We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

What Ails You?

from Wheel of Life by Boris McCutcheon

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

What Ails You?
A difficult and serious question. This song is the playful answer to it. A lot of drive with a Bakersfield country feel. A pick-me-up for the album.

lyrics

I never thought you'd be so confused
By these lost-in-the fog hesitation blues
Delirious foam pours from your mouth
Your keel's in the mussels, your mind's gone south

WHAT ails you, what ails you?
Why can't you know the right thing to do?

Here you are another bright cold day
Bustin' your way through an ice choked bay
You're workin' in town again today
When you get there late they'll probably say

WHAT ails you, what ails you?
Why can't you know the right thing to do?

Like a crime scene of feathers blowin' in the wind
You thought you were clever, but you just sinned
You thought you were smart, even profound
They found out later you were screwin' around.

WHAT ails you? What ails you?
Why can't you know the right thing to do?

You let her train roar up the tracks
You can't tell an angel from a snake in the grass
Like a moth on the windshield of a tanker at sea
You can't tell when you're awake or asleep.

WHAT ails you? What ails you?
Why can't you know the right thing to do?

© Boris McCutcheon, 2010

credits

from Wheel of Life, released January 1, 2010
WHEEL OF LIFE
Copyright 2010 Cactusman Records/ASCAP

All songs written by Boris McCutcheon except:

"Lee Harvey was a Friend of Mine"
Written by Philip Edward Bennison (Homer Henderson) and Jay Cotton (1985)
Bennisongs/ BMI

"No Place to Fall"
Written by Townes Van Zandt (1978)
Katie Bell Music c/o Bughouse % Bug Music Inc., /ASCAP

"Mark Twain"
Written by Mark Ray Lewis (2006)
Outside Agitator/ASCAP

Boris McCutcheon: vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, harmonica
Brett Davis: electric guitars, tenor banjo, lap steel guitar, baritone electric, harmony, vocals
Susan Hyde Holmes: electric bass, upright bass, harmony vocals
Kevin Zoernig: wurlitzer, piano, casio, clavinet, xylophone, accordion, organ, harmony vocals
Paul Groetzinger: drums, tambourine (California, What Ails You?, Peeler, Gila, Bad Road, Good People, Boxspring Plow)
Jason Aspeslet: drums, eggbeater, wall (Mullein People, Clan of the Sunflower, Mark Twain, No Place to Fall)
Jeff Berlin: drums (Lee Harvey Was A Friend of Mine)

Guest Musicians:
Kristen Zoernig (Kevin's sister): double bass
Lawrence Zoernig (Kevin's brother): cello
Adrienne Inglis (Kevin's sister-in-law): pan flutes
Chris Schultz: handclap enabler, harmony vocals
Stephanie Hatfield: harmony vocals

Produced by Kevin Zoernig and Boris McCutcheon
Sessions at the World College in Montezuma, NM recorded by Michael Grimes
Sessions at WaveLab Studio in Tucson, AZ recorded by Chris Schultz and Craig Schumacher
Additional guitar tracks recorded by Mark Lewis at his home in Albuquerque, NM
Additional backup vocals recorded by Bill Palmer at Frogville Studio in Santa Fe, NM

All songs mixed by Chris Schultz and Craig Schumacher at WaveLab Studio except "Lee Harvey Was a Friend of Mine", recorded live by Jos Goverde at In the Woods, Lage Vuursche, Netherlands.
Mastered by J.J. Golden at Golden Mastering, CA

Artwork by Brett Davis
Layout and Art Doctor, John Treadwell
Photos by James Hart, Jennifer Guerin, Jessica Garcia, aturnintimephotography.com

Thanks and love to Laura, Jack and Neve. Melissa Totten, Jennifer G. and Leland, Ron
Maltais, Jessica, John Treadwell, Pat Toomay, Michael Grimes, Mark Lewis, Leopold,
Dara Lee, James Holmes, Tyson Reed, Pappy, Joy and Geoff. The Mullein People.
Sandra and Luciano. Alberto and his animated wisdom.

This album is dedicated to the memory of David Bindler –drummer, friend, and
musical mentor. I love you too, Dave.
TOP

© 2017 Boris McCutcheon/Cactusman Records.
All Rights Reserved.

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Boris McCutcheon image

Boris McCutcheon Dixon, New Mexico

Mother Ditch (2001) When We Were Big (2003) Turbulent Amusement (live) (2004) Cactusman vs the Blue Demon (2006) Lost Sessions and B-Sides (2006) Bad Road, Good People (2008) Wheel of Life (2010)Utrecht (live) (2011)Boris McCutcheon Sings the Songs of Townes Van Zandt (2012)Might Crash! (2013)I’m Here Let Me In (2017)• 2004 Boston Music Awards best male singer songwriter• 2004 ... more

contact / help

Contact Boris McCutcheon

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Boris McCutcheon recommends:

If you like Boris McCutcheon, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Seafood Sam joins the show to discuss his newest album, " Standing On Giant Shoulders".
listen now