"Every song I write is a true story. That's the thing I'm most proud of with regards to my song writing. Be it of something myself or somebody else has gone through, or an observation or opinion. Some songs are fairly self explanatory, others are a little more cryptic maybe.
Here's to the stories behind the songs, and anything else of note."
Gav Ruadh

FORGIVE NEVER FORGET (2009)
(COMING SOON)

RHYTHM & BRUISE 2006

"By the time of writing, I had a solid idea of what Hallion was about. Writing this disc was pretty rapid, "the songs wrote themselves" as they say. Much was going on around me and inspiration was always there.

Sadly, the lineup leading up to this album had fallen apart, so the recording process was much the same as the first.... solo.

Still, forming a new lineup came together very quickly once the album was finished. Given the great chemistry of the band and the solid tracks on Rhythm & Bruise, Hallion was beginning to attract far greater attention!

1. RETRIBUTION BE MY NAME
A tale of the desire for revenge. A direct answer for a pretty direct kind of song. An often used cliche', but this one really did "write itself"!! Was feeling some rage at the time and what better way to deal with it than to get a song out of it.
The "wise man" mentioned in the song was a main character in a classic movie. A clue? He spent a lot of his time trying to catch a fly with chopsticks.....

IT SURE AIN’T THE HEALTHIEST
WAY TO PASS THE TIME
HOW YA ALL WRONGED ME
IS ALL THAT’S ON MY MIND
THROUGH WITH TURNING CHEEKS
AND LETTING IT LIE
GIVING IT WINGS 747 SIZE
 
AND IF I EVER LEARNED A THING
FROM THE FILMS OF HOLLYWOOD
IT’S REVENGE IS A DISH
THAT IS BEST SERVED COLD
COUNTING THE WAYS
I’LL GET EVEN WITH YOUR ASS
 
RETRIBUTION BE MY NAME
FULL REPRISAL IS THE GAME
RETRIBUTION BE MY NAME
I’M GONNA SETTLE THIS SCORE
ONCE AND FOR ALL
 
A WISE MAN ONCE SAID
“PLEASE LISTEN MY FRIEND
YOU START DIGGIN TWO GRAVES
ON THE PATH TO REVENGE”
BUT AT LEAST THERE’LL BE A HOME
FOR WHAT’S LEFT OF MY SOUL
WRESTLE WITH MY CONSCIENCE
YOU AIN’T GONNA FIND IT
 
2. ANYWHERE BUT HERE
Again, really quite a simple desire to be anywhere else than where you're standing. Be it a person or place, the boredom and frustration of which you really cannot stand another minute of.

I’D DO ANYTHING TO GET AWAY FROM YOU
WHATEVER IT TAKES I’LL GLADY DO
LIKE FLIES ROUND THE ASS OF A COW
YOU’RE ALWAYS THERE WHEN I TURN AROUND
ON A HOLIDAY TO SOME WARZONE
AND KICK MY FEET UP WHILE I’M THERE,
ON A VACTION TO GOD KNOWS WHERE
ITS GOTTA BE BETTER THAN HERE

I WANNA BE
ANYWHERE BUT HERE
I GOTTA BE
ANYWHERE BUT HERE
YOU CAN CUT THE TENSION
WITH A KNIFE
AND MY TIME’S TOO SHORT
TO DEAL WITH THE STRIFE
AND I’D DIE TO BE
ANYWHERE BUT HERE

I’M TIRED OF LISTENING TO YOUR STORY
AS IT ALL BLURS INTO NOISE
WIPING TEARS OF BOREDOM FROM MY EYES
AS YOU'RE TORTURING MY EARS 

3. DECADENCE
For a long time, most of the clubs and night spots I had attended were ok and laughs were had, but none felt really comfortable. So imagine our delight when we hit upon a place where every song played was a fave, the people were friendly and the girls a sight to behold....
That's the story behind a little club down Wardour Street, London.

A HOT SUMMER NIGHT
HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE
DRINKS ARE FLOWIN
AND THE COMPANY IS FINE
 
CAUSIN MISCHIEF
DON’T MEAN NO HARM
ITS ALL IN THE NAME OF FUN
 
I FEEL THE NEED TO MISBEHAVE
AND IT REALLY DON’T NO BETTER THAN THIS
LIVIN IT UP IN DECADENCE
I MUST’VE DIED ON THE WAY
COZ I’M IN HEAVEN NOW
 
PRETTY GIRLS DANCIN
TO ALL MY FAVOURITE SONGS
GETTING TRULY WASTED
AND THE NIGHT IS STILL YOUNG
 
4. VIOLENT DESIRE
Imagine wanting something so bad that you'll do absolutely anything to get it. A goal you'd been dreaming of your whole life. Imagine that chances were becoming slimmer and desperation was becoming overwhelming.
That's the story behind this one. The lyrics were a little more metaphoric here, but very much a "stream of conciousness". Couldn't write them down fast enough.

THE SPIRIT OF FAIR PLAY
TRULY HAS DECEASED
WIN WHATEVER THE COST
GUARANTEED BY DECEIT
I BEEN PLAYING BY THE RULES
AND LOSIN’ LIKE A FOOL
FAILURE’S NOT AN OPTION
IN THIS FINAL ROUND
 
BUT NOW IS TIME FOR CHANGE
4 ACES UP MY SLEEVE
FAIR MEANS OR FOUL
MAKES NO ODDS TO ME
 
VIOLENT DESIRE
I WANT EVERYTHING THAT’S A COMIN TO ME
VIOLENT DESIRE
I’LL TAKE WHATS MINE

ASPIRATION CARRIED
A CANE SO WHITE
GREED STONE DEAF
TO MY CONSCIENCE INSIDE
DESPERATION’S MY DEFENCE
NO ALIBI ON THIS OFFENCE
WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING SO BAD
YOU’LL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES
 
SO NOW I GOT THE PRIZE
Y’ALL JUST LEAVE ME BE
SATANIC SMILE, CORRUPTED
BY MY HOLLOW VICTORY
 
5. LEAVE ME ALONE
Some people aren't the type to draw attention to their problems. Preferring to keep them to themselves and find a solution their own way. Usually as a result of pride. Quite autobiographical. Quite a personal favourite. The first set of lyrics on this song were actually those of "Someday". A demo of this still exists, but sounded too dark for the story I wanted to tell.

DETACHED MYSELF
FROM THE WORLD TODAY
NOW I’M HERE ON MY OWN
DON’T WANT IT ANY OTHER WAY

GOT NOWHERE TO GO,
NOWHERE TO BE
DON’T CARE MUCH
THERE’S NO WHERE I WANNA BE
JUST LEAVE ME BE

JUST LEAVE ME ALONE
JUST LEAVE ME ALONE
I’M NO COMPANY RIGHT NOW
JUST LEAVE ME ALONE

I REALLY HOPE,
THE FRAME OF MIND I’M IN.
WILL PASS AWAY LIKE
THE STORM THAT IT IS.
I JUST NEED SOME TIME
SOME WHERE ON MY OWN
CAUSE LIFE AIN’T THE PARTY, THAT IT USED TO BE.
JUST LEAVE ME BE

I’M SO TRANSPARENT
WHEN I SAY THINGS ARE FINE
ALL MY TROUBLES ARE DEEP DOWN INSIDE
MY PRIDE WON’T LET ME CONFESS
EVERYTHING IS SUCH A MESS
JUST LEAVE ME ALONE
 
6. RAT RACE
Unlike the movies, the nice guys don't always win. Less brooding than it could have been, partly due to the rock n roll/punk vibe and the dry humour of the lyrics.

DOES IT TAKE A RAT TO WIN THE RACE
CHEAT A LITTLE TO COME FIRST PLACE
HAVE I GOTTA BE SCUM TO FLOAT TO THE TOP
ONLY THINK OF MYSELF, AND NEVER STOP
FOR ONCE I’M GONNA BE LIKE ALL THE REST
 
NICE GUYS & GENTLEMEN
NEVER WIN THE PRIZE
IT’S THE LAW OF THE JUNGLE
WON’T YOU REALIZE
NICE GUYS & GENTLEMEN
Y’KNOW IT’S ALL BEEN PROVED
FED ON EMPTY PROMISES
YOU’RE BORN TO LOSEN TO LOSE
 
I’M LIVING PROOF THAT KARMA IS BULLSHIT
DOES THAT BIG REWARD REALLY EXIST
WAS I OUTTA THE HOUSE WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKED?
PROBABLY WAS, THAT’S JUST MY LUCK
WHAT GOES AROUND NEVER COMES AROUND
 
7. A WORD WITH YOURSELF
A phrase often used in the south east of England, it is the equivalent of N.Y's "Wake up and smell the coffee." "Catch yourself on" is Northern Ireland through and through.
The song is about offering your help to a friend who is in danger of making a big mistake.

I DON’T WANNA PLAY JUDGE OR JURY
YOU’RE DOING WRONG, IF ONLY YOU COULD SEE
HE TRASHES EVERY GIVEN CHANCE
BUT THERE’S ALWAYS MORE OF THOSE
WHERE THEY CAME FROM
THE STORY WILL ALWAYS BE THE SAME
A LIFETIME OF WAYS YOU CAN’T CHANGE
WHEN YOU CAN DO NO MORE
MY DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN
WITH A WAY OUT

I THINK IT’S HIGH TIME
THAT YOU HAD A WORD WITH YOURSELF

CATCH YOURSELF ON,
CATCH YOURSELF ON,
AND HAVE A WORD WITH YOURSELF
CATCH YOURSELF ON,
CATCH YOURSELF ON,
AND HAVE A WORD WITH YOURSELF

YOUR PRETTY EYES NEED TO OPEN
TAKE A CHANCE, WHY DENY YOURSELF
THINKING ABOUT THINGS I SAID
AND HOW FAST A HEART CAN TURN
THE DAYS GO BY WITH CIGARETTES
AND I WONDER HOW I LOST THIS TIME
ALL I DID WAS LEND A HAND
AND NOW I’M ON THE LOSING END
 
8. DENIAL
Very self explanatory. I wanted something dark and brooding for the song, but also something that moved throughout the choruses.
The Egyptian sounding guitar harmony in the bridge is one of my favourite parts of the record! I had an idea for a bridge that I really liked. I laid it down and loved it. Tried a five semitone harmony on top and..... well, there ya go!"

PUT YOUR FINGERS IN YOUR EARS
AND SING A HAPPY SONG
CLOSE YOUR EYES SO YOU DON’T SEE
EVERYTHING THAT’S GOING WRONG
ALWAYS PASS THE BLAME
AND NEVER CARRY THE CAN
LOOK SURPRISED AS THE REST
WHEN THE SHIT HITS THE FAN
 
YOU’RE IN DENIAL
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
AND EVERYTHING IS FINE
YOU’RE IN DENIAL
EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL
WRAPPED UP IN DENIAL
 
PROMISE OF A BRIGHTER DAY
GETS YOU THROUGH IT ALL
SHRED OF HOPE AND A LITTLE FAITH
NO MATTER HOWEVER SMALL
THIS WON’T EVER GO AWAY
SWEPT UNDER THE RUG AGAIN
JUST KEEP TELLING YOURSELF
IT’LL BE ALRIGHT IN THE END

9. SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
Sometimes, no matter how rough things have been, you come across somebody that reminds you of how fun life can be. A fun song and a cool change from the other more broody material. One of those moments when ya strap on the guitar, crank up the volume and play a fat major key riff.... and discover a song in the making.

YA NEVER CAN TELL WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.
LEFT MY CRYSTAL BALL AT HOME
BUT ALL MY BURDENS GONE
I COULD BE RIGHT OR WRONG
ABOUT THIS
PROBABLY NEED SURGERY
TO GET THE SMILE OFF OF MY FACE
AND AIN’T LIFE GRAND WHEN YOU’RE FEELIN
LIKE THIS

THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
I GO OUTTA MY MIND AS I LOOK IN THE EYES
OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
 
LIFE JUST TOOK THE SCENIC ROUTE
AND I’M SLOWING DOWN
TO ADMIRE THE VIEW
ROLLERCOASTER OF LIFE IS ON
THE WAY UP
I LIKE THE WAY THIS STORY’S GOING
I DON’T WANNA REACH THE END
I SWEAR WHAT I GOT HERE IS HEAVEN SENT
 
10. NIGHT TIME
This whole piece of music just visited me while standing on deck of a ship, watching the waves crash, on a night time crossing back from Ireland. I hoped I wouldn't forget it when I woke up and the beer had worn off.... Fortunately I didn't.

11. SOMEDAY
A story of lost love and regret. When you've done all you can and you've almost resigned yourself to the fact it's over.... almost....

II’M MAJOR IN LOVE
IN A MINOR KEY
I MISS HER SO
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
MY HEART DRAGS TWO STEPS BEHIND
ALL THE TIME
I LIE TO MYSELF JUST TO GET BY
BUT IT DON’T WORK ANYMORE
 
NOBODY KNOWS, NOBODY BUT ME
NOBODY KNOWS, NOBODY BUT ME
 
SOMEDAY YOU’LL REALISE
SOMEDAY YOU’LL SEE
WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE TO ME
 
EVERYTIME,
I TRY AND GET OVER YOU
YOU TAKE A WALK INTO MY WORLD
AND NOTHING MEANS A THING
OTHERS COME AND WELL,
THEN THEY GO
DON’T MATTER MUCH CAUSE
THEY’RE NOT YOU
 
12. AIN'T MY GENERATION
My view on the worrying trend of "manufactured" musical acts and TV contests.
Fuelled not by the desires of musical expression, but purely that of fame with no identities of their own.

WHAT I SEE WITH THESE EYES
ONLY SADDENS ME
WHERE HAVE ALL THE REBELS GONE?
WHERE DID THEY GO
FAME AND FORTUNE
IS ALL THAT YOU’RE GOING FOR
BUT YOU KNOW THERE’S A PRICE TO PAY
LEAVE YOUR SOUL OUTSIDE THE DOOR
 
STEP UP KID NOW FALL IN LINE
YOU’RE IN THE BIG LEAGUE NOW
 
DANCE, SING
LIKE A PUPPET ON A STRING
WALKING AND TALKING
JUST LIKE THEY TOLD YA
THIS AIN’T MY GENERATION
 
ON MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR KARAOKE TV
STRIPPED OF EVERYTHING YOU WERE
WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOU
SO YOU TAKE THE STAGE
WALKING ON LIKE A FRANKENSTEIN
BUT YOU KNEW THERE WAS A PRICE TO PAY
WERE YOU REALLY OH SO BLIND
 
BORN OF FIRE 2003

The material on "Born Of Fire" all came from a large collection of songs written over a fair few years. I knew I'd do something collectively with them someday, but 90% of these were written years before Hallion came to be. Trying various directions of songwriting, hence the quite varied feel of the album. The almost bubblegum glam of FFEF and Ain't It The Truth to the borderline thrash of Everytime and The Great Song Of Defiance.

Despite the disparate nature of the album, there are some songs on there that we love to play live still to this day.

1. F.F.E.F.
A young, purposely naive view on what life and the future holds. I always considered it slightly out of place on Born Of Fire. However, as an album opener it just seemed to work. Besides....the girls in the crowds always seemed to sing it on the way home afterward. Which is never a bad thing of course.

IT’D SURE BE NICE
TO HAVE THE EASY LIFE
BUT I CAN’T SEE THAT HAPPENING
NOT ASKING FOR MUCH
JUST A LITTLE LUCK
FOR MY SHIP TO ROLL ON IN

I DON’T WANNA KNOW
I KNOW I GOTTA GO NOW
I DON’T WANNA KNOW

I KNOW I GOTTA GO NOW
FAST, FUN, EASY N’ FREE
THAT’S THE WAY IT’S GONNA BE OH YEAH
FAST, FUN, EASY N’ FREE
I’LL MAKE IT MY OWN WAY OH YEAH

I NEED A PRETTY PRINCESS
IN A BLACK CORVETTE
TO TAKE ME AWAY FROM HERE
AWAY FROM EVERY HASSLE
AND EVERY PAIN IN THE ASS
LIVIN’ IN THE HILLS WITHOUT A CARE

I AIN’ T ASKIN FOR A MANSION
WITH A HUNDRED GUITARS
OR TO BE THE KING OF ROCK N’ ROLL
I’M IN A RUT WITH NUTHIN’ TO DO
WILL I EVER REACH SECOND GEAR
 
2. DRAMA QUEEN
Pushed beyond the limits of patience, understanding or caring. This snarling song was written on the couch that I woke up on many a morning. Quite self explanatory once again, but thought the theatre references might be a dry humoured attempt to stop the song heading into too grim a direction.

I LISTEN TO EVERY BITCH AND COMPLAINT
EVERYTHING IS GREATER THAN IT IS
PUSHED ON THE VERGE OF PSYCHOSIS
YOU AIN’T WINNING NO AWARDS FOR THIS
WHY YOU ALWAYS GOTTA, PISS ON MY PARADE
YOU BREAK WHEN MY SKYS ARE BLUE
TELL ME PLEASE I’M OUT OF CLUES
TELL ME WHAT’S THE FUCKIN’ DEAL WITH YOU

WHERE YA GOIN’ DRAMA QUEEN
IT’S A MOVIE ALREADY SEEN
GIVE IT UP I’VE HAD IT WITH YOU GIRL
WHERE YA GOIN’ DRAMA QUEEN
CAUSE I AIN’T RUNNING AFTER YOU
THERE AIN’T A DRY EYE IN THE HOUSE, YEAH

SHE BRINGS TEARS TO THE EYES OF A GROWN MAN
SHE’S GOT THE PART RIGHT DOWN
I SEEN IT ALL NOTHIN’ ORIGINAL
I AIN’T FALLING FOR IT THIS TIME
LISTEN TO ME BABY YOU WERE BORN FOR THE STAGE
SILVER SCREEN QUEEN YOU’RE CAUSING A SCENE
YOU’RE A 2 STAR PERFORMANCE IN THIS TURKEY OF A MOVIE
I’M BORED WITH THIS AND I AM WALKING OUT
 
3. CRUISIN' 4 A HEARTBREAK
We don't always fall for the right person. I saw somebody go through this. If our self esteem isn't what it should be at this point, a lack of self respect is quite similar to driving without brakes...

THE WAVES LASH UP THE ROCKS TONIGHT
LIKE MY HOPES THEY TURN TO SAND
IT’S SUCH A LONELY PLACE
WAITIN’ FOR YOU TO TAKE MY HAND

YOU TAKE ME UP TO THE SKY
AND SHOOT ME DOWN IN FLAMES
A LITTLE DIFFERENT THIS TIME
BUT THE STORY REMAINS THE SAME
NOW I KNOW I’M TO BLAME
I NEVER LISTENED ANY WAY
I DIED A LITTLE TODAY
THERE DIDN’T SEEM TO BE A WAY
I COULDN’T FACE ANOTHER DAY
AS I WATCHED YOU WALKIN’ AWAY

CLOSE MY EYES
FEELS LIKE I’M SKIDDING ON ICE
ON THE SUDDEN CURVE
WAS WHERE I LOST IT ALL
FADE TO GREY
THERE’S REALLY NOTHING MORE TO SAY
I’M CRUISING FOR A HEARTBREAK

THE PHONE IS OFF THE WALL
T.V. LIGHTING UP THE ROOM
A BOTTLE LAYS BY MY SIDE
YOUR FACE WILL BE GONE SOON
HOW DO I STOP THE FEELING
SHADES DARKER THAN THE BLUES
THE NIGHT IS YOUNG AND SO
I GOT MORE OF MY MIND TO LOSE
 
4. AIN'T IT THE TRUTH
Awaking with positive realisations. Coming out of a bad patch with optimism, laughs and lessons learned.

USED TO BE A TIME
WHEN I THOUGHT I KNEW IT ALL
HAD IT ALL WORKED OUT
DIDN’T THINK I’D EVER FALL
SITTING CONTEMPLATING
MANY YEARS WAITING
LONGING FOR A DREAM
OH SO NEAR TO TASTING

HEY DUDE, AIN’T IT THE TRUTH
TOMORROW’S GONNA BE
A BETTER DAY
HEY DUDE, AIN’T IT THE TRUTH
I KNOW THAT SOMEDAY
I’LL BE THE ONE LAUGHING LAST

ALONG COMES A WOMAN
WHO YOU SEE AS BEING FINE
BEEN WITHOUT A WHILE
ANY HUSSY BLOWS YOUR MIND
WIPE THE SHIT FROM MY EYES
WHEN I TOLD THE BITCH GOODBYE
CURSED THE DAY EVERMORE
WHEN I FIRST LAID EYES

WELL I LEARNED SORROW FLOATS
I KNOW LIFE’S TOO SHORT
AND I KNOW YOU CAN TURN LIFE AROUND
AND IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH
DREAMS REALLY CAN COME TRUE

5. AIN'T FALLIN' IN LOVE TONIGHT
Proving the fairer sex can be every bit as dangerous. The slightly gothic tone of the song compliments the vampire metaphors.

I SEE IT IN YOUR EYES

FALLEN ANGEL OF MINE
I GOTTA GET AWAY
CAUSE YOU’RE ALL THAT’S ON MY MIND
WHERE I AM TONITE
I WILL NEVER KNOW
I RUN TO YOU TONIGHT
EVERY TIME YOU WANT ME TO

NOW WE’RE OUT OF SIGHT, YOU SAY
“DON’T BE SCARED I WON’T BITE”
IT MIGHT BE WRONG
BUT IT SURE AS HELL FEELS RIGHT

WHAT I KNOW NOT
WON’T CAUSE NO HARM
NOW I’M RUNNING
TO SOMEONE ELSE’S ARMS
SHE’S MY WILDEST DREAMS
CAUSE I DON’T KNOW
THAT SHE AIN’T FALLIN’ IN LOVE TONITE

DIE ALONE BY DAY
COME ALIVE WITH HER BY NIGHT
HERE COMES THE MIDNIGHT HOUR
STAY AND WE JUST MIGHT
SHE CAN MAKE ME FEEL
WHATEVER SHE WANTS ME TO
SHE GASOLINES THE FIRE
THAT SPITS INSIDE OF ME

GIVING LOOKS THAT KILL
DEALING PROMISES IN THE DARK
CONSCIENCE TELLS ME NO
BUT TEMPTATION’S MADE IT’S MARK

CAN’T PUT A RING ON HER FINGER
SHE DON’T HANG AROUND
THE ROSES HAVE DIED
BLACK AND ON THE GROUND
THE FOULEST DEED IS A BREATH AWAY CAUSE SHE
AIN’T FALLIN’ IN LOVE TONIGHT
SHE DON’T RECALL SAYING IT WOULD LAST FOREVER
HER HEART IS COLDER THAN A RUSSIAN WINTER
CRY ALL I CAN, SHE WON’T STAY
CAUSE SHE AIN’T FALLIN’ IN LOVE TONIGHT
 
6. SHE'S A BOMB
A club we used to head to to break up the week, venue of many laughs and good times. Including this one girl....

I GOT THE WORD FROM A FRIEND OF YOURS
I TURN AROUND AND YOU KNOCK ME FOR DEAD
YOU ROCKED MY WORLD AND THEN YOU WERE GONE AWAY
TELL ME BABY NOW KEEP IT REAL
YOU STOLE MY HEART LIKE IT’S NO BIG DEAL
YOU GIMME A SMILE TORPEDO MY SHIP AND I’M SUNK OH BABY

WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU DONE TO ME
AND I DON’T EVEN KNOW YOUR NAME
AND ALL I CAN DO/IS WATCH YOU MOVE
SETTING THE DANCEFLOOR A FLAME

SHES A BOMB
EXPLODES AND LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT
GOT ME REELIN’ FEELIN’ SO UPTIGHT
THE NIGHT IS ON FIRE, SHE BLOWS ME AWAY
SHES A BOMB
EXPLODES AND LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT
GOT ME REELIN’ FEELIN’ SO UPTIGHT
THE NIGHT IS ON FIRE
SHE BLOWS ME AWAY

SHE GOT THE LOOK SHE GOT THE MOVES
WHAT AM I THINKING GOT NOTHING TO LOSE
REELIN' ME IN AND I GOTTA GO WITH THE FLOW
HERE I AM /DANCING WITH YOU
ANGEL IN BLACK/WITH A HOLD ON MY SOUL
YOU’RE EYES BURNING MINE
I GOT IT SO BAD, SO BAD

I DIDN’T WANT TO FALL LIKE THIS
BUT IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME
AND ALL I CAN DO IS DANCE WITH YOU
LEATHER AND LACE MY ANGEL IN BLACK
 
7. EVERYTIME
Break-ups aren't always amicable. Sometimes there's a lot of hurt, resentment and things left unsaid. Even worse when "the book is never closed" so to speak. Probably one of the fastest songs in the catalogue.

YOU CAME AND TOOK AWAY THE PAIN
NOW YOU’RE GONE LIFE AIN’T THE SAME
WHAT WENT WRONG, BAD TO WORSE
I’LL NEVER KNOW BUT I’M FULL OF REMORSE
CAUSE YOU

YOU CHANGE THE SEASONS
EVERYTIME YOU COME AND GO
YOU CHANGE THE SEASONS
EVERYTIME YOU COME AND GO

I WONDER WHERE YOU ARE TONIGHT
BET YOU’RE HAVING A BALL AND FEELING FINE
PEACE OF MIND I’LL NEVER FIND
I GUESS I’M THE LAST THING ON YOUR MIND
NOW YOU

I NEVER CARED TIL YOU WALKED IN
DROPPED MY GUARD FELT LIKE SUMMER AGAIN
WITHOUT A WORD I WASN’T ENOUGH
IT’LL BE A LONG COLD WINTER
A WINTER WITHOUT
 
8. COULD IT BE YOU
A simple crush on a girl turns into something deeper. Quite optimistic in tone, what could have been "just another love song" turned into a big and melodic rock n roll tune. 

IF YOU LOOK INSIDE MY HEART, YOU’LL SEE
I’M TRYING TO BE THE BEST MAN I CAN BE
WANDIN’ BLINDLY THROUGH DAY TO DAY
NO ONE KNOWING THE EMPTY HEART, DEEP IN ME
IT SEEMS LIKE A COLD, HARD WORLD
WHEN YOU’RE FACING IT ON YOUR OWN
YOU’LL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH
YOU JUST MAKE MY DAY

COULD IT BE YOU/TO PICK ME UP WHEN I FALL DOWN
AND TO HOLD THE WHOLE NIGHT THROUGH
COULD YOU BE MY BABY
I GOTTA KNOW
CAUSE YOU KNOW
YOU’LL LIVE INSIDE MY HEART
TILL THE DAY THAT I DIE

NOW I FOUND YOU DON’T LET ME GO
ALL MY LIFE I’VE WAITED FOR SOMEONE LIKE YOU
WHEN LIFE’S HARD, DAYS IN SHADES OF GREY
I WANNA MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
SITTIN’ HERE BY THE PHONE
WONDERING IF YOU’LL EVER CALL
YOU’LL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH
YOU JUST MAKE MY DAY

C’MON AND TELL ME
DON’T YOU TAKE TOO LONG
MAYBE IF I CLOSE MY EYES
EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT
 
9. THERE SHE GOES
Written in 20 minutes on New Years Day 1999. In effect, a sequel to the song before it.
An earlier version exists with drums and a bass guitar, but I preferred the stripped down approach of acoustics and a piano.

TEARS FROM A LOVE THAT’S FOUND IT’S WAY
THROUGH DREAMING WHAT CAN NEVER BE
WONDERING WHY THE FLAME INSIDE
FADES SO EASILY
THOUGHT IT WOULDN’T MATTER
IF IT ALL CAME TO AN ENDING
THEN I WONDER WHY
WHY AM I PRETENDING

THERE SHE GOES
IT’S CRAZY I KNOW
BUT I CAN’ LET GO
THERE SHE GOES
AND I GET THE FEELING
THAT SHE AIN’T COMING BACK

WATCHING TIME PASS ME BY
THINKING BOUT THE PLANS WE MADE
WHY’D YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND
AND/LEAVE ME DYING INSIDE
CAN I HOLD YOU ONE LAST TIME
OR MAYBE JUST WALK AWAY
CAUSE AIN’T IT FUNNY HOW A CANDLE HELD TRUE
BURNS LIKE A BLAZE INSIDE

HAVE A HEART AND CALL ME BABY
JUST TO SEE IF I’M OKAY
THERE’S ONLY SO MUCH I CAN TAKE
AND I MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY
 
10. THE GREAT SONG OF DEFIANCE
"To thine own self be true" as Shakespeare once said.
I've often said in interviews that this song was my life inside of 4 minutes. Maybe not every aspect, but definately in keeping integrity and following my own path. Quite a live favourite with our supporters too. Probably Hallion's signature song at the time.

I GREW UP WITH A HEART OF GLASS
DID WHAT I WANTED
WITH A MIDDLE FINGER TO THE REST OF THE WORLD
I WAS WAITING FOR MY DAY TO COME
TO BE SOMEBODY WITH VENGENCE RUNNING THROUGH MY VEINS

EVERYTIME I HIT THE FLOOR
SPIT OUT THE DIRT
AND I’M BACK FOR MORE
IF I QUIT RIGHT NOW
I’LL BE JUST LIKE THEM
I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE THEM

I CAN TAKE THE SHIT
CAUSE I AIN’T GOIN’ DOWN
IF I QUIT NOW ALL OF THIS
WOULDN’T HAVE MEANT A GODDAMN THING
I CAN TAKE THE SHIT
CAUSE I AIN’T GOIN’ DOWN
I CAN TAKE A LICKIN’ AND TURN AROUND KICKIN’
CAUSE I AIN’T GOIN’ DOWN

READ THE RIOT ACT WHEN IT AIN’T MY FAULT
I’LL BURY THE HATCHET
AS LONG AS IT’S BETWEEN THEIR EYES
SWALLOWING BLOOD BEFORE MY PRIDE
HELD BACK SO LONG
I CAN’T REMEMBER WHAT FREEDOM’S FOR
THEY’RE CHOWING DOWN
ON PEACHES AND CREAM
I’M MAKING THE BEST OF THE DOGGIE BAG
IT WON’T BE FOREVER
THINGS ARE GONNA CHANGE
I’M WAITING FOR A BETTER DAY