Chris Smither
chris smither, “surprise, surprise,”
from: time stands still, 2009
Growing up in the rich musical stew of New Orleans, Chris Smither soaked up elements of the blues, ragtime, folk, and old-time jazz. All of these influences are evident in his substantial body of work. Smither has interpreted many Dylan tunes to stunning effect (e.g. “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry”) but also writes songs that can be both jaunty and haunting, funny and filled with pathos. “Surprise, Surprise” is one such example.
-Walter Henritze
“Surprise, Surprise
Well, this world is in a sorry state,
It don’t work the way it should.
Just when things were looking up,
The outlook ain’t so good.
They told they would fill your cup,
Work hard they said, you’ll never sink too low.
Because the trickle down will float you up,
Surprise, surprise it ain’t so.
Are you worried ‘bout your money,
‘Course you are, who wouldn’t be?
You thought that you were rich,
Then you turned on your TV
You hear banks are failing, you start wailing,
No! It can’t be so! The bank is gone.
Off you dash to get your cash,
Surprise, surprise the money’s gone.
Well, do you think your baby loves you?
Of course she does . . . but maybe not.
Now that you ain’t rich, she might not think you so hot.
To set your mind at rest, you think it’s best if you just call her on the phone.
You fear what you might hear,
But surprise, surprise she ain’t home.
Ahh, where’d she get to?
So, now you think you’ll get religion
You say Lord how can this be?
Everything that I had is gone,
Don’t do these things to me.
Ah, save me just this once,
I promise, I’ll bow down to your will.
Then you waited for an answer,
But surprise, surprise you’re waiting still.
Well, these things are not important,
They ain’t what you think they are.
They’ll wear you down with worry,
Then say close but no cigar.
It’s a coin of common problems,
Don’t bet the farm on getting them unwound.
By the time you get them straightened out,
Surprise, surprise you underground.
Yes, you six feet down!
”