Billy Dechand

May 13, 2026

Angus (Great Straight Fate)

From the album World Famous in Chapel Hill
Words and music by Billy Dechand
© 2000 Bucktooth Music (ASCAP)

Angus was always ready for action
He’d pick up your pieces if you fell to the floor
Always on top, he was ready to stop
To help any stranger recover
What’s more, he’d open the door

Angus was only one man in millions
But ever the trooper he made an impression
Dressed in a robe, he knew what to know
By the worth of the earth he fashioned the future
What’s more, he opened the door
Yeah yeah yeah

Great straight fate
Never made a mistake
Breaking any fake for the sake of the globe
Great straight fate

Angus was always adhering to doctrine
Noone would cross him or challenge his faith
Armed to the hilt, was ready to kill
A fool who stepped from the narrow or straight
What’s more, he’d preach like a bore
Yeah yeah yeah...

The chords:
Verse:
A Bm F#m Em
A Bm A G G
C C F#7 F#7

Chorus:
D G D G
A G (D G)

Bridge:
B E B E F# E B E
(A D A D A G G A)

May 8, 2026

Billy's Books 101: Destination Casablanca

Destination Casablanca, by Meredith Hindley, is another history book about World War II. This one focuses on what was happening in Casablanca. Yes, like the movie, but not exactly...

Thanks to the Saint Louis Public Library. Support your local library!

Sea Video clip by Mario_Krimer from Pixabay

Apr 5, 2026

Billy's Books 100: The Old Man And The Sea

Here's a nice short review of a nice short book. Novella, really.

I like The Old Man And The Sea. Unlike many Hemingway classics, this one has no womanizing or men punching each other. Just an old man in a fishing boat, dealing with a very big fish.

Thanks to the Saint Louis Public Library. Support your local library!

Sea Video clip by Mario_Krimer from Pixabay

Apr 4, 2026

Doctor Special, "Far Out" concert, March 2026

Doctor Special plays songs from their Far Out album (and others) at the Heavy Anchor, March 26, 2026, Saint Louis, MO.

Here's the video playlist:

The band, left to right:

Micah Johnson - bass
Ernesto Doural, Jr. - drums
Billy Dechand - voice, guitar
Mark Youngbauer - guitar

Apr 2, 2026

An Open Ear

I know birds sing, and why
Because they fly, it's so fine
Who should know better than they
Who really try

Back there you hear
Far-flung euphoria falls from before your ears
Burr that don't mumble sits dark on the mountains
It makes a blind spot night

Very near you heard
Fifteen horn from two miles away like snowfall
Born to rear the greatest weight: Anticipation
Leaders and ledgers may someday pen
An open ear

The call will burn your eyes
Cross-tracks town the sounds glorious
Sunspots follow twists and turn
Foresights blind

Very near you heard
Fifteen horn from two miles away like snowfall
Born to rear the greatest weight: Anticipation
Leaders and ledgers may someday pen
An open ear

(You Can Take Me) Down

Intro: ||: A5, FM7/A :||
Verse: | D Bm | G G9 | D Bm | G G9 | C D | D Bm | C D | D G |
Chorus: ||: CM7 | G :||: A5 | % -- :|| or ||: CM7 | G :||: A5 | F |

Oh, so this is our station
We know where to go
What lies beyond temptation
I trust you already know

I won't let you down
I'm a fool for most any whim
If you jump I'll fall
It’s easy

Down
Take me down
You can take me down
Take me all the way down
Down!

It's simple when it's pure
I can give you everything you ask for
If I drop my guard
It should be easy

Down...

Stay and miss your flight
Cast away all reason
No need to resist
Take it easy