Name: You Can Only Be So Cosmic
Duration: P00H04M18S
Description: I can’t remember exactly when I wrote this, I know it goes back at least to 1979. It’s based on a true story, about what happens when you think you are more cosmic than you really are. It was first performed solo for a talent show in Bruce Hall (at the University of North Texas) and later arranged for the University of California, San Diego Jazz Ensemble (led by Jimmie Cheatham) in 1982.

You Can Only Be So Cosmic

from True Blue by Robert Willey

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about

I can’t remember exactly when I wrote this, I know it goes back at least to 1979. It’s based on a true story, about what happens when you think you are more cosmic than you really are. It was first performed solo for a talent show in Bruce Hall (at the University of North Texas) and later arranged for the University of California, San Diego Jazz Ensemble (led by Jimmie Cheatham) in 1982.

lyrics

When you wanna be high and have that cosmic view,
but you're always comin' down and long for somethin' new.
Here's a word of warning, though there's nothin' you can do
when you think you're all together life'll play a trick on you.
Might as well accept it, you know this world's a zoo.
In everything that's holy there's an earthly side, too,
You can only be so cosmic.

When you're lookin' in the heavens down on earth you stub your toe,
but don't dwell on those things that hold you down below.
Don't resist the path you're on, it's the way for you to go,
the ups and downs are all a part of the road, you know.
Sit back, relax, enjoy the show,
until that legendary release from this world of woe
You can only be so cosmic.

The holiest guru on the highest hill must sometimes take a pee.
Life is not as predictable as they show you on TV.
It was my tantric queen who told me this, I think you will agree,
she brought me to enlightenment and shared her crabs for free.
It was revealed in meditation as I sat beneath a tree–
a messenger of the Lord, a bird, said as it dropped it's load on me:
"You can only be so cosmic."

credits

from True Blue, released December 12, 2012
Ted Tiedeman, baritone saxophone
Chance Hopkins, drums
Ashley Lewis, flute
Cory Murray, trumpets

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Robert Willey Muncie, Indiana

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