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about

This is the only known live performance of Charlie. Though the band practiced intensely and almost daily during our years in Atlanta (1986-91), this song's challenging dynamics--bassist Geoff Thistlethwaite's flanger-driven helicopter intro and outro being just one of many key elements--our expectation of precision kept this one off the short setlists shared gigs required.

Charlie, like many of Donnie's songs, isn't overt about its theme. The main character is confused by the sounds and smells he's encountering, and he can't move and wishes he could "get out of here." He's talking to Charlie, who isn't answering because they're both in the same predicament. They were soldiers. And now they're not. They "left home so long ago," and now the "flowers smell familiar, but I don't know where we are" because the protagonist is in his coffin, at his funeral, feeling raindrops "salty as a tear." We always tried to capture the violence of war in this song. This night we did, and we're really glad because of this recording, we can share it with you. (SP)

lyrics

CHARLIE
by WD Picou

I think I hear footsteps, Charlie
They must be coming here
I feel the ground is trembling
They must be getting near
I can't hear what they're saying now
They keep their voices low
This part's really scary
I can't take it anymore

We left home so long ago
We traveled so far
The flowers smell familiar but I don't know where we are

I think I hear a bugle, Charlie
Playing on the shore
I don't know what it means exactly
But I've heard that tune before
It has such a lonely sound
I feel so sad and blue
I wish we could get out of here
I wish that we could move

We left home so long ago
We traveled so far
The flowers smell familiar but I don't know where we are

Someone's right above me, Charlie
They know I'm hiding here
I thought I felt a raindrop, Charlie
Salty as a tear
How long have we been underground
Have we ever seen the light
I'd like to send a message home
But I don't know what to write

We left home so long ago
We traveled so far
The flowers smell familiar but I don't know where we are

© Half-Nutt Music, All Rights Reserved

credits

from LIVE at the Cotton Club in Atlanta 1988, released May 19, 2023
Donnie Picou, lead vocal, rhythm guitar
Steve Picou, backing vocal, lead guitar
Geoff Thisthlethwaite, bass, helicopter
David Baker, drums

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Bas Clas Louisiana

Bas Clas is a rock band from South Louisiana formed in the late 1970s by brothers Donnie & Steve Picou. The name is pronounced "bahs clahs" and is derived from a Cajun phrase denoting those deemed "low class."

Known for their live shows, Bas Clas continues to build an expansive body of recorded work from an ongoing series of sessions begun in 2011 at Dockside Studio. ... more

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