Piper

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Since Piper was a group effort, Billy thought it’d be nice to hear from some other members of the band. As such, he’s passing on his storytelling duties to Richie Fontana and Danny McGary.

Out of all the projects that I’ve been involved with in my career, Piper is still my favorite. I’m quite proud of the work we did on these 2 albums. I only wish the first album had the production value that the second album did. We really nailed it on “Can’t Wait”. It’s amazing how it still holds up!

Billy was writing great songs long before the success of his solo career, and we all benefited from it. 

These Piper albums are a perfect hybrid of melodic pop melodies and kick-ass Rock ‘n Roll, referred to today as Power Pop, which is still what I like the most. It was our initiation into the big leagues of the music business, and for that I hold these Piper albums in a special place in my heart. 
—Richie Fontana

While on tour in the great State of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, to be exact), someone told somebody that because we were in the ultimate beer town, it would be a good idea to give some away! In the buzz of the moment, and with total disregard to local, state and federal laws, one of the members of the band started to distribute some cans of cold brew to the audience. Not wanting to slight anyone in the balcony, he had to throw some of these cans with some force! One can opened up a sizable gash on the head of a fan. As a result, the fan was allowed to meet the band after the show. The fan was so overjoyed about getting a free beer from Billy that the injury did not matter to him. Boy those were the days!
—Danny McGary

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Lyrics – Piper

Out Of Control
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

I wonder what you’re doing now
Times I was your ruination
Now you’re back

I see you got yourself a man
Who buys you everything your heart demands
You left me with a shot-up feeling
Something that was most revealing
I could see you were concealing
Something that you couldn’t quite control

I wonder now, it’s been so long
Maybe we could get along somehow
But then babe, would you notice me
Shrouded in your luxury abode
While me I’m out here kicking sand
Scrounging after all I can
How’s it feel to see your real man
Struggling just to save his very soul

Don’t tell me its out of your control

Take me to your dreams tonight
And maybe if the time is right you’ll come
To me
And take me to the nursery
Drag me down for all your friends to see

But tell me, what you plan to do
When all your worthless dreams come true
Who’ll be there to stand by you and
Soothe the pain that’s eating out your soul

Don’t ask me, it’s out of my control

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Whatcha Gonna Do
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

You learned your lessons rather early in life
from those who have and who have not
You made your fortune mister, that ain’t no lie
but there’s one thing you forgot
You got a woman she’s waiting at home
she’s alone most every night
If you want her, she’ll go out on the road
but you knows she don’t feel right

You are a prisoner, your dreams have chained you
A slave onto yourself, with stock in time gone by
And time leaves little else
Your fate is nothing new
Whatcha gonna do

Your hopes are dangling, dear, your head’s in a whirl
and now you only hurt yourself
You can be most anything you want in my world,
but you live for someone else
Now disillusionment has changed your resound
He’s hurt your feelings and your pride
Its in the open now you want to back down
but there’s no place left to hide

You are a prisoner, your dreams have chained you
A slave onto yourself
With stock and time gone by
And time leaves little else
Your fate is nothing new
Whatcha gonna do

We were talking on the phone yesterday
and how you wanted me to come
I would gladly take you any old way,
but its not so easily done
You see I’m struggling with this fix of my own
and it makes me what I am
As we get older baby, one never knows,
but we do the best we can

I am a prisoner, my dreams have chained me
A slave onto myself
With stock in tiome gone by
And time leaves little else
My fate is nothing new
Whatcha gonna do

Whatcha gonna do when dreams have chained you
A slave onto yourself
With stock and time gone by
And time leaves little else
Your fate is nothing new
Whatcha gonna do

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The Road
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

When I see your face in the mirrors of my eyes
it makes me wonder why I let you go
Cause the memory pain cools me down inside
it’s a feeling that I hope you’ll never know

Every boy is on his own in these uneasy times
I’ll sing a song that rhymes with all my feelings
How can I be sure that what I’m livin’ ain’t a lie
Lord I’m gonna try to understand

Girl I miss ya now, my heart inside just cries
My feelings I despise down to my frame
But it seems the way my life’s been meant to be
I sure do hope you see you’re not to blame

Every boy must choose between his comforts and the road
Stop and take the load upon his shoulders
How can I be sure that what I’m livin’ ain’t a lie
Lord I’m gonna try to understand
Mmm, yes I will

When I see your face in the mirrors of my eyes
it makes me wonder why I let you go
Cause the memory pain cools me down inside
It’s a feeling that I hope you’ll never know

Every boy is on his own in these uneasy times
I’ll sing a song that rhymes with all my feelings
How can I be sure that what I’m livin’ ain’t a lie
Lord I’m gonna try to understand

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Sail Away
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

Row, row, row, row, row, row, row the boats away
All my bags are packed on board
and there’s nothing more to say
I’m tired and there’s nothing for me here
save all the memories of all the wasted years
I want to sail away unto a distant shore
I want to leave this place and don’t come back,
don’t come back no more

Cause I’ve come to change my mind
Gonna leave my blues behind
Yes I’m just gonna sail away
and face it on my own
Sail away
and take it on my own
Sail away
I’ve got to find my home

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,oh what’s become of me
Fools and phonies change the boy I used to be
I’d like to stay here in your arms today
but the past remembers only yesterday
and if we carry on the memory slips away
I best be off my friend, I best be on
best be on my way

Cause I’ve come to change my mind
Gonna leave my blues behind
Yes I’m just gonna sail away
I’ll face it on my own
Sail away
take it on my own
Sail away
I’ve got to find my home

Cause I’ve come to change my mind
Gonna leave my blues behind
Yes I’m just gonna sail away
face it on my own
Sail away
into the blue unknown
Sail away
I’ve got to find my home

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Who’s Your Boyfriend? (I Got a Feelin’)
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

Another day with nothin’ to do
Spend my time lookin’ for you
Who’s your boyfriend
Who’s your boyfriend now

I asked around but nobody knows
Where you’ve gone in all your fine clothes
Who’s your boyfriend
Who’s your boyfriend now

Not since the day you first caught my eye
Has anything moved me – my heart’s on the fly, uh huh
And I got a feelin’

Spend my time out on the street
I’m so tired I can’t feel my feet
Who’s your boyfriend
Who’s your boyfriend now

People say I’m tryin’ too hard
But if I knew the way – I’d be in your backyard
Who’s your boyfriend
Who’s your boyfriend now

Don’t say I’m crazy – I already know
I picked up the pieces – I got nothin’ to show
And I got a feelin’

I never could see
Why women could do these things to me

Another day I’m out on my own
I don’t know if I’m comin’ or goin’
Who’s your boyfriend
Who’s your boyfriend now

You got style – I just can’t ignore
But if I had a key I’d be in your front door
Who’s your boyfriend
Who’s your boyfriend now

How does it happen – you’re so hard to find
I can’t seem to reach you – I’m losin’ my mind
And I got a feelin’
Who’s your boyfriend now
Who’s your boyfriend

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Telephone Relation
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

Telephone relation
Can’t make it this way
Telephone relation
day to day
Something’s wrong, oh I can’t go on with
Telephone relation

Telephone relation
I’m acting so bad
Telephone relation
it’s driving me mad
What’s to say, can’t stay away from
Telephone relation

As of today now, I’ve seen ya twice
As I recall, you looked oh so nice
I think its odd, do I sound out of place
I’m havin’ a hard time rememberin’ your face

Telephone relation
I’m talking to you
Telephone relation
Believe me it’s true
Telephone relation
might be alright for you, but
Telephone relation
just won’t do

Called you up just to make contact
“I can’t talk now, let me call you back”
I get to ya later’, but to my surprise
its half past two how the time just flies

Telephone relation’s
holdin’ me down
Telephone relation
gotta get you around
Things ain’t right, gonna change the night, sweet
Telephone relation

It’s not so hard when you get the knack
I’ll call you, then you call me back
Send me a picture and I’ll send you mind
Keep a private directory, things’ll work out fine

Seems I’m shook, I believe I’m hooked on
Telephone relation

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The Last Time
(Mick Jagger/Keith Richards) © Abkco Music Inc., BMI

I told you once and I told you twice
ya never listen to my advice
You don’t try very hard to please me
with what you know it should be easy

This could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I don’t know

I’m sorry girl but I can’t stay
feelin’ like I do today
Too much pain and too much sorrow
I guess I’ll feel the same tomorrow

This could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I don’t know

Look out baby

This could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I don’t know

Well I told you once and I told you twice
That someone will have to pay the price
But here’s a chance to change your mind
‘Cuz I’ll be gone a long, long time

This could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I don’t know

Oh no

I’ve been scandlized, tantalized, mesmirized
by the look in your eyes
Your takin’ your time, you pay me no mind
I never thought that I would leave you behind
Oh no

Here I go

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42nd Street
(Squier/McGary) © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

Keep the faith child, whatcha say to me
Ah, let me tell ya what those pretty eyes can’t see
You’re carousin’ over London town
You got some cheshire cats chasin’ you around
Me, I’m sittin’ on my window seat
I watch the ladies down on 42nd street

I’m a man of reputation
I would never steal your pride
I’m a man of obligation
I don’t need to hide

I’m sore for drinkin’, oh its been so long
My nights seem endless and I’m really not that strong
And I can see you, have you in my sleep
But nightmares from the bottle, they ain’t hardly fit to keep, no

In my trials and tribulations
I have never been in doubt
I don’t feign intimidation
I can’t do without

So now I’m sittin’, wearin’ through my pants
Too much sufferin’ and not enough romance
Now I’m hangin’ from my window seat
Drool on the ladies down on 42nd street

I’m a man of reputation
I would never make you pay
I’m in need of some relations
Just can’t stand another day
I’m a man of consternation
I can’t stand to be alone
I’m a victim of temptation
You best not leave me on my own
You just might be sorry honey

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Can’t Live With Ya/Can’t Live Without Ya
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

In darkness of night, when shadows are deep
Feelin’ so tired, can’t get to sleep
Talk to myself, got my head by the phone
this boy’s not built for sleeping alone
Lied to myself when I said we were through
I’m low down dirty, I can’t seem to live without you

In all of my life, I can’t understand
the things that a woman can do to a man
Lead him around like a dog on a string
she’ll let you down like you don’t mean a thing
Act like you think I got nothin’ to do
when you need my lovin’, I might not be waitin’ on you

Can’t live with ya, can’t live without ya
Its all the same to me
Can’t live with ya, can’t live without ya
Can’t you see it’s drivin’ me out of my mind
Useless to say, if you find a good woman, send her my way
Don’t want to live like a toy on a shelf
Get down to my feet and look up somebody else
Hard to forget all the things that you do
My mind can’t take it, I can’t make no sense out of you

Can’t live with ya, can’t live without ya
Its all the same to me
Can’t live with ya, can’t live without ya
Can’t you see it’s drivin’ me out of my mind
Useless to say, if you find a good woman, send her my way
Don’t want to live like a toy on a shelf
Get down to my feet and look up somebody else
Hard not to bet when there’s nothing to lose
My mind can’t take it, can’t seem to shake it with you

Lyrics – Can’t Wait

Can’t Wait
(Squier / Isaacs) © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

I can’t sleep no more, thoughts are spinnin’ ’round
Since we met my feet haven’t touched the ground
I can’t wait, I can’t stop thinkin’ ’bout it
Can’t wait, you make me want to shout it
Now that you let me know I’m not wasting my time

I can’t keep my mind on my books in school
Teacher calls my name now I feel the fool
But I can’t wait to wrap my arms around ya
Can’t wait, I’m oh so glad I found ya
It’s so hard knowin’ that we feel this way

But now that you told me so I’ve no need to worry
Now that you told me so I won’t cry

Now that you told me so I’ve no need to worry
Now that you told me so I won’t cry

Yesterday seems such a long way down
Now today you changed, changed me somehow

I can’t wait until we get together
Can’t wait, I’ll take you on forever
I can feel the optimist arise in me
Can’t you see

Can’t wait…can’t wait…can’t wait…can’t wait

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Drop By And Stay
(Squier / Sartori) © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

You live on the south side, babe
And I’m stuck here across town , maybe
I’ll find a way
Drop by and stay
What would ya say

Your old man don’t think it’s right
For me to stay with you all night
But for now that’s where I’ll be
And Southie sure looks good to me, she knows
I’m on my way
Drop by and stay
I’ll leave today

No more flashin’ subway sparks
No more hitchhike through the dark
No more bus rides though the square
No more fuss ’cause I’ll be there

No more phone calls late at night
Find out if your boy’s all right
No more wonderin’ what to wear
No more fuss ’cause I’ll be there

Come today I realize
We don’t need no alibis
Guess my feet can find my way
Cause every night I hear her say, she goes

Drop by and stay
Drop by and stay
Drop by and stay, baby
Drop by and stay

Say you live on the south side, babe
And i’m stuck here, come on baby
Drop by and stay (what would you say)
Drop by and stay (I’ll find a way)
Drop by and stay (I’ll leave today)
Drop by and stay (I’m on my way)
Drop by and stay (I’m on my way)
Drop by and stay (I’m on my way)

Drop by and stay

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See Me Through
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

I lie alone every night, I soothe my heart
Though we’re together we’re worlds apart
And I wonder are you feeling the same – would you like to be
Somewhere else with someone like me

We meet on a side street corner, we keep outa sight
And we’re tellin each other we’re all right

So hard to be open, love will find a way
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you…if you want me
I found my direction, although it’s taken a while
I won’t waste no more of my life…you’re gonna see me through

You lie alone every night, you’re not yourself
You lie there thinkin about someone else
When someone’s holdin you down, it ain’t too nice
You sell your soul and you pay the price

You bend like a weeping willow, you cry in the night
And you’re keeping your secrets locked up tight

So hard to be open, love will find a way
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you…if you want me
I found my direction, although it’s taken a while
I won’t waste no more of my life…you’re gonna see me through

So hard to be open, the love will find a way
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you…if you want me
I found my direction, although it’s taken a while
I won’t waste no more of my life…you’re gonna see me

I lie alone every night, I want to scream
I’m only having you in my dreams
It’s just no good anymore, I can’t describe
How cold and empty I feel inside

You bend like a weeping willow, you cry in the night
And you’re keeping your secrets locked up tight

So hard to be open, love will find a way
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you…if you want me
I found my direction, although it’s taken a while
I won’t waste no more of my life…you’re gonna see me through

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Little Miss Intent
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

Little miss intent, I can see it in the way you smile
Ah you’ve been lonely now for quite a while, it’s all behind you
Little miss intent, I sit and watch you dream your life away
You live tomorrow but you lose today, I got no mind to

I wanna learn you,
I wanna learn you – I wanna know your face
How can you laugh when I’m the one who wants you
How can you laugh when I’m the one who wants you

Little miss intent, I can see it when you close your eyes
You got your vision set on paradise, well I got mine too
Little miss intent, if I could only have a word with you
I know exactly what you’re going through, cause I been lied to

Nowhere to run to
Nowhere to run to – nowhere to hide your face
How can you laugh when I’m the one who wants you
How can you laugh when I’m the one who wants you

I wanna learn you
I wanna learn you – I wanna stay the night
How can you laugh when i’m the one who wants you
How can you laugh when i’m the one who wants you

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Now Ain’t The Time
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

Sundown you leave me so lonely, sunrise, treat me the same
This ain’t the way that I planned it, playin this game

Daytime’s I sit by the fire, talk to and drink with my friends
Waitin’ in mute desperation to see you again

I’m down on my luck, I’m on my last dime
I think bout the good life that I left behind
I want you so much, it feels like a crime
I’m dyin’ to see you, but now ain’t the time

I got my ties to another, you know those feelings I do
They’re just the same as the purse strings that bind him to you
Why should I care about you, woman, why should I feel like a fool
Seems that you’re all that I live for, you make the rules

I’m down on my luck, I’mon my last dime
I think bout the good life that I left behind
I want you so much, it feels like a crime
I’m dyin’ to see you, but now ain’t the time

Guess I’ll just wait for the moment, we’ll slip away for a while

I’m down on my luck, I’m on my last dime
I think about the good life that I left behind
I want you so much, it feels like a crime
I’m dyin’ to see you, but now ain’t the time

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Bad Boy
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

When I was a boy I recall being told
It’s hard to change your ways when you get old
I understood why but it didn’t sink in
Now I got to try ’cause my luck’s wearin’ thin

Bad boy – you never stopped to think about tomorrow
Sad boy – it seemed so very distant at the time
Bad boy – you never thought your life would lead to sorrow
Sad boy – I thought things would work out just fine

When I was young I didn’t need you to care
Whenever I’d fall there’d be somebody there
Didn’t pay heed to my inner voice
Now the chips are down and I got no choice, I’m a

Bad boy – you should have played your cards a little tighter
(Oh I’m a) sad boy – I didn’t realize I couldn’t see
Bad boy – you never thought you’d have to pay the piper
Sad boy – thought that this couldn’t happen to me

Funny how life can turn right around
One day you’re up and the next day you’re down
Never understand til it happens to you
Now I gotta make my plans if I’m gonna pull through

Bad boy – the mistress of your fate is by your shoulder
Sad boy – I thought that I could always get away
Bad boy – you can’t get up so fast now that you’re older
Sad boy – I know that I’ll meet her some day

You never get away, oh no

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Comin’ Down Off Your Love
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

What would you do if I walked up to you and had my hands tied
And what would you say if you saw me one day and I was tongue tied
You should believe with your eyes

In the morning girl, my sheets are wet
I’m as wrung out as I can get
I’m comin down off your love

Would you believe, would you conceive that I’m tryin
But how would you know when you’re tryin to show me I’m lyin’
You’re just a tease for desire

In the evening girl, my eyes are red
I’m pretty near to feelin’ dead
I’m comin down off your love

I tried pretending that these games were ending for days and nights
But I keep on slaving, my heart’s misbehaving inside, oh yeah, I need ya!

One of these days you’ll find out it pays to take a lesson
You get what you give so it’s best that you live with some discretion
It doesn’t phase you at all

I wish you’d think about it twice
Or someone’s gonna pay the price
of comin down off your love, off your love

You don’t need to watch me go through
All I need to just to see you

Down down down, down down down off your love

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Anyday
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

I see you walkin…on a sunny day out on central park avenue
And the look in your eye tells me, girl – you’re out there lookin for somebody
new Ain’t the first time you kept me waitin here
Ain’t the first time I’ve been alone, oh no
The way that you been treatin me – so downright mean and lowly
I should be mighty glad you’re gone

I know you know I tried to so hard to make you see
What’s it take for you to see the man in me

Anyday – I’ll walk right out that door
Anyday – and leave the past behind
Anyday – I’ll say bye bye
Anyday – and leave you to your own

But each and every time you say “I’m sorry”
Girl you know I try my best to believe it’s true
But what then would you expect now babe
From a poor lonely boy who’s so strung out on you

Lord only knows I tried a thousand times before
Someday soon I’m gonna walk right out that door

Anyday – I’ll pack my bags on you
Anyday – and leave the past behind
Anyday – I’ll say bye bye
Anyday – and leave you to your own

But each and every time you say “I’m sorry”
Girl you know I try my best to believe it’s true
But what then would you expect now babe
From a poor lonely boy who’s so strung out on you

Lord only knows I tried a thousand times before
Someday soon I’m gonna walk right out that door

Anyday – I’m gonna pack my bags
Anyday – and leave the past behind
Anyday – I ‘ll bye bye, bye bye babe
Anyday – now I’ve had about all I can take from you, woman

Throw me down, step on my face, slander my name all over the place
But take it easy child, I ain’t lying
And I’m ready
Oh, I’m ready, ready

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Blues For The Common Man
Billy Squier, © 1977 by Songs Of The Knight (BMI)

Five o’clock in the morning I’m standing out in the rain
They don’t give me no warning, police rouse me again
Now I’m a common man, makin’ out the best I can
Well I feel shook down from my head to my toes
With a girl on my arm and a spoon in my nose
This time around tell ya anything goes, oh yeah

I got the blues for the common man
I’m just a common man, and I be singing the blues for the common man
Yeah I’m singing the blues for the common man

I got no reason to hurry, I take my time on the run
I can’t forget not to worry, can’t let you see me undone
I’m just a common man, looking at a one night stand
I don’t get down with your nine to five
Don’t tell me I ain’t takin no jive
Next time around gonna skin me alive, oh yeah

I’ll be searchin’ for daylight, but there’s none to be found
I’m burning my night light when there’s noone around
I’d like to love you, but your game’s too rough
Can’t do without you, I just can’t get enough

I got my villa de capri, I got my minks and my cars
I’ve got you thinking about me, you’ve got your head in the stars
You love your common man
You’re the last one to know, I couldn’t make you understand
When you got everything that your money can buy
And there ain’t one thing you ain’t already tried
But you’re goin’ ’round again just to know you’re alive, oh yeah

The things that you want, the things that I got
The things that you want, they don’t mean a lot
I know what I want, I see what you got
I know what I want, and I like it a lot

I like it

I’m just a common man, just a common man