Story Behind The Song

years ago, I played in a jug band in LA and we were a rather motley crew. A club owner asked if we all lived together in a commune in Topanga Canyon. We didn't, but I always thought it would be a great idea for a song.

Lyrics

It's cool in the evening
It's a psychedelic summer all year long
Only a fool would wanna leave here
And we bought this big ol' farmhouse for a song
Sandy's in the kitchen fixin' up some home-brewed beer
Cole is giving speeches from King Lear

Hangin' round Topanga with a dobro on my lap
We entertain ourselves here 'cause the TV's full of crap
We never leave Topanga, we don't work or ride the bus
Besides, who the hell would hire us?

Time is a vacuum
Out this way you lose track of the years
No crime, no distractions
Sandy, how you coming with those beers?
Bryan's in the backyard trading licks with Mike and Joe
Cole's reciting verses from Rimbaud

Hangin' round Topanga with a salad on my lap
We grow our own green veggies 'cause the stores are full of crap
We never leave Topanga, this fresh air is such a plus
Besides, who the hell would eat with us?

Hangin' round Topanga with Bukowski on my lap
We never read the classics 'cause the schools are full of crap
We never leave Topanga, what we read we don't discuss
Besides, who the hell would chat with us?

Stay for a while
Quit your job and kiss your cares good-bye
Play like a child
We might not live forever but we sure can try
Gordon's in the bathtub coming down from Suzie's drugs
Cole is singing lyrics from the Fugs

Hangin' round Topanga with Melinda on my lap
We believe in free love 'cause the Church is full of crap
We never leave Topanga, singles bars are such a fuss
Besides, who the hell would sleep with us?

It's cool in the evening
Time is a vacuum
Stay for a while
Stay...