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Cactus Prickly


Acrylic on Canvas by Mark Sheldan

Do you ever feel like jumping out the window and heading down the road to new adventures, leaving everything behind? Sometimes you gotta get out, especially if the situation is prickly, like a cactus. This week, I present one of the bluesiest tunes I've done yet, featuring my older brother Russell on the harmonica. He is goosebump brilliant at pulling out all the stops when he blows that thing so I gave him a nice long lead break and a healthy outro that is to live for. Mark rounds out the bottom end with a thumping bass guitar, always ready to fill in when he's needed. He's good like that.


Here are both my brothers Russ and Craig Lybarger playing along with Mark Sheldan in an impromptu jam at our house about 9 years ago. This is why I love music so much! Mark is so fearless with his improvising and playing his homemade metal slide, making up shit as he goes. (marksheldan.com) I usually write complicated, many chord songs but Mark implored me to create a three chord, twelve bar blues that we have fun performing at jams. (smokeywine.com) And so I did what any good singer/songwriter wife does, I complied and out came 'Cactus Prickly'.


My dad, Dan Lybarger takes great photos of anything really, but here are some he took of prickly cactus from his travels down south. There's one that looks like an elephant and one that appears to be giving us the finger. I love nature, the way it says, "Come touch me." And then when you do, it bites you in the ass, so to speak.


Joker and Ivy jamming last night

Last night's party was a blast! The theme was Heroes and Villains which takes us back to my edgy, hurtin’ blues song. You'll find a villain in this tale and the woman has had enough so she's leaving the bastard behind. With a humorous side to this breakup story, it takes a sharp turn down a path through social media. It’s bare bones and clean, with a strong message for those who feel trapped in unhealthy relationships. There is a take charge, empowering moment that comes with a vengeful, gritty vocal track. Thank you and welcome to my new listeners in Rotterdam, Netherlands and the fans in Brazil. We're not sure how you found us but we're glad you did! Keep on supporting organic, homegrown music and local artists! So, my advice for you today is to stay away from anything prickly and always remember to Love, Laugh and Dance. ~*.*~ Lea Sheldan



To listen to 'Cactus Prickly' right now, click here:


If you have Spotify, please download here:


Sing along with the lyrics below:

Cactus Prickly


You’re cactus prickly, baby

I can’t get close to you

I said you’re cactus prickly, baby

I can’t get close to you

You’ve been lyin’ and fussin’ and fightin'

Got me feeling so blue


I’m gonna Facebook everybody

Tell them ‘bout your cheating ways

I’m gonna Twitter everybody,

Tell them ‘bout your evil ways

Watch out the thunder’s coming

Bad karma will bite you one day


You used to be so sweet

You used to be so nice

Now you’re cactus prickly

And colder than ice

I’m jumping out of the window

I'm gonna head on down the road

Down the road

I’ve had enough of you, pretty baby

And I ain’t taking

I ain't takin' anymore

No not today, no


Well, you’re cactus prickly, baby

I can’t get close to you

Yeah, you’re cactus prickly, baby

I can’t get anywhere close to you

'Cause you’ve been lyin’ and fussin’ and fightin'

You got me feeling so blue


'Cause you used to be so sweet

You used to be so nice

Well now you’re cactus prickly

And colder than ice

I’m jumping out the window

Gonna head on down the road

Down the road

'Cause I’ve had enough of you, pretty baby and I ain’t taking it

I ain't taking anymore, no!


written by Lea Sheldan

copyright 2002 Socan


Poison Ivy and Joker Aug 10, 2019






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