Ellis

Music

Ellis has independently released eight full-length CDs on her own Rubberneck Records label. Her first recording came out in 1996 (Soft Day) and her latest was released in March 2013 (Wherever You Are).

Listen to sample tracks below or purchase albums on the STORE page.

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Ellis: Scrapbook DVD Box Set

Credits

Putting this DVD together for you was truly a ride down memory lane. This little movie captures the first 10 years of a hopefully long and joyful music career! It's my hope that you walk away feeling inspired, more connected, and that knowing a little more about the journey helps you find even more meaning in the music.

Disc 1 / DVD

Includes documentary of the first 10 years of Ellis' career, live concert set from the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater in Minneapolis, and "Coming Home To You" a new song with fan photo slide show. Total running time approx 55 minutes.

Disc 2 / Mp3 CD

This CD contains Mp3s from Ellis' first five albums, including the first Bobby Llama recording.

Soft Day (1996)
Bobby Llama (1997)
Blueprint Live (1998)
Everything That's Real (2001)
Tigers Above, Tigers Below (2003)

This CD can be played in Mp3-enabled CD players, and also works with both Macs and PCs. Each folder contains all of the album songs as well as CD cover art, making it easy to transfer to your Mp3 player of choice.

Ellis: Break The Spell (2008)

Credits

1.	How Would It Be	How Would It Be How Would It Be © 2007 Ellis How would it be if everything that you thought you knew Was turned upside down opposite from your point of view How would you feel if the ground was really the sky And all of this time you’ve been walking When you could have been flying If you run a thousand miles a minute you can expect To wear out a few pairs of shoes If you forget how to love and take it for granted You can expect to wear out people close to you What if all the birds were flying just to show us And all the trees were really holding the sky up Everything that you do matters somehow What if heaven and hell was right now How would it be if you really created your life Stories you told the good and bad that they come alive And how would it change if your words were like nails and wood You build your house but you forget that it’s just a house You can rebuild it What if all the birds were flying just to show us And all the trees were really holding the sky up Everything that you do matters in the end What if all of our mistakes are forgiven What if love is a lot of listening A little bit of time not pretending We are caught up in a world of daydreams What if loving what you have is everything What if all the birds were flying just to show us And all the trees were really holding the sky up And everything that you do matters so much How would you change your life
3.	Red Light	Red Light Red Light © 2006 Ellis Red light Forget All this intent Forest from trees I can not see We are made from a grain of sand and we don’t know why we’re all searching Words are noisy Forget holy Anger wisdom Caution caution Listen for red light I didn’t think before I spoke How do we stop in the middle of go We dance we fight We make love We lose sight Forest from the trees Touch down in me We are made from a grain of sand and we don’t know why we’re all spinning Crashing down Things get broken How do we stop I want to see you again With a red light
4.	City On Fire	City On Fire City On Fire © 2006 Ellis This city is on fire Everything is burning down How did it all get started Did we know before now This city is on fire Whose God will be louder Everything's burning down This city is on fire In my backyard In my neighbor's house Across the ocean Fire on the ground I don't hear them cry I don't hear the sound Why don't I hear the sound I think about what I'd say Kids those are firecrackers We're playing war today Our turn to run for cover The soldiers will arrive To capture the survivors No safety in this place This city is on fire No count down No warning siren The walls crash The sky is falling Who decides who is worth more How come some things we kill for When does the oil run dry When will we see through the lies In my backyard In my neighbor's house Across the ocean Fire all around We don't hear them cry We don't hear the sound Why don't we hear the sound This city’s on fire
5.	Break The Spell	Break The Spell Break The Spell © 2006 Ellis How many roads have I chosen How many bags can I really put down How many oceans must I dive into Before I drown Before I can be king of my conscience Before I wear the crown so I won’t forget How many swords must go through my heart Before I let the sweet love in There are many ways to be careless Stories that we tell And even when they are lies we hold them Like they’re fragile So afraid to break the spell I want to break the spell How many fires must I walk through How many matches I burned through them all Somewhere down the line I can blame somebody But right now I’m the only one taking the fall There are many ways to be careless Stories that we tell And even when they are lies we hold them Like they’re fragile So afraid to break the spell I want to break the spell

Ellis' sixth release Break The Spell is a collection of eleven soulful songs. Fans and music critics alike describe Ellis’ music as a journey of self-discovery and awakening and Break The Spell embodies this sentiment, featuring lyrics rich with meaning. In the songs, she explores the power and complexity of loss as well as the opportunity to re-invent ourselves each day.

Undefended Heart (2008)

Undefended Heart features acoustic re-mixes of Break The Spell. Available only at shows (and by becoming an Angel Member), this CD features 12 tracks of just Ellis and her acoustic guitar - with a little piano thrown in here and there. It's a more personal and intimate way to experience these heart-felt and powerful songs.

The cover art comes from a painting by Ann Getsinger - a talented artist and new friend to Ellis.

Ellis: Before You Leave (free download)

Credits

Before You Leave

I wrote Before You Leave for a friend of mine who was at the end of her battle with cancer. Two days after I recorded it she passed away.

I'm giving this song away free because it was a gift to me in a very difficult time, and I want to share it freely with anyone who needs it. much peace and love, ellis

Ellis: Evidence of Joy (2004)

Credits

1.	Doin' Fine	Doin' Fine drivin’ around at three o’clock in the morning / i try not to see the time / i have a long way to get to where i’m going / but i push that out of my mind it’s good to understand where you are standing / and it’s good to know where you been / and it’s good to work through the tough times / and let the lessons start to creep in / i think we’re able to let go of more baggage / than we give ourselves credit for / and the sunrise sayin’ hello in the morning time / makes me believe that more and more the coffee shops are all closed and i’m hungry / south dakota takes too long / as i use this time to notice the country / i’m letting go and i’m feeling strong / i’m letting something in and i’m letting something go / and i’m so thankful to be alive / right now time is passing slowly / but i’m thoroughly enjoying this drive i was in such a rut / i was feeling so bad the weight of the world was pulling me down / i don’t know how it works / how you let it all go / except you do and something new is found on this drive i am finally sitting still / i have nowhere else to be / the radio is playing mostly static now / so i am listening to the space around me but it’s good to understand where i am standing / and it’s good to know where i’ve been / and it’s good to work through the tough times / and let the lessons start to sink in / i know i’m able to let go of more baggage / than i give myself credit for / and the sunrise sayin’ hello in the morning time / makes me believe that more and more drivin’ around at three o’clock in the morning / i try not to see the time / i have a long way to get to where i’m going / but i’m on my way and i’m doin’ fine...
2.	Angel	Angel there are times when i don’t feel strong / like life is pulling me along / and i am hanging on by a thread / in times like this, in times of need / i feel there’s no one but me / i like to see how untrue that is / i need a little company if by chance i find the right words tonight / if i let everything go would you sit and watch me cry / i need a little company...i need a little company / all is need is a pat on the back / a little comfort / is that too much to ask or am i left to fall / are you there to catch me angel come down and be with me / right this moment i am in need / i’ve gotta find some sense of security / please angel come sit close to me if i let everything go would you sit and watch me cry / i feel lost and i am trying to move forward / i feel lost and i am trying to move forward / and i know this path is for me to figure out / but i feel lost, and i ‘m trying to move forward / angel come down and be with me / right this moment i am in need / i’ve gotta find some sense of security / please angel come sit close to me
4.	Georgeanne	Georgeanne when we first moved in / we thought this was your phone line / you have quite a few callers / a few who thought we were lying /no, there is no georgeanne here /you will have to check somewhere else / no we have never known her / but when you find her you can ask for yourself // chorus: georgeanne, do you give our number away / georgeanne, is this a silly game you play / georgeanne, is it the public phone company / georgeanne, do you know how many people are calling // we know you don’t show up to work sometimes in the day / we know you have some debts that you have forgotten to pay / we think you might be here in town, but we are not for sure / georgeanne, it might be good for you to check in with your employer / we would be so happy to pass your number along / but we do not know it, so this goes on and on / i have to laugh because it’s been over two years /and people are still calling // chorus // did you know your mother called a couple of times / thinking this was the wrong number, but she kept dialing our line / always the same question: are you sure georgeanne’s not there / but what else can we say, we do not know where in the world is georgeanne // chorus //
5.	Lovesong	Lovesong you are so cool and so calm / a smile to wash my fears away on / you are so sweet, my honey / you are the breath i meet my dreams on / you are so fair and so kind / you take my imperfections and you love them divine / you make this heart warm and open wide / you draw me into you and i feel so fine and i love you more than you could know / and i wanted to let you know you have eyes brown like a big oak tree / you wrap your arms around and i feel the ground in me / you will stare me down, you can see through / all the stormy weather and i like that about you / you are so soft and so free / you are like the wind when you hold onto me / you are smooth, you are velvet / when you take me down everything else i forget and i love you more than you could know / and i wanted to let you know / take me as i am, and i will / take you as you are / and i love you more than you could know / and i wanted to let you know

Evidence of Joy features fantastic live performances filled with energy, charm and wit.

The album was recorded live at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theatre in Minneapolis. Ellis produced the recording with the help of eight incredible fans, the winners of the "In the producer's chair" contest. The CD features many old favorites and introduces four previously unrecorded songs. Ellis was joined by her long-time drummer Jennifer "JJ" Jones.

Individual songs are also available for sale on i-Tunes.

Ellis: Tigers Above, Tigers Below (2003)

Credits

1.	Give Me Your Hand	Give Me Your Hand if she could describe how hard it is how hard it is to survive she needs something to lean on how ‘bout you, how ‘bout you she hesitates to ask, she leans on you she doesn’t ask it’s easier nothing is wrong, nothing will go wrong everything’s fine if you give me your hand i’m on my way up if you give me some time i think too much, i know you’ll understand she sees her reflection broken silence is blind she can’t understand, her mind trapped in blue you need something, you’re so good, you never ask it’s easier chorus if we take chances to show how we feel will we hurt each other beyond what can heal and isn’t love the most important thing i need you to know the silence we hold close will tear us apart we can open our selves, we can start understanding i just ask you to listen put your arms around me let me cry like a child, don’t ask me to see chorus
2.	All Over The Map	All Over The Map i’ve been taking my time, tryin to live wiser i’ve been getting by just fine i think of you now, a smile on my face so much has changed me where have you been? where are you living? how are you lately? last time i heard things weren’t so good with you and your sweetie what’s that you say? you’re missin me? sure nice to see you again chorus: but you had me all over the map and i never knew i had a chance and now that i’m not free, you want me but i can’t give you that cause i got a baby, someone who loves me you are still lovely, lovely as can be and i still care for you but you know the rules i would be a fool to give up a good thing so i must be going sorry to say i wish i could hang around but its quite alright to keep it real and tell me how you feel but i cannot say that i will stay you had me… chorus
4.	Sacred	Sacred sacred © ellis 1999 nothing is lost by now nothing is found because nothing is offered what chance is there to mend taking a chance is better than staying lost when tomorrow’s white light comes down to leave wet kisses on my head promise me you won’t make a sound cause tomorrow this time is sacred it’s not about giving up the fight it’s not about leaving cause i’m ready to go home i wish i could travel light maybe grace will carry me to the foot of her throne chorus it’s time to let down your guard you move so quickly its no wonder you can’t see where you are so much of the picture stares at the back of you just turn around once to see the good you do you have been forgiven for all you’ve said and done you’ve been taken down so many times, you can’t feel your toes it’s been a long time running down this road it’s time to leave your bags and its time to go slow chorus
5.	Tigers Above, Tigers Below	Tigers Above, Tigers Below tigers above, tigers below © ellis 2003 once in a while we sit down to talk i get lost in my thoughts and i can’t see through all of what’s there i just want out, i want out of here and i feel like i am midnight, far from the sun and i have to be quiet i wanna be free like life’s just begin (there are tigers above me) i can be strong and tender just like the ocean (there are tigers below me) once in a while all is right in the world i fit in my skin, i don’t feel unsure and i can breathe easy- my steps are light i don’t feel trapped- my chest isn’t tight and i don’t know how i can feel this way i wish i could keep it – i want it to stay i can be fearless and i can be brave meeting myself in the fire today i am the tiger and i am the prey rollin’ like the tide i will be here- along for the ride i can see beauty in all the change like the weather- we feel joy and pain i wanna find grace in all that i’ve done (there are tigers above me) i wanna be free like life’s just begun (there are tigers below me) i can be strong and tender just like the ocean (there are tigers above me) i can feel love- when my heart is open
10.	Broken	Broken broken © ellis. 1999 its alright, it’s ok you have time to run it’s alright, it’s ok, you’ll come back when you’re done spinning wheels, catching smiles pockets full and tired it’s alright, it’s ok to come back broken it’s alright, it’s ok to have dirty feet from the road and it’s alright, it’s ok to come back heavy and unload spinning wheels can wear you down before you know what hit ya it’s alright, when you come home to come back broken chorus: take yourself as you are, the foolish child, the hungry student the traveler wandering too far it’s so good that you can do this and you know you have a place to come home to, you know you do it’s alright to come back broken and you know i love you you know there’s no question you know i will be here when you come back home and you know i miss you you know no matter how far away you go, i will be here when you feel alone it’s alright, it’s ok that you struggle with the unknown and it’s alright, it’s ok if for a while you let me go spinning wheels can wear you down, don’t forget i miss you it’s alright when you come home to come back broken chorus

Tigers Above, Tigers Below takes listeners on a journey. With heart-felt lyrics, powerful vocals, and strong musicianship, the album is by far Ellis' best studio work to date.

The album was recorded in a shotgun house-turned-studio in New Orleans. Produced by Ethan Allen, several talented musicians joined Ellis on the project, including: Erika Luckett (also co-producer), Julie Wolf, Travis McNabb, Rene Coman, and more!

Individual songs are also available for sale on i-Tunes.

Ellis: Everything That's Real (2001)

Credits

1.	The Fool	The Fool you sit there with a smug look on your face you think that i made a big mistake and it’s ok if you think that i did some things in the past are not easy to forgive chorus: and i listen to my dreams and i’m closing my eyes and i’m grieving because i wanted to be everything that you wanted but i couldn’t see me.. i couldn’t see me i don’t ever want to be still i want to move around, i want to be real i want to live up to the dreams that i make and i want to learn freely and not be afraid… chorus and i hope you find her the woman who has everything you need and i hope you love her and you show her sometimes so she will believe you sit there with a smug look on your face and i sit here wishing we didn’t have to break it’s ok if you think i am the fool fools tend to follow their hearts amidst ridicule
2.	Lovesong	Lovesong you are so cool, and so calm a smile to wash my fears away on you are so sweet, my honey you are the breath i meet my dreams on you are so fair, so kind you take my imperfections and you love them divine you make this heart warm and open wide and you draw me into you and i feel so fine chorus: i love you more than you could know and i wanted to let you know you have eyes brown like a big oak tree you can wrap your arms around and i feel the ground in me you will stare me down, you can see through all the stormy weather and i like that about you you are so soft and so free you are like the wind when you hold onto me you are smooth, you are velvet when you take me down everything else i forget chorus take me as i am and i will take you as you are chorus
8.	Angel	Angel there are times when i don’t feel strong like life is pulling me along and i am hanging on by a thread in times like this, in times of need i feel there is no one but me i like to see how untrue that is i need a little company if by chance i find the right words tonight if i let everything go would you sit and watch me cry i need a little company i need a little company all i need is a pat on the back a little comfort is that too much to ask or am i left to fall are you there to catch me… chorus: angel come down and be with me right this moment i am in need i’ve gotta find some sense of security please angel come sit close to me if i let everything go would you sit and watch me cry i feel lost and I’m trying to move forward i feel lost and i’m trying to move forward and i know this path is for me to figure out but i feel lost, and i'm trying to move forward chorus

Everything That's Real is Ellis' third studio release, named one of the Top Ten Indie Releases of 2001 by Music Connection Magazine.

The album was recorded at the Seedy Underbelly in Minneapolis entirely in analog format. The album was her first recording after leaving her former band, Bobby Llama. Wanting to do something different, Ellis produced the record on her own and stuck with a pure analog format (no digital editing). Ellis was joined by Brian Roessler and Peter Anderson, adding bass and drums & percussion respectively.

Individual songs are also available for sale on i-Tunes.

Ellis: Blueprint Live (1998)

Credits

3.	Doin' Fine	Doin' Fine Drivin’ around at three o’clock in the morning I try not to see the time I have a long way to get to where I’m going But I push that out of my mind It’s good to understand where you are standing And it’s good to know where you been And it’s good to work through the tough times And let the lessons start to creep in.. I know we’re able to let go of more baggage Than we give ourselves credit for And the sunrise sayin’ hello in the morning time Makes me believe that more and more The coffee shops are all closed and I’m hungry South Dakota takes too long As I use this time to notice the country I’m letting go and I’m feelin’ strong I’m letting something in and I’m letting something go And I’m so thankful to be alive Right now time is passing slowly but I’m thoroughly enjoying this drive I was in such a rut I was feelin’ so bad the weight of the world was pullin’ me down I don’t know how it works How you just let it all go Except you do and something new is found And on this drive I am finally sitting still I have nowhere else to be The radio is playing mostly static now So I am listening to the space around me But it’s good to understand where I am standing And it’s good to know where I’ve been And it’s good to work through the tough times And let the lessons start to creep in.. I know I’m able to let go of more baggage Than I give myself credit for And the sunrise sayin’ hello in the morning time Makes me believe that more and more Drivin’ around at three o’clock in the morning, I try not to see the time. I have a long way to get to where I’m going But I’m on my way and I’m doin’ fine
5.	I Don't Know
8.	Princes And Princesses	Princes And Princesses What is your voice, what is your voice? What is your name? Have you decided? Has your decision changed? Are you static, are you moving, are you gone? Have you decided for yourself where I belong? I don’t take what isn’t mine, but I’ll take what you have to give Guess I was too quick to decide exactly what that is And I am in the habit of verbalizing But I guess sometimes silence is the best thing. And I don’t exactly know all the reasons we must split up, Except I wasn’t understanding and you were giving up. I have scars you know, I have baggage too… The clean slate doesn’t work for me, maybe it will work for you. And a big strong prince will come to carry you away He’ll take you off to a castle where you’ll marry that same day And he’ll be at your mercy and you’ll be his queen He has a big, strong sword to chase away all the scary things And I don’t exactly know all the reasons we must split up, Except I am not a prince, you know, I guess I’m not good enough I have scars you know, I have baggage too… I kept trying to explain that to you… I don’t take what isn’t mine, but I’ll take what you have to give Guess I was too quick to decide exactly what that is And I am in the habit of verbalizing But I guess sometimes silence is the best thing. And I’ll date other people, and you’ll find serenity, And maybe we’ll meet in the middle, in this wonderful fantasy But really time will pass, and all will be good You’ll marry somebody special and build a house in your parent’s neighborhood I don’t begrudge you this sort of thing I guess I just don’t want to be the center of all your suffering So I’ll be on my way to my own dream land where the princes and the princesses both know where they stand I don’t take what isn’t mine, but I’ll take what you have to give Guess I was too quick to decide exactly what that is And I am in the habit of verbalizing But I think sometimes silence is a very bad thing What is your voice What is your name What is your voice saying…
12.	Train Song

Blueprint Live is an upbeat and fast-paced live album with lots of audience interaction, laughter, and light-heartedness.

This solo acoustic album was recorded live at two different concerts in Northfield and Minneapolis, MN. The thirteen songs give listeners a chance to hear a more raw and intimate look at Ellis' early musical years and includes some songs that continue to be fan-favorites, including "I don't know", "Princes and Princesses", and "Twisted Roads". *It was also her senior project in college at St Olaf (she got an 'A').

Individual songs are also available for sale on i-Tunes.

Ellis: Soft Day (1996)

Credits

1.	See Clearly	See Clearly Walkin’ around in my city frown, I am happy Makin’ sure all the strangers don’t mistake I am strong A couple of days in the woods wastin’ away, as I could afford to do A couple of days I’ll be on my way to a new place Drivin’ along got my new song rattlin’ in my head Testin’ the freeway monsters I question my soul Lookin’ to see what the future holds and I was gone To a far away place two hours from me away from the city the stars you can see clearly Tomorrow’s forecast is a sunny day And the moon is full- and the moon is gray And I bet you’re thinkin’ And I bet you’re thinkin’ And I bet you’re thinkin’ you can know who I am But you can’t know No you can’t know No you can’t know what is botherin’ me you can’t know things you cannot see And if you think I’ll tell you, you’ve gone crazy... And I was gone To a far away place two hours from me Away from the city the stars you can see clearly
6.	How I Sound
10.	The Pick-Up Song

Soft Day is Ellis' debut album, featuring a wonderful blend of youthful optimism mixed with thoughful reflection. Her clear vocals and skilled arrangements showcase her honest and straightforward songwriting in the sixteen songs.

This studio album was recorded in three days at the Third Ear Studio in Minneapolis. Ellis was joined by several bandmates from her former funk/rock band, Bobby Llama. Fan favorites on this recording include "See Clearly", "Pickup song", and "How I sound".

Individual songs are also available for sale on i-Tunes.

Various Artists: Amaze Me - Songs in the key of peace

Credits

Amaze Me: Songs in the Key of Peace is a compilation album featuring 13 songs from independent female songwriters from across the US.

All proceeds are donated to organizations working for peace, including CodePINK, WAMM, Veterans for Peace, and Democracy Now!