Words and Music © 2004 Jeffrey L. Sponsler
Farbucron, the Merchant:
1
what is that you got there lad
in the belly of your flying ship
It’s a design I’ve never seen
don't try to give me the slip
2
let me explain - I specialize
in the traffic of imported goods
if it’s for sale I’d like to know
but can you tell me - what does it do?
Recordist:
3
It’s really nothing
no value at all
please don't be insulted
but I won't say more
Merchant:
4
now you really have me on
the answer no I will not take
just name your price the deal is done
my fever's up I’m on the make
Isolier:
5
all right I’ll tell you
a sound recording machine
but I’ll not sell it
so please don’t ask me again
Merchant:
6
a machine that records sound
what a fascinating find
why did you bring it - why are you here
can you tell - can you spare the time?
The Recordist's Invention
Isolier:
I have found a way to save notes that I play
the frequencies of sound that I hear
to hear them again
8
the subtle blend of tones painted onto canvas
an electronic fresco of tape
that spins much like the sun
9
when I hear the tapes that play
the echo of my own voice
I feel detached - outside of myself
distraught but I have no choice
10
to record the songs at the festival of Etheria
would be the greatest thrill of my life
the songs would be mine
11
the Etherians could have the tapes - the stories
enrich their lives for one thousand years
until the next return
12
I worry that the Harmonauts would disagree
they may feel that they have been wronged
that I am a thief
I will tape them secretly as I have planned
I will present the songs as a gift
to Etheria
to Etheria
to Etheria
Isolier leaves.
Merchant:
13
stroke of luck - now let me think
what could I do with such a machine
I’ll have a drink and contemplate
a new money making scheme
14
how much would these backward fools
pay to have their songs returned
I’ll play the tapes for this dreary world
they get religion - I make some change
15
if he is able to capture the noise
these naive musicians will make at the show
I’ll know what he's done and I’ll borrow the tapes
religion to Etheria I will sell
I will sell