Eddie Mugavero: music
THE LEATHER OFF MY BACK
(Written by Eddie Mugavero & David Spear-Recorded by David Spear & the Darts)
I really think this song represents my writing at it's creative peak. While partnered with David Spear, I threw all rules out the window and felt like I could write anything and get away with it. Turns out, this is the song that got us a major publishing deal and much credibility in town among our peers. I remember having to "sell" the idea of all the components in this song to David. I guess I was persistent, because he finally bought it. My inspiration was "Paradise By The Dashboard Light", written by Jim Steinman for Meatloaf. Live performances of this song bordered on hysteria, both from the band and the audience. Dedicated to anyone who loves their leather jackets as much as David and I love ours.
My g'f at the time told me I should sew up the sleeves on my leather... I said, 'no way, I ain't touchin' it..'. She didn't get it, nor will she. lol
THE LEATHER OFF MY BACK
I TOOK IT FROM A BULLY WHO TOOK IT OFF SOME KID
I PAID THAT KID SOME MONEY AND GAVE THAT BULLY HIS
FROM THAT MOMENT ON WE WERE INSEPARABLE
GOT A POCKET FOR MY KEYS A POCKET FOR MY CHANGE
POCKET FOR MY DREAMS, A POCKET FOR THE RAIN
POCKET’S ON MY SLEEVE I NEVER EVEN USE
A POCKET FOR MY GREEN A POCKET FOR MY BLUES…
IT STARTED FIGHTS AND KEPT ME OUTTA SOME
IT SPEAKS FOR ME REMINDS ME WHERE I’M FROM
IT KEEPS ME COOL IN THE SUMMERTIME
WARMS ME WHEN THE SUN DON’T SHINE
BEHIND EACH RIP AND TEAR’S A TALE
THAT FOLLOWS ME FROM TOWN TO TOWN
AND WHEN I’M DOWN I TURN MY COLLAR UP
THESE ZIPPER DOORS PROTECT THE THINGS I LOVE
YOU ASKED TO WEAR IT ONE COLD NIGHT
YOU LOOKED SO HOT I ALMOST DIED
I LET YOU KEEP IT THEN I KNEW
WE’D BE FOREVER BOUND…
I’LL TAKE THE LEATHER OFF MY BACK
AND RIP THIS SHIRT RIGHT OFF MY CHEST
GIRL IF YOU FIT INTO MY BOOTS
I’D GIVE THEM TO YOU TOO IF ONLY YOU’D SAY YES
I’LL TAKE THE LEATHER OFF MY BACK
AND GIVE MY HEART AND SOUL TO YOU
GIRL I KNOW IT AIN’T NO RING BUT TO ME IT’S EVERYTHING
I’LL TAKE THE LEATHER OFF MY BACK
CAUSE WHEN YOU WEAR MY LEATHER
I FLOAT LIKE A FEATHER
FLY LIKE AN EAGLE AND FALL LIKE A DOVE..
SO PLEASE WEAR MY LEATHER AND KEEP IT FOREVER
AND WE’LL BE TOGETHER IN LOVE..
I’LL TAKE THE LEATHER OFF MY BACK…