Lyrics
All lyrics by Che Prasad
(except where noted)
(except where noted)

Christmastime in the Apocalypse
Put your ornaments away
Close the door and lock it tight
Take a moment to remember
On this unholy night
Is there something that you want
Is there someone that you miss
It’s just Christmastime
In the Apocalypse
It happened so fast
Took Saint Nick by surprise
Sugar plums withered to prunes
Children’s laughter turned to cries
Some called it Judgment
Or just the Yuletide Flu
Didn’t spare Santa’s helpers
Not the Christians or the Jews
Were you naughty or nice
Too late to make a list
It’s just Christmastime
In the Apocalypse
It starts with a tickle
Then it burns with a fever
Saw what it done to Pa
Now I’m a true believer
Your eyes go grey
Your body starts a heavin’
You feel a wanderlust
Even though you ain’t breathin’
Keep that mistletoe a-hanging
For one last final kiss
It’s just Christmastime
In the Apocalypse
Those that went first
Some said the lucky ones
Left us no time
To get our shopping done
They shuffle through the mall
And wander aimlessly
Except for they’re undead
It’s kind of like it used to be
The Christmas tree is firewood
A zombie chorus gives a hiss
It’s just Christmastime
In the Apocalypse
The sirens are ringing
Instead of Christmas bells
That man in red ain’t Santa
He’s got a pitchfork, and a tail, can’t you tell?
The workshop is abandoned
Unfinished toys on the shelves
St. Nick’s looking rounder
He’s feasted on his elves
That scratching on the rooftop
Maybe Reindeer? Don’t you wish
It’s just Christmastime
In the Apocalypse
A mall Santa staggers
Looking for that little kid
Hoped he’d see another Christmas
Never found out if he did
When Frosty came to life again
We all grabbed for his hat
He was foaming at the mouth
I knocked his head off with a bat
Now Rudolf and the Bumble
Are running for their lives
While little zombie elves
Chase them with forks and wooden knives
Now it’s Zombie Cindy Lou Who
Who is looking for the Grinch
His heart is growing smaller
She draws closer inch by inch
As Jesus blows his candle out
No need to make a wish
It’s just Christmastime
In the Apocalypse
A rhythm echoes the streets
Like a funeral drum
That little desert drummer boy
He foretold this day would come
The ghosts of Marley
Both of Jacob and of Bob
Watch as the worlds ends
In a blood bath zombie mob
Grab the star off the tree
It’s got some pointed ends
Take aim at the brains
Of our dear departed friends
When Good King Wencelas rose up
The snow was uneven
There was a gruesome feast that night
That feast was cousin Stephen
I crave your gingerbread cookies
Your fruitcake I’ll never miss
It’s just Christmastime
In the Apocalypse
The holidays can be so lonely
When you are but a few
Even worse to be surrounded
By people that you knew
We live on chestnuts and dried berries
Helps keep us on our toes
Jack Frost has gone zombie
Wants more than your nose
Twas the night after Christmas
A man in red fur and white gloves
Sat alone in a snow bank
No answers from above
I miss Christmas Eve
And all the holiday cheer
Despite the zombies and mayhem
I’ll wait for it again next year
Now the world’s gone to hell
You’ve got nothing left to sell
But your soul
With no power and no heat
Take the stockings from your feet
And pray for coal
You were always so fragile
You think I would have learned
But I kept hope alive
Even on the night you turned
What do baby zombies eat?
When they’re hungry they still cry
She’s staring at me so sweet
But with a funny look in her eye
Is there something that you want
Is there someone that you miss
It’s just Christmastime
In the Apocalypse
Early Checkout
This ain’t no Hilton, the driver says
A dust cloud rises as he speeds away
I’ll be fine here, despite the heat
Where’s my room? It’s across the street
Not in the main house where things are cozy
Across the street, it ain’t so rosy
They said stay away
They called me a fool
We’ve got three days
Till that moon is full
The path is littered with bugs that are dyin’
No phone reception, don’t bother tryin’
A welcome sign reads: Unicorns at Play
But that, my friend, is during the day
At night you’ll find no such noble beast
You’ll long for the crickets, as all noises cease
They said stay away
They called me a fool
We’ve got two days
Till that moon is full
Are those distant headlights that shine in my room?
Or peering eyes, that will be here soon?
Was that my stomach? Or a howl from afar?
How many steps to get to my car?
I walk towards the door, as it starts to open
A shadow throws a hangman’s rope in
They said stay away
They called me a fool
We’ve got one day
Till that moon is full
They said stay away
They called me a fool
The seconds tick away
Till that moon is full
Too long to wait.
It’s over and done
Another early checkout
From the ceiling fan hung
This ain’t no Hilton, the driver says
A dust cloud rises as he speeds away
I’ll be fine here, despite the heat
Where’s my room? It’s across the street
Not in the main house where things are cozy
Across the street, it ain’t so rosy
They said stay away
They called me a fool
We’ve got three days
Till that moon is full
The path is littered with bugs that are dyin’
No phone reception, don’t bother tryin’
A welcome sign reads: Unicorns at Play
But that, my friend, is during the day
At night you’ll find no such noble beast
You’ll long for the crickets, as all noises cease
They said stay away
They called me a fool
We’ve got two days
Till that moon is full
Are those distant headlights that shine in my room?
Or peering eyes, that will be here soon?
Was that my stomach? Or a howl from afar?
How many steps to get to my car?
I walk towards the door, as it starts to open
A shadow throws a hangman’s rope in
They said stay away
They called me a fool
We’ve got one day
Till that moon is full
They said stay away
They called me a fool
The seconds tick away
Till that moon is full
Too long to wait.
It’s over and done
Another early checkout
From the ceiling fan hung
Afraid of the Sting
Down by Cherry Creek
They heard a shriek
And all started to run
The air came alive
Around the hive
And ruined all your fun
Your childhood gone
You learned early on
To be afraid of the sting
Bitten by a bug
You said it was love
But venom flowed through your veins
Despite her cooked toe,
And hollow soul,
A loyal drone you remained
You tied the knot
But you forgot
To be afraid of the sting
On the run
No part unstung
Take cover my Brother
You got my back
When all’s yellow and black
Take cover my Brother
Now your little girl
Head full of curls
Needs you to be the one
You faced your fears
Chased bees from her hair
When you might have been stung
You guide her through
So she never has to
Be afraid of the sting
Another Show
First time I saw you
I was the last one in the hall
Second time so close
You made me trip, I made you fall
I got to know your friends
Some would say that I was sick
Followed one around
Said I could take your pick
Another town, another show
Wish I didn’t have to go
Another town, another show
Wish I didn’t have to go
Another show, another town
I’ll hold you up on your way down
Down to your last dollar
Only I know where it went
Some would say I’m crazy
All the money that I’ve spent
Took me to the Catskills
Just to spend a week with you
Lurked among the shadows
Taught me a thing or two
Another town, another show
Wish I didn’t have to go
Another town, another show
Wish I didn’t have to go
Another show, another town
I’ll hold you up on your way down
Those who told me
Take a chance
Said I went too far
When I stole your pants
Now I’m on a plane again
Stalking surely takes its toll
Won’t be happy till I’m in
The Cabaret of Souls
Another town, another show
Wish I didn’t have to go
Another town, another show
Wish I didn’t have to go
Another town, another show
Wish I didn’t have to go
Another show, another town
I’ll hold you up on your way down
The Italian Pathologist
Pointing out sights that everyone sees
His eyes are trained to find disease
An unlocked gait, he’ll gladly show
You places only priests would go
A bottle bubbles with homemade wine
The top blows off, an unpleasant surprise
The theater that his wife imposes
He prefers one that exposes
The insides that you try to hide
To show your weakness, dissolve your pride
A lonely leg hangs in his shed
Be his guest, you’ll be well fed
Golgi’s lamp, a microscope
The shroud of Turin he calls his cloak
He makes a choice, but you can’t choose
Diagnosis you can’t refuse
The theater that his wife imposes
He prefers one that exposes
The insides that you try to hide
To show your weakness, dissolve your pride
“I did it on the poor boy” Who knows what it means?
Don’t ask him to explain. He won’t say anything
A blind cat, an old lady’s ghost
“if it lives, it will live” his son would boast
He parks on sidewalks, or where he pleases
His eyes are trained to find diseases
The theater that his wife imposes
He prefers one that exposes
The insides that you try to hide
To show your weakness, dissolve your pride
Hospital halls in Italy
Master of Pathology
Only Teasing
I’m only teasing
He said
When he hid the child’s toy
But there was no laughter, for that little boy
He’s just teasing
She asked
Please tell me I’m right
For the things of which he speaks will wake me at night
Just kidding
I’m joking
Not really, they know
The grinning and winking
Don’t soften the blow
They say a jest betrays something serious
How far can he push it, I’m curious
Please stop teasing
She begged
Tears shone in her eyes
Is he telling the truth? Is he telling me lies?
Only teasing
He thought
But he took it too far
She packed up her things. Took the dog, took the kid, took the car
Just kidding
I’m joking
Not really, they know
The grinning and winking
Don’t soften the blow
No kidding
No joking
Got nothing to say
Just pass me a bottle
It’s better that way
Just kidding
I’m joking
Not really, they know
The grinning and winking
Don’t soften the blow
No kidding
No joking
I’ll try it some day
But now look behind you
While I run away
No kidding
No joking
But what can I do
That bag is on fire
Put it out with your shoe
No kidding
No joking
Now have a seat here
You fall on your back
As I pull out your chair
Shadows From the East
Shadows from the East
Were you invited to the feast?
One by one into your home
You only wanted to be alone
Shadows from the East
It’s much too late to call a priest
They rattle your pots and pans
Take your child to a foreign land?
Of what they speak you have no clue
You hear your name
They speak of you
Shadows from the East
Can’t say which one you fear the least
Head pounds, your eyes grow blurry
Your best dress stained with bloody curry
Shadows from the East
Your patience worn, forehead creased
Dirty laundry on your floor
You say you’re full, they give you more
Of what they speak you have no clue
You hear your name
They speak of you
Your mother warned, it all came true
You hear your name
They speak of you
***
When it came time for my marriage to arrange
I found myself in winter in a land that was strange
No ham in the burger, range chickens not free
Better than the slap from the hand of a monkey
Dhote to dollars, Paneer to chedder
Drifted out west to make my life better
Brought my relatives to the land of the free
Gave them everything except the front door key
So I couldn't understand all the cussin' the fussing
Why I shouldn't say "No" to my uncle’s second cousin
Fought some uphill battles but I always kept tryin’
Epic wins and losses just like in the Ramayan
I cry out in my sleep “Lady’s tough!”. Nothing new
Ask me why I’m here, I’ll speak your name, I speak of you
***
Of what they speak you have no clue
You hear your name
They speak of you
They sing your praise, it's long past due
You hear your name
They speak of you
Shadows from the East
Were you invited to the feast?
One by one into your home
You only wanted to be alone
Shadows from the East
It’s much too late to call a priest
They rattle your pots and pans
Take your child to a foreign land?
Of what they speak you have no clue
You hear your name
They speak of you
Shadows from the East
Can’t say which one you fear the least
Head pounds, your eyes grow blurry
Your best dress stained with bloody curry
Shadows from the East
Your patience worn, forehead creased
Dirty laundry on your floor
You say you’re full, they give you more
Of what they speak you have no clue
You hear your name
They speak of you
Your mother warned, it all came true
You hear your name
They speak of you
***
When it came time for my marriage to arrange
I found myself in winter in a land that was strange
No ham in the burger, range chickens not free
Better than the slap from the hand of a monkey
Dhote to dollars, Paneer to chedder
Drifted out west to make my life better
Brought my relatives to the land of the free
Gave them everything except the front door key
So I couldn't understand all the cussin' the fussing
Why I shouldn't say "No" to my uncle’s second cousin
Fought some uphill battles but I always kept tryin’
Epic wins and losses just like in the Ramayan
I cry out in my sleep “Lady’s tough!”. Nothing new
Ask me why I’m here, I’ll speak your name, I speak of you
***
Of what they speak you have no clue
You hear your name
They speak of you
They sing your praise, it's long past due
You hear your name
They speak of you