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Small Star Seminar

by Cory McAbee

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Dixie Dellamorto
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Dixie Dellamorto Cory McAbee is a genius. Small Star Seminar will change your life. Favorite track: Easier.
reedber
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reedber Amazing. I love it. Cory is simply a fascinating artist and this album rides the line between deadly serious and satire with a little bit of WTF? thrown in.

In the spirit of this album I'm not going to spend too long writing or editing this comment because I suspect it won't make any difference at all in my life and I'm all about taking down the stress and being a little more realistic.

Cheers!! If you like it, definitely get it and support his work.
Warren Lunsford
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Warren Lunsford I have enjoyed all of Mr. McAbee's work. However this album, "Small Star Seminar" resonates with me because of the material I studied for my BA and MA in Management.
Jason Renslow
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Jason Renslow I first heard of Cory McAbee when The American Astronaut came out, then I got to see him on tour with The Billy Nayer Show. And... wow. I'm a fan. Small Star Seminar was exactly what I wanted it to be without knowing what to expect from the release. It's creative and entertaining, masterful and simple. Worth it. Favorite track: The Kit.
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1.
How many times have you told yourself, How many times have you told yourself, it’s time to take a stand? How many times have you told yourself, it’s time to take a stand. Time to pull your self up with your own bare hands. How many times have you said to yourself, it’s time to take a stand. Time to pull your self up, with your own bare hands and take command. And take control. You don’t have to tell me. I already know. Anything I say you better think about it. Anything I think you better do. Anything I think you better think about it, too. Because it’s true. Because it’s too true. I was once like you. How many times have you said that you were wrong? How many times have you said that you were wrong, just to avoid a fight? How many times have you said that you were wrong, just to avoid a fight, knowing all along that you were right? How many times have you said that you were wrong, just to avoid a fight, knowing all along that you were right? Was it hard to sleep at night? Was it hard to let it go? You don’t have to tell me. I already know. Anything I say you better think about it. Anything I think you better do. Anything I think you better think about it, too. Because it’s true. Because it’s too true. I was once like you.
2.
You are the best But no one knows it When you’re the best You’ve got to show it, now Nobody’s better than you But they look like they are. How do they do it? They pump it up They pump it up They pump it up They pump it up up up They pump it up They pump it up They pump it up They pump it up up up You are a star You know it Don’t be a star when the sky is blue Be the one that the world can look up to Take a cue from the chosen few They pump it up They pump it up They pump it up They pump it up up up
3.
Chains around my ankles Rope and a blindfold Both of my hands are tied Standing on the gallows Feeling kind of mellow Feeling kind of sad inside I heard a whisper It was the hangman, standing right by my side Saying, believe in yourself, boy You’ll be alright, boy All you have to do is try So, I believed in me I heard a voice It gave me a choice Refuse to die Words that he said I hear them my head All I have to do is try So, I believe in me
4.
The Kit 03:07
He’s got the kit He’s got the kit. He’s got the kit He’s got the kit. Do you look like your ideas? Do you dress to match the music that you listen to? Do you like rockabilly, hip-hop, hippy, cowboy, punk, funk, grunge, hipster, Latin, pop, jazz? Do you surround yourself with things that complement your tastes? Of course you do. We all do. Are you an invert, extrovert, flirt, pervert, religious convert living in a desert, son of the soil, child of the earth, sports fan, moneyman, lady with a sun tan? You can tell a lot about someone just by looking at their shoes. What do your shoes say about you, and what are you going to do about it? Do you like people who agree with you? People who agree with the things you say and like the things you do. They like what you do, they like what you say, and maybe they act the same way. What does that say? What does that tell you? It means they have the same kit, the same kit that you’ve got and you like them a lot. You can’t help it. They’ve got your kit. Whatever you want to be Whatever you want to do There’s a kit that’s right for you. When I was young I wanted to be a rebel. I wanted to do the things that rebels do. So, I cut my hair rebelliously And wore rebellious shoes And said rebellious things about the news. That was the kit I chose. It’s not the kit I choose. Now I don’t give a shit. That’s part of my kit. I’ve got the kit. He’s got the kit.
5.
We are the Small Star generation There’s been a lot of information added That is the modern-day situation So let’s get at it. We’ve got a dead-end situation And let me tell you, my friend, You’ll become frustrated if you try to rise above it You’ve got to love it. This is the age of limitation It comes with a lot of information added This is a celebration of your limitations A limitation celebration This has nothing and everything to do with you And that’s true It’s complicated. You can either hate it or love it. It’s all up to you.
6.
Silence 02:52
Wait Don’t speak Don’t let the world know you’re a freak If you’ve got something to say Wait until it goes away Give it a day You’ll be okay You may learn that what you had to say Wasn’t important anyway. So don’t Don’t even bother You may find silence can take you farther than you realize. You might seem intelligent in a stranger’s eyes Try not to spoil that illusion. Don’t compromise the situation through conversation Cuz, guess what People might like you if you keep your mouth shut. Wait Don’t speak Don’t let the world know you’re a freak If you have something to say, wait until it goes away Give it a day You’ll be okay You may learn that what you had to say wasn’t important anyway.
7.
Mud 02:20
Out of the mud grows the lotus Be the mud and let the future shine It will never be your time Pressure creates the diamond Be free from the pressure in your mind It will never be your time Be free of possibility You’ll see that everything is fine It will never be your time Out of the mud grows the lotus Be the mud and let the future shine It will never be your time
8.
Time 02:28
Time to wash away the pain. Time to get back in the game again. Time to do it all the same again. It’s time. Time to wash away the tears. Time to set aside your educated fears. Time to make the same mistakes again. Time to do it all exactly the same again. It’s time. Time to learn the things you’ve learned before. Time to open up that door you swore you’d never open again and forget about the pain. Time to get back in the game again. Time to do it all the same again. It’s time.
9.
Fake Mercy 03:37
Death has a twin I’m gonna say it again. Death has a twin. A twin sister. I’m telling you, Mister Death has a twin I’m gonna say it again Death has a twin A twin sister And her name is Fake Mercy Fake Mercy Fake Mercy Fake Mercy and in the right light she can look pretty She always looks pretty to me She’ll tell you that you’re going to survive She’ll tell you you are her only lover She’ll tell you there’s a better life waiting for you, just around the corner You don’t want her, but you need her And when you meet her you’ll fall in love with this girl Someday she’ll be the queen of the world A world of believing what you want to believe believing what you want to believe believing what you want to believe believing what you want to believe believing what you want to believe believing what you want to believe This is the speaker of your dreams Bringing temporary pleasure to your broken heart And this is the long awaited age of believing what you want to believe Believing what you want to believe And this is the long awaited age of Fake Mercy Fake Mercy Fake Mercy Fake Mercy Fake Mercy Fake Mercy Fake Mercy Fake Mercy Here she comes again Here she comes again Here she comes again Here she comes And she really looks pretty And she tells such pretty lies Until her brother can take you by surprise.
10.
Here he comes. The one you’ll never know. He’s eaten sand from a place you’ll never go. He had a name but he pissed it in the snow. Now his eyes will always sparkle and glow. And the love in his heart will always show. And there’s other things that I think you’ll want to know. You can never steal that man’s thunder You can never steal it You can never steal that man’s thunder You can never steal it You can never steal that man’s thunder You can never steal it Here he comes. The one you’ve never seen. He’s eaten sand from a place you’ve never been. He had a name but he lost it in a dream. Now his eyes will always sparkle and beam. And there’s nothing lost that needs to be redeemed. And things are not exactly as they seem. You can never steal that man’s thunder You can never steal it You can never steal that man’s thunder You can never steal it You can never steal that man’s thunder You can never steal it
11.
Thunder 02:47
Did you hear the mountains crashing? No sir, that was only thunder. Did you see the lightning flash? No sir, that’s the spell you’re under. Did you hear the rain fall? No sir, that was people clapping. Can you hear them all around you? There is nothing happening. If you were a bird, and you could fly, it wouldn’t matter until you couldn’t. If you were a man, like me, and you could fly, you probably shouldn’t. At first people would love you, but when they grew accustomed to what you could do, they would become jealous and despise you. You would end up walking alone, hoping no one would recognize you. Did you hear the mountains crashing? No sir, that was only thunder. Did you see the lighting flash? No sir, that’s the spell you’re under. Did you hear the rain fall? No sir, that was people clapping. Can you hear them all around you? There is nothing happening. Did you hear the thunder? No sir, that was just a car. Is this a spell I’m under? No sir, that’s the way you are. Did you hear the people clapping? No sir, that was bacon frying. Can you see them all around you? No sir, you are lying.
12.
Easier 03:03
Before you begin. Before you try it. You know you’re not going to win, so don’t deny it. You don’t even want to and you know you don’t care. So don’t be the one to put your hand in the air. It’s okay if you just want to sit there. Everything just got easier. Before you try. Before you combat it. First you got to tell everyone around you that you suck at it. Everything should get better from there. So, don’t be the first to put your hand in the air. It’s okay if you only want to sit there. Everything keeps getting easier Birthday parties are another mistake. Don’t waste your breath on a birthday cake, like a child Making wishes and blowing out candles. Just tell them that it’s something you can’t handle right now. You don’t need that kind of attention. It’s your birthday anyway. Just sit there. Everything keeps getting easier Stop making those big decision. Start saving yourself the trouble. You’ve got no reason So, sit back down. A lot of people have a lot of nerve. Trying to get things that they don’t deserve. I became happy the moment I learned that it’s never gonna be my turn. Why should it be? What’s so special about me? It’s probably not your turn either See? Everything just got easier.
13.
Trust Me 02:53
Trust me, because you know that it is the way that it must be. When everything has crumbled into dust be the one who found the way. Trust me That’s the way that it must be. If you want me to help you, put your hand in mine and I’ll help you find the way. Isn’t that what you want me to say? Okay, it’s true. I’m here to help you. Put your faith in me, because that’s how it has to be. If you want me to help you find a way, just tell me what you want me to say, and I will. I’ll help you feel the way you want to feel. Believe in me. You have no reason to worry. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned, whenever you’re concerned, follow the advice of an authority, and that’s me. Trust me, because you know that it is the way that it must be. When everything has crumbled into dust be the one who found the way.
14.
Even 04:34
Back Back when you were little Did you ever play a game Called Monkey in the Middle? Being taunted By the people who loved you As they tossed the things you wanted High above you A game It’s suppose to be fun It’s based on the same things That make society run You stand in the middle While two teams treat you unfairly You stand a chance to win, But barely. The game won’t end Until you walk away The only way to win Is to never play When it’s over And everyone is leaving You might notice That you broke even Even You’ve got to keep it in the middle. You’ve got to keep it in the center You got to leave the way you enter. Anyway, the point I’m trying to make is Money People hoard it You would too If you could afford it But you can’t carry Your weight in treasure Bury what you don’t need And live a life of leisure It’s the same thing With a good education What will you do With the excess information? Would you rather understand Or keep thinking It’s the same thing that keeps a dead man From blinking Even You’ve got to keep it in the middle. You’ve got to keep it in the center You got to leave the way you enter. Even You’ve got to keep it in the middle. You’ve got to keep it in the center You got to leave the way you enter.
15.
Butterfly 02:58
You are a butterfly You are a butterfly That is why That is why The laws of nature don’t apply to you Ask any chrysalis you happen to see, What’s the best time to emerge from a cocoon? Never too soon Never too soon Never too Never too soon Never too soon The egg becomes the caterpillar. The caterpillar becomes the chrysalis. The butterfly emerges from the chrysalis and flies through the air with such magnificence that he’s captured and preserved to be seen by one and all. Placed in a jar with an ether cotton ball. Placed on a pin for generations to see, until he can free himself from death once again. Rise from the pin Rise from the pin Rise up Rise from the pin Rise from the pin and fly through the air, once again. Who here is that butterfly? Who among you is the one who captured him? Who is the cotton ball, and who is the pin? Are you the jar? No one thinks you are. Everybody thinks that they’re the butterfly. So do I. So do I. Ask any butterfly you happen to see, What’s the best time to rise from a pin? Never again Never again Never Never again Never again
16.
Good Enough 02:39
You can’t do it Nobody could do it So throw up your hands and say, screw it Things are always harder than you were lead to believe So roll down your sleeves, it’s time to leave. I have a suggestion And it is this Ask yourself this question The answer’s yes Ask yourself this question When things are tough Ask yourself if this is good enough. Yes. The best time to quit is today Don’t listen to what people say. They’ll all be jealous when they see you walk away Do you want to quit? Okay. I have a suggestion And it is this Ask yourself this question The answer’s yes Ask yourself this question When things are tough Ask yourself if this is good enough. Yes. The future begins today That doesn’t mean you have to act that way You have the rest of your life ahead of you No matter what you do I have a suggestion And it is this Ask yourself this question The answer’s yes Ask yourself this question When things are tough Ask yourself if this is good enough. Yes.
17.
There goes the night as you leave your dreams behind you. Into the light where the night can never find you. The night has left you many times before, But it keeps coming back for more. There goes the light Like a dying ember, Into the night. Do you remember Starlight is a gift you hold In a love story left untold. There’s a star inside of you. It’s what makes the nighttime follow you. When you are where you are It follows the star. The Small Star Corporation. We need no explanation. We offer dedication To help you find The proper information To help your situation To help you find The stars inside your mind. What makes a dream come true? The night lasts forever, and it knows you. You can touch the brightest star Standing where you are. Close your eyes and look inside And you’ll see where they hide. The Small Star Corporation. We need no explanation. We offer dedication To help you find The proper information To help your situation To help you find The stars inside your mind. The stars inside your mind.

credits

released April 11, 2015

Words and music written, performed and recorded by Cory McAbee.
Backing vocals by Willa Vy McAbee.
Additional vocals for “Silence” by John Huck McAbee & Samuel McAbee
Mixed by Karl Derfler at The Shack.
© Copyright Cory McAbee 2015
℗ Published by Cory McAbee BMI

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Cory McAbee Queens, New York

McAbee is best known as writer, director, songwriter, composer for the feature films, The American Astronaut, Stingray Sam and as singer/songwriter for the group The Billy Nayer Show (1989–2011). In 2012 he began the global arts collaborative, Captain Ahab’s Motorcycle Club. In 2015 he created The Small Star Seminar. This collection of songs is being used to create the feature film, Deep Astronomy ... more

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