Melancholic State
Refrain:
I turn the corner and I let out a sigh.
It happens often and I ask myself why.
I’d try to change things but I know it’s too late.
There’s no way out of this melancholic state.
1. The sound of barking dogs keeps me awake.
My imaginary friends have gone to the lake.
But I don’t need them. I can make a fresh start,
Do the things that I like, bring some joy to my heart.
If I had some idea of what I wanted to do,
An opinion or a thought, or my own point of view.
I’d embrace every minute, no regrets and no fears
Instead of dreading each day for the next 40 years.
2. Going through the motions, no end in sight.
Pushing on my hamster wheel every day and night.
Without a single goal, resolution or aim.
Don’t care if it’s my fault or society’s to blame.
From the depths of despair,
I hear my thoughts turn to death.
It may just be my age or perhaps it’s the meth.
Even when I’m jacked up I can’t force myself to act.
‘Cause there’s no wrong I can right.
That’s just a modern day fact.
Looks Like
Refrain:
Looks like you got old.
I know this is true.
‘Cause I have to admit
Turns out I got old, too.
The lines on my face
Keep on betraying the truth.
The lies that I tell
Regarding my youth.
Now all that I want
Is some nice peaceful rest
As the years fly on by
You’re still clearly the best.
1. Looks like you made it out
From that place where we both came from.
And you did it
Without slavery, molasses, or rum.
You could stop a train back then
With the most casual off-hand wink.
And there was always someone willing
To buy you one more drink.
2. Looks like you decided
Not to give in to convention.
Living for the moment
Without misery or tension.
While I’m up here in my castle
Playing the part of being free
You were out there without shackles
Unencumbered by me.
3. Looks like my one-eyed dog was right.
He said I’d never win you back.
Between his barking and his gloating
I think he’s laughing at my heart attack.
I like to think of how all things
Maybe might have could have been
If I’d ever said hello
When I walked past you way back when.
Space Vikings Are Here
Refrain:
Look out! The space Vikings are here.
Oh, no! The end must be near.
They’ve burned through every planet.
Now they’re headed for ours.
They like our plasma flat screens
And gassed-up electrical cars.
You can go live in Russia.
There’s no space Vikings there.
Or stay put and meekly crumble
Knowing life isn’t fair.
1. In every mall’s food court
No seats can be found.
And everywhere you turn
A space Viking’s around.
They shop at Trader Joe’s
In the organic aisle
And they’ve got perfect teeth
In their space Viking smile.
2. They brought along space zombies
As pet, so they claim.
But brains keep getting lost
So who else would you blame.
They’ve all got special rights
So they’re kept out of jail.
They run the secret clubs
Down at Harvard and Yale.
3. They have their own parades
And specialized schools,
Cappuccino makers,
And cherry wood stools.
They’ve recruited the kids
And political hearts.
They control every aspect
Of the cultural arts.
Bridge:
So many say that we should all
Just live and let live
But they’ve taken everything
And I’ve got no more to give!
Cold, Bold, And Old
1. She smirked in my direction
As she picked up her iced macchiato.
So I nodded in a general sort of non-committal way,
Casual and staccato.
“Before I sit here by you with no promise
Implied or directed,” said she.
“Think only of the present and now please answer me
These questions, I’ve numbered them three.”
Refrain:
“Are you cold?” Yes, I’m cold!
“Are you bold?” Oh, so bold!
“Are you old?” Way too old!
“Alright. I’m sold.”
2. The gentle thumping of the eco-friendly,
Hippie throw-back songstress
Was drowned out by my heart pounding
After several midday lattes
As I said, “Don’t get me wrong, miss.
I come here every day to get my legal fix
And observing from this corner,
I’m pretty much invisible to young and old alike.”
I just thought I ought to warn her.
(But still she said…)
Bridge:
I don’t know why I bothered
Trying to explain my situation.
She didn’t seem to mind
That I was well beneath her station.
The questions and the answers
Were beyond my explanation
But they seemed to matter to her,
So without the slightest hesitation….
Drink It Up
1. A long time ago
I was timid and small.
But finally snapped
With my back to the wall.
You can push a man so far
Until one day he says, no more.
You don’t want to be around
When he gets up off the floor.
All the fury that’s been hidden
Can’t pull back once it’s released.
You’ll be the first of many
To be savaged by this beast.
On the day of my rebirth
I was sure of just one fact.
It was time to turn the tables,
Time to go on the attack.
Refrain:
I drink your milkshake.
I drink it up.
I brought my own straw
And my own plastic cup.
You want to test me.
So take your best shot.
I drink your milkshake.
I drink it up.
I drink your milkshake.
Drink. It. Up.
2. I’m not your momma
And I’m sure not your friend.
You won’t be remembered
But today is the end.
I would have never come
But your debt to me is so great.
You can’t play me like a fool.
We’re here to abacinate.
There’ll be wailing and some singeing
But a message will be sent.
You should take me at my word.
‘Cause what I say is what I meant.
All your troubles are your fault.
You’ll pay more than you can stand.
I’ll take all your spending cash
And your women and your land.
Dayton In The O-H-I-O!
Refrain:
Go, Dayton, in the O-H-I-O!
People in Dayton don't know how to say no.
They'll kick you when you're down
Then they'll help you back up.
Drink some beer from a bottle or a disposable cup.
The airport smells like popcorn.
The malls smell like cheese.
Say a word against my moms,
I’ll cut you down, child please.
Back in D to the O to the H-I-Yo!
If you're not prepared to party,
Then you shouldn't oughta go.
1. Belmont, Dunbar, Chaminade.
Patterson was so great, they tore it down, by God.
Just like old Steele High, which was before my day.
But grandpop talks about it still. That's the Dayton way.
Like that 1913 flood, as fresh as yesterday's news.
No one's asking
But you still can't take a Great Miami cruise.
Forced bussing tore the city up. Now we wonder why.
The factories shut down and more people said goodbye.
2. There's a festival each week
From March to November.
And the Dragons play to win,
Sometimes a double header.
The suburbs ain't too fancy,
Nothing like Kennebunkport.
Jawing down garage sale prices, that's the local sport.
Reds and Bengals are the local teams,
Browns if you're over fifty.
And that guy on the corner
Selling roses by the each is looking kind of shifty.
The hardcore been here all their life,
But they're not feeling stuck.
They'll get out of debt and grill some steaks,
Once they catch a little luck.
Jill Elizabeth
Refrain:
Jill Elizabeth, where ya been?
Who ya hidin’ from, Jill?
Jill Elizabeth, where ya been, I’m looking for you still.
[after 3rd verse ->] I’d like to be your friend.
1. Thought I left her for good last week,
Cause Jill, she turned me down.
I mean, after all, what did I expect?
She’s the best looking chick around.
She said, “I’m so sorry but I’ve got a guy.”
I said, “Jill, baby, that’s OK.
A girl like you, I’m not surprised.
Thought I’d just ask anyway.”
2. I got to thinking about that girl.
I thought I’d give it another shot.
If she turned me down, that’s only twice.
She’s probably had to do that a lot.
Now I’m getting nervous cause I can’t find Jill
Although I’ve looked all over the place.
Even though I never really knew her too well,
I’m worried that she’s gone without a trace.
3. I finally found Jill just the other day.
She was looking down on her luck.
I said, “Jill, why are you looking so blue?”
She said, “Me and my man just broke up.”
I said, “Jill, that’s so terrible. Jill, that’s a shame.”
But inside I was filled with glee.
This was the time for me to make my move.
I said, “Jill, come and go with me.”
4. Now Jill and I are going out every night.
We’re as close as we can be.
Jill’s forgot all about that other guy.
The only one in her life is me.
Jill you’re a cutie. Jill, you’re the best.
I’m so glad that I have made you mine.
You’re such a wondrous person. You brighten my life.
Jill Elizabeth, you’re so fine.
