals
Brian Bielski: Drums
Richie Owens: Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar

Produced by Jessie Jacobson, Richie Owens
and Jarrett Lesko.
Engineered by Ken Jordan, Jessie Jacobson & Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded 1988 (basic tracks, vocals),
December 1989 (Richie).

15. Believe (1987 Version)

Believe in you, believe in me
Believe in everything you do
Everything I see

Love lies with her bedroom eyes
Love cries empty lullabies
Love dies with his fading sighs
He buys her vacant hours
With cheap flowers and half-baked alibis

Love sleeps under seamless sheets
Love leaps and his heart skips beats
Love weeps tears so bittersweet
She keeps him safe at arm's length
Saps her own strength, beckons as she retreats

Believe in you, believe in me
Believe in everything you do
Everything I see

Love strays outside time and space
Love stays in her hiding place
Love plays at a breakneck pace
She lays beneath the covers
And discovers love reveal his new face

Believe in you, believe in me
Believe in everything you do
Everything I see

© Music: Jessie Jacobson-Jarrett Lesko-Brian Bielski
Lyrics, Melody: Jessie Jacobson (June 1987)

Jessie Jacobson: Lead Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Vocals
Brian Bielski: Drums
David ‘Spiggy’ Miller: Guitars

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI 12-track analog, late 1987.

16. Remember Surrender (Rough Mix)

Golden moments turn to dust
Slowly settle down to rust
They all see the second hand shift to the right
The blues and the reds fade to grey
The world is eclipsed as the stars in the night
Seem old and in the way

You see it in their eyes...remember
You see it in their eyes...surrender

Neutral colors, failing sight
A dull-edged picture in black & white
Look over their shoulders in search of a past
That's already left them behind
Through rose-colored glasses, no shadows are cast
They've long ago made up their minds

You see it in their eyes...remember
You see it in their eyes...surrender

When the simplest things seem like miracles
When push comes to shove
They shut the drawers and lock their doors
And turn their backs on love

Where angels dance on the heads of pins
Where caution ends, the road begins
Now I know the consequence, show me the truth
I'll open my heart, I will trust
I'll kick down the walls that get in the way
I'll love you 'cause I know I must

I see it in your eyes....remember
I see it in your eyes....surrender
You see it in their eyes...remember
You see it in their eyes...surrender

© Jessie Jacobson - Music (8/19/86 + 10/14/86)
Words + Melody (11/86-12/86)

Jessie Jacobson: Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Keyboards
Brian Bielski: Drums

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI 12-track analog, 1987, vocals 1990.

17. Words Into Action (1987 Version)

Words won't make you feel
What you should feel
What you once felt
Words won't reveal what is real
They'll just mislead you from the start
They will seal and constrict
Charismatic tongues
As they conceal
They contradict the language of the heart

And so one word leads to the next
As conversation slips into text
Let's put - let's put words - words into action
Words into action

Words turn into shouts
Triggered by doubts
Fall on deaf ears
Words sprayed all about
Ooze from the spout
But no one hears

So automatic
Reeled off by rote
Snag on your conscience
Catch in your throat
Let's put - let's put words - words into action
Words into action

I would give anything
To make you understand
No need to read my lips
Feel the warmth of my hand

Words mean nothing at all
They bounce off the wall
And fade away
But feelings that beckon and call
No matter how small
Can still save the day

Somehow the silence
Says so much more
And in the stillness
Love settles the score
Let's put - let's put words - words into action
Words into action

© Jessie Jacobson
Music: 2/5/85 & Lyrics/Melody: 2/18/85

Jessie Jacobson: Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Keyboards
David Miller: Guitar
Brian Bielski: Drums, Percussion

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI 12-track analog, late 1987,
-except- Jessie’s guitars & vocals, 2023.
Mixed by Michael James (2024).

18. When Les Was More (Version Two)

Now golden ringlets fall
Unclasped in haste
You, you warned me night and day
Still I kept returning for one more taste

Still I remember
Yes I recall
When Les was more
Then Les was more

Now silver's tarnished
Soft fingertips that come unlaced
Now no more aerial lights in the darkest nights
My arms wrapped 'round your waist

Still I remember, yes I recall
When Les was more than a dull ache
When Les was more
Les was more than a heartbreak

Now stone breaks, scissors cut
Sad paper dolls we stopped to trace
Now you are gone and you said that you told me so
But never, no never face to face

Still I remember, yes I recall
When Les was more than a dull ache
When Les was more
Les was more than a heartbreak

©1987 Music & Melody: Jarrett Lesko
Lyrics: Jessie Jacobson

Jessie Jacobson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Jarrett Lesko: Bass, Dobro, Guitars, Backing Vocals
Brian Bielski: Drums, Backing Vocals

Produced by Jessie Jacobson and Jarrett Lesko.
Recorded on AKAI analog 12-track 1988-1989.