THE CHOICE

I killed a man in self-defense thirteen years ago
His brother tracked me down and died, my fame began to grow
Men sought me out to test their skill because they knew my name
I did what I had to do, their blood spilled on my shame

I had to run, I changed my name and moved from town to town
Till a woman's love and tender touch made me stop and settle down
Now here you come out of nowhere, trying to drag me through my past
Standing there with your shaky hands, bragging that you're fast

     The choice is yours, make up your mind
     But if you draw your gun
     One of us will wind up
     Lying in the dust
     So will this be your dying day?
     It's up to you now boy
     I suggest you walk away
     While you still have the choice

If you choose to draw on me, Ill shoot you full of lead
Then I'll be on the run again, and just as good as dead
Even if you are the best, there's no way you'll ever win
'Cause if I die, then it's your turn, to be killed or kill again

     The choice is yours, make up your mind
     But if you draw your gun
     One of us will wind up
     Lying in the dust
     So will this be your dying day?
     It's up to you now boy
     I suggest you walk away
     While you still have the choice

     While you still have the choice    

         
Written by Larry Vail and Jeff Stewart
Copyright 1999 Larry Vail / Blue Clover Music (ASCAP)
   

lawrence c. vail

Larry has enjoyed a rebirth as a photographer, and in fact is responsible for the awesome photo that is the cover of "Western Movies".  Thank you, Larry! Larry was born and raised in the farm country of the mid-west United States and in 1976 relocated to Southern California. Over the next ten years he appeared in clubs and lounges from Los Angeles to San Francisco. He has performed musical styles ranging from Bluegrass and Country to Rock and Top 40. In 1986 Larry decided to hang up his "Live Shoes" in favor of developing his songwriting craft. His country roots have made themselves evident in the rich life-full stories emerging from the heart felt melodies and chord progressions of his music. Home and Studio Recording magazine says about Larry, "...no surprise he is a member of the Ventura County Producer’s and Songwriter’s Guild...has probably been writing for some time." Brad Pressman - Sonic Images says, "The writing is some of the best I’ve received...there is talent there." Neal James - Neal James Productions says, "This guy is really great!! One of the most commercial voices that I’ve heard in a long time...this guy could stand a chance of being one of the major driving forces in the music industry." The Los Angeles Times featured Larry in an article on country music songwriters in the L.A. area and dubbed him a "high tech redneck" for his habit of writing on his computer.

    
Larry has had radio airplay on KLOS in Los Angeles, and KCZN and KNJO in Ventura County Ca. Banyon Records has released one of Larry’s singles to over 1,000 radio stations all over Europe and he has been on the National Cable Radio Network playlist for over eight months. Larry was also the host of the short run television series, Songwriter’s Showcase.

Larry is a published songwriter and a member of ASCAP, the National Academy of Songwriters, the Nashville Songwriter’s Association, International and the Ventura County Producer’s and Songwriter’s Guild.

Most recently, Larry has dusted off those "Live Shoes" and has been playing at some of the songwriter’s nights around Los Angeles including "Western Beat" & the "Songwriter’s Circle" at The Palomino Club. In Nashville you may have seen Larry at Douglas Corner Cafe, the Broken Spoke Saloon, The Courtyard Cafe, or The Bluebird Cafe.

For information concerning Larry, call or write;

Lawrence C. Vail
587F N. Ventu Park Rd.
Suite 303
Newbury Park, Ca. 91320
805/376-8175