Reviews and Comments about Timothy's album "Leap of Faith"

Thanks for all the responses, especially LuvTim for helping me out with the lyrics I wasn't sure about.

I think the site would need a new section to host albums track by track so I'll post the lyrics on this thread. You can copy and paste them from here as well as anywhere.

Incidentally, I already have the lyrics for Cass County. I copied and pasted them from the internet where they are readily available on many lyric sites.

Timothy B Schmit:

All Those Faces, Good bye My Love, It's Alright & My Hat:


All Those Faces

Jeddrah Schmit (all vocal harmonies)

I've seen many towns and cities
been around the block
I meet people, all those faces
but someday I'll stop

nothing I want to but I see now
all things do change
father time he marches onward
nothing stays the same

I have seen a magic carpet
I have taken flight
I just hang on to the edges
and sail through the night

it's so easy with a tail wind
but it's not always so
comes a storm then crash landing
that's the way it goes

I'm glad I'm not alone
dealing with these mysteries
it's a constant ebb and flow
a struggle to be free

kick your boots off take a leap of faith
let's be on our way, don't forget to wave
I'm in training, living out my life
it is quite a ride, I like you by my side
please stay

Have you ever seen a baby
look into your eyes
there is nothing quite like it
so young, so wise
In the distance there's a meadow
so green and fine
it takes a while to finally get there
but it's worth the time

see that rising moon longing to touch the sky
in this endless rendezvous you can almost hear a sigh

kick your boots off take a leap of faith
let's be on our way, don't forget to wave
I'm in training, living out my life
it is quite a ride, I like you by my side
please stay

Lay it all out on the table, I'll stand my ground
lift me up to higher places and I wont look down
We are all in this together but we forget
in this world with all those faces
so much regret
it's time to plant a seed
no use in turning back
was a simple basic need
we all need to know that

kick your boots off take a leap of faith
let's be on our way, don't forget to wave
I'm in training, living out my life
it is quite a ride, I like you by my side
please stay



I Refuse

Taylor Hawkins (drums) Benmont Tench (keyboards)

I like the smell of the summer rain
smashing on the dry ground
it's like the earth's letting off a little steam
staying in the here and now
it reminds me to be present tense
in any given situation
I've got to try to always do my best
such a quaint affirmation
It seems so simple
just follow the good path
sometimes we trip, we stumble
it's just a wake up call to stay on track

deep in the night when the shadows hide
and the crickets are singing
I feel the pull of the great divide
between hatred and healing
and I can't be sure how it will be
come the next time we meet up
if I practiced my philosophy
maybe I'll call your bluff
I draw a line
and I'm not looking to save you
your shit is not mine
I need to stand my ground and keep my cool

sooner or later
you're gonna find out
put it to bed I'm gonna have to say no

Can't lose if you're willing to stand tall
you're life is all you own
I refuse to be part of your downfall
you'll have to go it alone

I can see that fire there in your eyes
you seem to use it like a weapon
and I wonder if it's worth the pain you hide
just to make a strong impression
and I don't know what makes you so mad
or why you think you've got to play rough
and you're trying to make me feel bad
but it's a habit you should give up
I'm doing alright
today's a good day
though nothing's air tight
I am willing to face you come what may

I'm feeling good so don't try to bug me
but if you do I'm gonna have to say no

Can't lose if you're willing to stand tall
you're life is all you own
I refuse to be part of your downfall
you'll have to go it alone

(Guitar inst)

sooner or later
you're gonna find out
but until then I'm gonna have to say no

Can't lose if you're willing to stand tall
you're life is all you own
I refuse to be part of your downfall
you'll have to go it alone

Can't lose if you're willing to stand tall
you're life is all you own
I refuse to be part of your downfall
you'll have to go it alone

(keyboard & guitar inst)



It's Alright

(TBS solo)

When you sleep so close to me I know it's alright
trouble feels so far away I know it's alright
when your fingers brush my face I know it's alright
I'm the canvas that you paint I know it's alright

Outside the rain is pouring down I know it's alright
cause your breath is my only sound I know it's alright

I know I'm the lucky one
I know that you care
all I have to do is turn
and see you lying there

You're a mystery, you're a saint I know it's alright
You're my fortune, you're my fame I know it's alright

I know I'm the lucky one
I know that you care
all I have to do is turn
and see you lying there

Every time I touch your hair I know it's alright
When your sweetness fills the air I know it's alright
I know it's alright, I know it's alright



My Hat

When you stood up and told me that I had to get my hat
it was time for me to reach out for the door
I didn't know then what I know now and it is just a fact
my behaviour was just this side of poor

Well I can't really tell you what was going through my mind
but I try my best never to be rude
If my heart is not open then I start to fall behind
and you'll see one of my off colour moods

Don't know when it might end
maybe I should make my amends

So I buckle up tight
and try to stay on this rollercoaster ride
I go up, I go down
and I keep spinning around

Well I wake up each morning, I get ready for my day
and I'm all set to conquer all my fears
but I tend to let all these little things get in my way
it's been happening a lot these past few years
sometimes I think too much then nothing happens way too fast
I might stare out the window but not see
I need to capture the moment cause I know it may not last
it's a matter of letting things just be

sometimes I'm on fire
too much pent up desire

So I buckle up tight
and try to stay on this rollercoaster ride
I go up, I go down
and I keep spinning around

It's so much later than I'd like and there's so far to go
tonight is such an endless night
but I can't sleep now it seems I'm on a roll

(acoustic slide inst)

I have moments of greatness when I feel I'm on a quest
there are times when I dangle by a thread
In the sweetness of glory I feel raging tenderness
I prefer it to when I hang my head

such a puzzle to me
seems I've misplaced my key

So I buckle up tight
and try to stay on this rollercoaster ride
I go up, I go down
and I keep spinning around

Timothy B Schmit:

Pearl On A String, Red Brick Road, Slow Down & The Island:


Pearl On The String

Every day there's something new
so many things we go through
we search for the perfect view
but it's always so hard to find
it's all about good timing
we might see it all or not a thing
It's just another pearl on the string

There's a craving tonight
and if everything goes right
I'll be flying like a kite
unless that wind decides to stop blowing
what'll I do then
well I might fall or I could spread my wings
It's just another pearl on the string

I am blinded by a light
a total lack of insight
when I think that I just might
have to settle for what's not special
though I know all too well
it don't matter in the scheme of things
It's just another pearl on the string

you can't always be an angel
you can't always be smart
it is all one big lesson to be learned
you can find it in your heart

There is bad and there is great
I've seen crooked and I've seen straight
not much love, too much hate
but the world it still keeps on turning
again and again
you might feel good or you might feel a sting
It is just another pearl on the string

it don't matter in the scheme of things
It's just another pearl on the string



Red Dirt Road
Van Dyke Parks (accordion) John McFee (fiddle)
Herb Pedersen (harmonies)


Do you remember, not long ago
we could just up and fly away
now things are different, now we must plan
that clear blue green water
will soon be in sight
we'll take as long as it may take

cuz we have each other and it's only right
that we persevere for goodness sake

Right now, we sow these seeds
but oh my, just wait and see

When we get on down that mountain side
take the red dirt road
when you reach the water then you'll know
You don't need no diamond ring
You don't need no clothes
When you walk on down that red dirt road

I'm only human, I'm just a man
I seek contentment when I can
so when I am weary, head in my hand
I think about my earthly promise land

I'd like to cut to the chase
but I know we've got to wait

til we get on down that mountain side
take the red dirt road
when you reach that water then you'll know
You don't need no diamond ring
You don't need no clothes
When you walk on down that red dirt road

It wont be quite the same
once we were young and wild
it's that burning in our hearts
you know it's been there from the start

(accordion & violin inst)

Right now, we sow these seeds
but oh my, just wait and see

til we get on down that mountain side
take the red dirt road
when you reach that water then you'll know

You don't need no clothes
When you walk on down that red dirt road

You don't need a single thing
just get up and go
there's a rainbow down that red dirt road
When you walk on down that red dirt road
When you walk on down that red dirt road



Slow Down

Gary Burton (vibraphone)

It's a blue sky day in the city
there's a cool breeze in the air
I'd like to go outside cuz it feels so right
but somehow I don't dare
From my point of view I got things to do
there's so much on my mind
the committee inside my head
it says, I simply don't have time

I'm in motion but I can't say if it's good
I keep pushing, though a voice inside me says that I should

slow down (don’t ya think you better slow down)
take a deep breath and then look around it's prime time
(nothing matters in your prime time)
and it wont last all that long
you've got to say no (don’t ya think you better say no)
to the many things that do not matter
draw that line, you're gonna miss out if you don't slow down

You can have the best intensions
you can practice self control
but if the only pace is to win the race
then all you get is old
It's the bitter without sweetness
it's a candle with no flame
If your glass is half empty it's hard to see
so easy to feel pain

I'm running ragged, always on a quest,
in isolation, and it's bound to stay the same unless you

slow down (don’t ya think you better slow down)
take a deep breath and then look around it's prime time
(nothing matters in your prime time)
and it wont last all that long
you've got to say no (don’t ya think you better say no)
to the many things that do not matter
draw that line, you're gonna miss out if you don't slow down

I need to feed my senses everyday
don't want to go too fast cuz
my life might slip away

(vibes inst)

If tomorrow rains and thunders
and chain lightening streaks the air
If it shakes the earth for all I'm worth
I hope I wont despair

Cause I need to seize the moment
I wanna hear it call my name
I've got to fill up my heart with this state of art
and then stash it in my brain

but I go on, I just can't stand still
it's my obsession and I know nothing can change until I

slow down
take a deep breath and then look around it's prime time
(nothing matters in your prime time)
and it wont last all that long
you've got to say no (don’t ya think you better say no)
to the many things that do not matter
draw that line, you're gonna miss out if you don't slow down

(oh I think you better slow down)
ooh, ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah
(think you better slow down)
I think you better slow down
gonna miss out, gonna miss out , gonna miss out, yeah



The Island

Matt & Adam Jardine (vocal harmonies)

I have to get away, so I came to the island
I just couldn't stay, now I'm here on the island
nothing to do but stare at the palm trees
kick off my shoes and feel that tropical breeze

I feel so fine now that I'm on the island
there's no freeway in sight on this beautiful island
I'm mesmerized, feeling so weightless
I could just cry, this is real success

Why should I leave when it's so crystal clear
one look in my eyes and you can see that I should stay right here

umbrella drink, such a wonderful potion
it's just what I need after a swim in the ocean
sunset deluxe is what I live for
moonlight above will shine it's light on the shore

(vibes inst)

Why should I leave when it's so crystal clear
one look in my eyes and you can see that I should stay right here

What's that I see, another perfect rainbow
so come stay with me, we'll listen to the trade-wind flow
breathe in, breathe out, and take the time to
cosmically shout in island gratitude

(Voc inst)

Timothy B Schmit:

This Waltz, What Should I Do & You're So Wild:


This Waltz

I don't know if I'm living a lie
or if I'm just feeling blue
Every one says keep your chin up real high
but I don't know what to do

I've been told there's a lesson to learn
in everything good and bad
but sometimes it's hard
not to feel you've been burned
and makes you feel way too sad

Some fall to their knees
I'm prone to endlessly pacing
I'm a tree that's losing it's leaves
I guess we'll see what the future might bring

I've been lost, no wind in my sails
it's all based on faithless fear
but you're like a flower
and the sweetness prevails
and washes away my tears

So this is how it feels
you can't take one moment for granted
it's a large dose of what's real
and I'm longing to sing once again

Why don't you come close to me
and let's dance to this waltz
let's take to the floor and give it our all
Your patience is grand my spirits are low
let's whirl all around the unknown

Where to turn, I wish I knew
there is no place to run
I've got to roll up my sleeves
do what I need to do
but it's easier said than done

So I'll keep swimming up stream
I am no different from others
who have hopes, demons and dreams
I guess I'll see what the future might bring

Why don't you come close to me
and let's dance to this waltz
let's take to the floor and give it our all
Your love is so strong and I'm not alone
let's float straight on through the unknown

Why don't you come close to me
and let's dance to this waltz
let's take to the floor and give it our all
Your patience is grand my spirits are low
let's whirl all around the unknown



What Should I Do

When I am not doing what I should do
I get crazy I feel blue
I get distracted and then I find
I can't barely keep hold of my mind
don't you know I gotta shoot from the heart
all my world might fall apart
happiness is not a guarantee
I need to find what works for me

I came upon a friend of mine just the other day
I told him I can't seem to compromise
and I think I've lost my way
he said, don't be mad don't be confused
everybody needs to find a muse
it's such a mystery but true

cause When I am not doing what I should do
(not doing what I should do)
I get crazy I feel blue
(I get crazy and I'm feeling blue)
I get distracted and then I find
(I get distracted and I find)
I can barely keep hold of my mind
(I can just about control my mind)
don't you know you got to shoot from the heart
(shoot, shoot, shoot from the heart)
all your world might fall apart
(Your world's gonna fall apart)
happiness is not an absolute
you need to find what works for you

I don't want to hang around wasting precious time
I need to get myself up off the ground and leave my past behind
yeah, it's time to stand and shout out loud
so you can hear my voice above the clouds
there's no better time than now

(keyboard & guitar inst)

I've been around the world and then some
searching for my peace of mind
I don't need to look any longer
because it's all right here inside

cause When I am not doing what I should do
(not doing what I should do)
I get crazy I feel blue
(I get crazy and I'm feeling blue)

(I get distracted and I find)
I can barely keep hold of my mind
(I can just about control my mind)
don't you know you gotta shoot from the heart
(shoot, shoot, shoot from the heart)
all your world might fall apart
(Your world's gonna fall apart)
happiness is not an absolute
you need to find what works for you

cause When I am not doing what I should do
(not doing what I should do)
I get crazy I feel blue
(I get crazy and I'm feeling blue)
I get distracted and then I find
(I get distracted and I find)
I can barely keep hold of my mind
(I think I'm just about to lose my mind)
don't you know you gotta shoot from the heart
(shoot, shoot, shoot from the heart)
all your world might fall apart
(Your world's gonna fall apart)
happiness is not an absolute
you need to work to find the truth

cause When I am not ….
(not doing what I should do)
I get crazy ….
(I get crazy and I'm feeling blue)
I get distracted ….
(I get distracted and I find)
(I think I'm just about to lose my mind)
don't you know that …



You're So Wild

You've got things you have to do
I could never tell you how to make your next move
but sometimes I forget and try
leaving myself open to your alibis

there aint nothing that I can do or say
but it's so hard to stay out of your way

I wish I could sleep the whole night through
and never be disturbed with all these thoughts about you
I know it's crazy this hope that you might find
another way of living just for my peace of mind

I don't want to play god and proclaim what is right
but I still wonder where you are tonight
cause you're so wild
you're on fire like the devil
I must let go cuz I can't change your world

I think I'll go sit under a tree
take a good look at myself and try to let things be
just know that my love for you is here
it's wrapped around my heart and sealed up with a tear

It's time that we put an end to this fight
I need to step back I just hope you're alright

cause you're so wild
you're on fire like the devil
and I'm so tired out cuz I can't change your world

once it was hard just to get through a day
I was a sight to behold
but now I can live in a dignified way
you might even see me smile
even though you're so wild

(guitar inst)

I've got things I have to do
you could never tell me how to make my next move
so I wonder how could I be so bold
as to ever think that I might have one ounce of control

there aint nothing that I can do or say
but it's so hard to stay out of your way

cause you're so wild
you're on fire like the devil
I need to let go
cause you're so wild
you're on fire like the devil
and I'm so tired out cause I cuz change your world

Thank you for that huge effort.

Thanks from me too for the lyrics.

As I just posted in another thread, I finally received my Leap of Faith CD on the anniversary date of Expando's release. I've only listened to it once so far, but my first impression is very favorable. I like most of the songs, however, I need to listen some more before making any further comments.

I just received a notice from Amazon that Timothy's CD is still not available from them. Does anyone know what the holdup is on them getting a new supply in?

I have no idea, AZ. That's why I decided to go ahead and order mine through Wonderful Union on Timothy's website. Even though Wonderful Union isn't apparently always that 'wonderful', I did receive my CD in about a week after placing my order. Be prepared to pay over $8.00 for shipping though if you decide to go that route.

I looked at my local Walmart and a music store in my mall with no luck. The guy in the music store had no idea just who Timothy was which was not surprising. He did say he would order it for me though. :thumbsdown:

Thanks UtW and Iabad, transcribing the lyrics was quite an enjoyable experience. It's certainly allowed me to spend some time getting to know Leap Of Faith although I still believe you need to live with an album for at least a year or two before you realise it's true worth.

No doubting, Leap Of Faith is straight off the same rack as Tim's Expando album but I'd say it has a little more musical depth and diversity than it's predecessor. The production and musician ship is pretty much top notch. A think a few songs could have done with an edit, I'm not keen on the accordion parts but I already consider Leap Of Faith to be Timothy's best album so far.

The opening track My Hat, is a pleasant foot tapper that sets the unhurried tone of the album although it's still to grab me.

A gentle reggae beat and wah wah guitar ease into new territory for Tim on Slow Down.
The chorus features the first appearance of Marlena Jeter, Lynn Fidmont and Mortinette Jenkins, Tim's wonderful backing singers and
although it's not in the same league as Glenn Frey's guitar solo during I Can't Tell You Why, Gary Burton's masterful extended vibraphone solo is just one of many enjoyable, instrumental breaks that pop up all over the album.
Slow Down also contains the first of a few lyrical surprises. I love the phrase "Stash it in my brain." Tim may have coined a playful phrase there. Maybe he could name his tour "The Stash It In Your Brain Tour"

All Those Faces, I presume, is Leap Of Faith's title track, as it includes the album's moniker in it's lyrics. Beginning with simple acoustic guitar and harmonica, a tasteful electric guitar tone enhances the mood, adding depth and ambiance to the mix, before coming to the forefront, combining with stirring harmony vocals from Tim's daughter Jeddrah to create an early rousing highlight of the album.

I Refuse (to be part of your downfall) is Tim's best rocker, Period. It could be about Felder but I guess we'll never know for sure, unless Tim publicly answer's a direct question about it. Could there be other negativity that he doesn't want to be dragged into?
I'm sure, I Refuse will be a future concert highlight even without the star turns from Foo Fighter's drummer Taylor Hawkins and Heartbreakers keyboard player, Benmont Tench. There's a strong chorus, a customary but ticks all the boxes, rock guitar solo and a pleasing close out featuring guitar and keys, not forgetting Tim's, top notch vocals.

There's an undeniable R&B, Motown feel, while maintaining the relaxed nature of the whole album. on What I Should Do. The tempo isn't too far from Tim's R&B debut hit with The Eagles.
A groovetastic singalong chorus, more great vocals from Tim and his backing singers plus a glorious bridge make What I Should Do one of Leap Of Faith's stand out tracks.

Tim skips back to his Poco days on Goodbye My Love. Twangy electric guitar and a heapin' helpin' of pedal steel mark a straight ahead country pop song with an attractive melody and catchy chorus.

You're So Wild is obviously addressing Tim's relationship with his fledgling kids. I hope they're comfortable with the "You're So Wild, You're on fire like the devil" accusation.
It begins as one of Tim's acoustic strum and voice songs but a generous dousing of rock guitar, I'm guessing from Tim's aid-de-camp Hank Linderman, adds a welcome bit of audio devil to the track.

Par for the course, on any TBS solo album, is a solo acoustic guitar and voice ballad from Tim. It's Alright doesn't disappoint.
In fact it's probably his best yet. Tim's vocals have never sounded better.
There's definitely a hint of Travelling Wilbury's Handle With Care during the verses.

An acoustic guitar lick, not too far from Stevie Wonder's Superstition, leads into a bright country beat, featuring bluegrass staples, accordion (Van Dyke Parks) and fiddle (John McFee) on Red Dirt Road, that should please Tim's Poco/country music fans.

A gentle hint of calypso, beneath beautiful multilayered harmony vocals from Tim and the Jardine brothers, reminiscent of The Beach Boys or Abbey Road era Beatles, creates a wonderful sound on The Island, instantly transporting the listener to that exotic idyllic paradise that everybody dreams about. Again the track is lifted by a masterful vibes solo from Gary Burton, that adds more magic to the seductive tropical cocktail.

A very repetitive acoustic guitar riff introduces and punctuates Pearl On The String. The attractive melody, lovely vocal harmony snatches and another great lead vocal from Tim makes it one of my current craves. I feel it's a sub three minute song dragged out to five, though.

More harmonica/ acoustic guitar introduces the unimaginatively titled This Waltz. I'm not sure if the Brass Band, accordion and vocal harmonies, combination is a winner but it's definitely affecting. I've come this far so I'm prepared to embrace the aural discord. If Tim plays This Waltz live, with a genuine Brass Band, it'll certainly make an awesome audio/visual spectacle.

I have all of Tim's solo albums, as well as his Eagles, Poco and soundtrack material. There are a handful of tracks that I'll play every now and again. With the release of Leap Of Faith, I think that small selection of choice tracks has just doubled in number.
I'm most attracted to the non country stuff. It's Alright, I Refuse, The Island and What I Should Do are right up there with Tim's best. Most of the others make an enjoyable listen.

This late in Tim's long career, I think he might just have reached new heights. I hope his tour features a generous helping of Leap Of Faith and I look forward to his next album.

Thank you, Funk! [and to Luvy for the assist]

Muses aloud: I wonder if "I Refuse" and "You're So Wild" were written about the same person.