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JEREMY PORTER AND THE TUCOS

Detroit Rock And Roll

JEREMY PORTER AND THE TUCOS

Detroit Rock And Roll

JEREMY PORTER AND THE TUCOS

Detroit Rock And Roll

JEREMY PORTER AND THE TUCOS

Detroit Rock And Roll

JEREMY PORTER AND THE TUCOS

Detroit Rock And Roll

JEREMY PORTER AND THE TUCOS - LYRICS

All songs written by Jeremy Porter  ©One To Give Music, BMI except where noted.
Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - Five-Foot-Three and Tiger Eyes b/w While You Spiral

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Five-Foot-Three and Tiger Eyes 1. Five-Foot-Three and Tiger Eyes
2. While You Spiral

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - Tonight Is Not the Night b/w DTW

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Tonight Is Not the Night 1. Tonight Is Not the Night
2. DTW (Instrumental)

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Bottled Regrets: The Best of the First Ten Years

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Bottled Regrets: The Best of the First Ten Years 1. Ain't My House Anymore
2. Castaways
3. Little Miss Awesome
4. Wedding Day
5. Pizza Girl
6. Still Waiting Here
7. Plan B
8. Josh
9. Bottled Regrets
10. Elimination Round
11. Hey Kentucky
12. Barrel of Tears
13. Avenues Are For Heroes (Mono Version)
14. Huckleberry
15. Consolation Prize
16. Don't Have To Ask Twice
17. Patty's Not Impressed
18. At Least She's Still In Love With You
19. Christmas Dance
20. Dead Ringer
21. Put You On Hold

Jeremy Porter and the Tucos - Castaways: Rarities & B-Sides From the First Ten years

Jeremy Porter and the Tucos - Castaways: Rarities & B-Sides From the First Ten years 1. Galveston
2. Night On The Town
3. My Uncle (Live)
4. The Smell of Hopelessness (Demo)
5. Hell's Half Acre
6. Splitting Hairs
7. Throwing Stones
8. Pretty As You Please
9. Erase Today
10. Blue Letter
11. Cemetery Road
12. Real Damaged Girl (Stereo version)
13. Conventional Wisdom
14. Lipstick + Needles
15. How About A Beer For Smokey The Bear?
16. Lights Of Downtown (Demo)
17. Holiday (Demo)
18. Selfish Side of Me

Jeremy Porter and the Tucos - Patty's Not Impressed: Live in Toronto

Jeremy Porter and the Tucos - Patty's Not Impressed: Live in Toronto 1. Bottled Regrets
2. Walk of Shame
3. Barrel of Tears
4. Josh
5. Don't Have To Ask Twice
6. Ain't My House Anymore
7. Elimination Round
8. Worth The Wait
9. Huckleberry
10. Little Miss Awesome
11. Avenues Are For Heroes
12. Throwing Stones
13. Don't Worry...
14. Urge To Cry
15. Mustard Sally
16. Knocked Out Cold
17. Somewhere New
18. Pizza Girl/Shakin' All Over
19. Patty's Not Impressed
20. Sounds Like Goodbye

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - Candy Coated Cannonball

Jeremy Porter and the Tucos - Candy Coated Cannonball 1. Put You On Hold
2. Dead Ringer
3. Upward Trend
4. Zipper Merge
5. The Things All Men Do
6. Downriver Song
7. What Could Be In That Box?
8. History lesson, Part III
9. Stunned
10. October Girls
11. Girls Names Erica

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - "No Use For Christmas" and Other Holiday Favorites!

Jeremy Porter and the Tucos - No Use For Christmas 1. Christmas Dance
2. Cigarettes, Snowflakes, Mistletoe and Wine
3. Scarf
4. No Use For Christmas
5. Silver Bells
6. The Most Wonderful Day of the Year
7. Lonely Mrs Claus
8. Christmas in Washington

Jeremy Porter - 1987 EP

Jeremy Porter - 1987 1. Second Thoughts
2. Hald Empty
3. Don't You Know
4. Letters In Rehab

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - At Least She's Still In Love With You b/w How About A Beer For Smokey The Bear?

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - At Least She's Still In Love With You 1. At Least She's Still In Love With You
2. How About A Beer For Smokey The Bear?

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - Don't Worry, It's Not Contagious

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Don't Worry, It's Not Contagious 1. Walk of Shame
2. Huckleberry
3. Don't Worry...
4. Avenues Are For Heroes
5. Consolation Prize
6. Torn
7. Don't Have To Ask Twice
8. Urge To Cry
9. Patty's Not Impressed
10. Worth The Wait
21. Somewhere New

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - Barrel of Tears b/w Blue Letter

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Barrel of Tears 1. Barrel of Tears
2. Blue Letter
3. Cemetery Road

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - Above The Sweet Tea Line

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Above the Sweet Tea Line 1. Josh
2. Bottled Regrets
3. Elimination Round
4. Knocked Out Cold
5. Don't Call Me Darlin'
6. Hey Kentucky
7. Long Story
8. Sounds Like Goodbye
9. Sleepy Eyes
10. Trouble In Paradise

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - Plan B b/w Throwing Stones

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Plan B/Throwing Stones 1. Plan B
2. Throwing Stones

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - Partner In Crime

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Partner in Crime 1. Castaways
2. Little Miss Awesome
3. Wedding Day
4. Pizza Girl
5. God Damn Thing
6. What You're Doing Today
7. Still Waiting Here
8. Partner In Crime
9. Wandering Eye
10. Make Out King
11. Barely All The Time
12. You Owe Me A Heart

Jeremy Porter & The Tucos - Night On The Town b/w Ain't My House Anymore

Jeremy Porter and The Tucos - Night on the Town 1. Night On The Town
2. Ain't My House Anymore

Jeremy Porter - Party Of One

Jeremy Porter - Party of One 1. Sidewalk Ends
2. Last Time I Saw You Happy
3. Not Like You're Mine
4. Hallmark Holiday
5. Dead On Your Feet
6. When September Passed Us By
7. Out Inside
8. The Turnaround
9. Hundred Bucks





Five-Foot-Three and Tiger Eyes
Written by Jeremy Porter

Five-foot-three and tiger eyes
Ain’t it funny what a dollar buys
Ain’t it funny how you get `round in those boots

Waxed-up feminine philosophy
Don’t you wanna be a part of me?
Don’t you wanna let your hair down and cut loose?

You can barely tell and you barely know
Where the California seasons go
From the poolside chair in your daddy’s back yard

But you’re lookin’ fine and you sing nice too
Backed up by The Wrecking Crew
From the shadows to the radios in cars

Five-foot-three and tiger eyes, Five-foot-three and tiger eyes
You’re gonna make it on your own or fade away
Five-foot-three and tiger eyes, Five-foot-three and tiger eyes
From the shadows of your family to the stage
From the shadows of your family to the stage

You gotta make your mark all on your own
But it’s hard to go at it all alone
So you found a partner who treats you good
And the music sounds just like it should
Complimented with his baritone




Tonight Is Not the Night
Written by Jeremy Porter

You said that I’ve looked better and you’re glad you put me down
How’s your mom and dad, and it’s nice to see you around
Across the room I caught you while she was caching me
It’s nice to see you’re over it and aging gracefully

Sure I got a minute, there’s no law against sitting here
It’s been a while, is it still your style to up and disappear
You got that look that I used to love and I know what’s in store
All hands and smiles for a little while `til you’re eying up the door

You want answers – and that’s your right
You want answers – but tonight is not the night
Tonight Tonight Tonight – Tonight is not the night
Tonight Tonight Tonight – Tonight is, Tonight is, Tonight is not the night

You want answers, and you want a fight
You’re gonna take what you can get and live to see another night

I’ll admit that I’ve been better, I’ll admit that I’ve been down
But what’s the point in bringing up these feelings that you’ve found
You’ve got that look I’ve seen before but I just can’t cross that line
Another day I’ll pass your way and we’ll see if that’s the time

You want answers – and that’s your right
You want answers – but tonight is not the night
Tonight Tonight Tonight – Tonight is not the night
Tonight Tonight Tonight – Tonight is, Tonight is, Tonight is not the night
But tonight is not the, tonight is not the, tonight is not the night




The Smell Of Hopelessness
Written by Jeremy Porter

The sun came up across the state line
From the hood of my truck I saw the highway sign
"Welcome to Omaha"

And all the factory stacks and the construction mess
The burning oil and our cigarettes
You said it smells like hopelessness

In the townie bar beneath the viaduct
All the talk is how the last year sucked
It's as good a place as any to wait for a change

Beneath their baseball hats and their pony tails
Is the backup plan that always fails
To make up for the misery and shame

The smell of hopelessness is in the air
Hopelessness it's everywhere
Hopelessness and I don't care

The smell of hopelessness is in the air
Hopelessness it's everywhere
Hopelessness and I don't care

Is there a better place to drink around?
What's the quickest way outta town?
He said "Listen boy, this one's as good as the next,
and that one's no better than the rest."
That's the smell of hopelessness

We're loaded, lit, and heading out
What's all the attitude about?
What's with all the angst and what's that smell?

The smell of hopelessness is in the air
Hopelessness it's everywhere
Hopelessness and I don't care

The smell of hopelessness is in the air
Hopelessness it's everywhere
Hopelessness and I don't care




Hell's Half Acre
Written by Jeremy Porter

Well I’m washing down pills just lookin’ for thrills
I’m alone on a Friday night
The TV's off and the rain hits soft
You know just what I might do to get to you

I’ll walk across Hell’s half acre too
I gotta get to you
I’ll walk across Hell’s half acre too

On the other side of town you’re wearing `em down
Its enough to just survive
The weather’s too bad to catch a cab
And I sure as hell can’t drive just to get to you

I’ll walk across Hell’s half acre too
I gotta get to you
I’ll walk across Hell’s half acre too

In an army issue trench coat and a flask full of gasoline
Just a couple of lonely porch lights and a battlefield in between
Well it was not my finest hour, but when I saw that water tower
I knew I’d made it nearly through

The messenger arrives but his delivery is flawed
You could have saved yourself some hurt boy, if you’d only called
You see I’m not alone she said, but that’s not here or there
You never pulled a stunt like this before to let me know you cared enough to get to you

I’ll walk across Hell’s half acre too
Just to get to you
I’ll walk across Hell’s half acre too
I gotta get to you
I’ll walk across Hell’s half acre too




Splitting Hairs
Written by Jeremy Porter

Where’s all the tears I saw yesterday
When I wass diggin’ for the right words to say
Whatever it took to get you to stay
It’s not the best time to walk away

We both had transgressions and lapses of thought
We loved, we stumbled and we fought
Now it hardly seems worth all the good that it brought
Especially since I got caught (damn)

On my shoulders were angels and devils in pairs
And a bourdon that I’ve never shared
A dance or a kiss, I don’t really care
`Cuz now we’re just splitting hairs

My excuses are spent, they’re tired and old
A brand new one now would be pretty bold
The thrill of the chase, the spoils foretold
The tears down your face from my acts uncontrolled

I find myself sitting in a familiar place
Me watching you pack, you watching me gaze
You’re not that surprised, you seem barely phased
There’s been so many of these kinds of days

On my shoulders were angels and devils in pairs
And a bourdon that I’ve never shared
A dance or a kiss, I don’t really care
now we’re just splitting hairs

A dance or a kiss, I don’t really care
now we’re just splitting hairs




Pretty As You Please
Written by Jeremy Porter

Well she's as pretty as you please, she makes no guarantees
When you want to settle down she needs a night on the town
She's got you on your knees

I used to believe the things she'd say to me
Now it's Saturday night, she's looking for a fight
And I can't leave

She's pretty as you please, that's good enough for me
I don't need trust, I don't need to believe
Just lock me out and swallow the key - She's just as pretty as you please

When I get home there's no one waiting for me
Through the door I wonder where could you be?
Found a note on the table inside
You didn't even say goodbye

She's just as pretty as you please, she comes with no guarantees
When you finally get tough, say you've had enough
She'll bring you to your knees
When you finally get tough, you've had enough
She'll bring you to your knees

She's pretty as you please, that's good enough for me
I don't need trust, I don't need to believe
Just lock me out and swallow the key - She's as pretty as you please




Real Damaged Girl
Written by Jeremy Porter

Well she's a real damaged girl and she'll take what she's gettin' from me tonight
She's living in her own world and she knows better than to fight with me tonight
When I acted like I was above her she held it over my head
I tried to tell her I loved her and this is what she said
And this is what she said

Well she's a real damaged girl and she'll take what she's gettin' from me tonight
She's living in her own world and she knows better than to fight with me tonight
She's wants nothing to do with what's bugging you and she'll find her own way home
She'll take nothing away from your shitty day, she'll leave you to live it alone
She'll leave you to live it alone

Sometimes when we're together it seems beyond repair
It might just be worth fighting for but if she was never there

Well she's a real damaged girl and she'll take what she's gettin' from me tonight
She's living in her own world and she knows better than to fight with me tonight
I took her out and I told her that we're staying so she better make it look alright
Well she's a real damaged girl and she's always just looking for a fight





Lisptick + Needlesa
Written by Jeremy Porter

She never really felt at home in the city
She always talked about owning some land
I really wanted to be there with her
To be a part of her great big plan

She never really liked getting flowers
She always talked about cutting her hair
I always parked out in the alley
And took the side streets getting there

In her summer dress and tin cup full of booze
She don't care who's watching, she's got nothing to loose

She's never been concerned about being first
She's got lipstick and a needle in her purse
When things are gettin' tough, she'll tell you that she's cursed
And on a good day things are not getting worse

Always feeling so independent
She takes a little time every day
Avoiding everyone's good intentions
To figure out what just she'll say

In her summer dress, her favorite flat-heel shoes
She don't care who's watching, she's got nothing to loose

She's never been concerned about being first
She's got lipstick and a needle in her purse
When things are gettin' tough, she'll tell you that she's cursed
But on a good day things are not getting worse
On a good day things are not getting worse

She moves on when the timing's right
She'll Leave no tracks and makes no sound
I Kinda wish I'd known her better
I Kinda wish she was still around




Selfish Side of Me
Written by Jeremy Porter

The selfish side of me is looking for the giving side of you
To tell me you’ve forgiven all the dumb shit I do
The fighting side of me knows that you’re the passive one
To get up and walk out before there’s any damage done

They signs, they’re all there - But it wasn’t me, I swear
The selfish side of me just doesn’t care

A lot of talk in town, it don’t mean a thing
And just because your friend she got one, you don’t need a ring

You done your makeup and your hair
But that ain’t playin’ fair
The selfish side of me just doesn’t care
The selfish side of me doesn’t care

We can leave behind this nightmarish rat race
There’s no shame in second place
So grab your suitcase `n let’s erase
Every disappointed face
Every minute that we wait is one we waste

The selfish side of me needs to know you’re here
Well I'll survuve without your touch, but it's being alone I fear

Nine times out of ten, the mixed messages you send
And if you got somewhere to be just go ahead
When you're ready I'll be there, anytime, anywhere
The selfish side of me doesn’t care
The selfish side of me doesn’t care




Put You On Hold
Written by Jeremy Porter

Little Sister what you doing on a friday night?
Can’t you see your momma comin’ with her big flashlight
Don’t you think it’s `bout time I got you home?
Little sister what you gone and done?

You been shakin all night at the discoteque
You been lookin `bout as good as good lookin’ gets
Been fillin’ up your nose and sticking it out
Leaving behind any trace of doubt

Oh, there's something you ought to know
Time flies fast when the conversation is slow
Whoah girl, something you ought to know
We gotta lotta ground to cover but I gotta put you on hold

Well it’s a slick enough production but the tunes ain’t there
He’s got the slammin’ outfit but he ain’t got the hair
She’s a friend of a cousin, likes to do a private show
With her fuzzy stripper boots and her pregnant glow

Little sister what you doing next Wednesday night?
Maybe grab a little something if the feeling’s right?
Don’t you worry momma don’t you have no fear
I’ll pick you up at seven in my Cavalier?


Dead Ringer
Written by Jeremy Porter

Well she’s a dead ringer for a pop singer I fell in love with on a record sleeve
She’s a dead ringer for a pop singer I fell in love with on tv
Well she’s a dead ringer for a pop singer I fell in love with on a record sleeve
She’s a dead ringer for a pop singer I fell in love with on tv

She goes to the places that I can’t go
And she hangs with the people that I don’t know
And sometimes she’ll talk to me when they’re not around

Must be my lazy eye or my wasted friends
Or the lack of means to all my ends
Or the way I almost die when she’s around

It’d be nice to see her laugh just once at something I might say

Well she’s a sugar buzz on Easter Day
I'm a dollar bill that blew away
On a cold and windy April afternoon

I wake to find her standing there
In my twisted mind she's everywhere
Telling me this chance is mine to lose

Just once I’d like to keep together when she says hello

She asks me what to do about her boyfriend
And that her parents piss her off
I told her to kick him to the corner
But break it to him soft, break it to him soft

Just once I’d like to tell her something that doesn’t sound so dumb (she’s a)


Upward Trend
Written by Jeremy Porter

We traded glances in the elevator
Agreed to meet for coffee later
We talked about San Francisco and Detroit

I told you you looked out of sight
You said you had a lovely night
I shook your hand and I’ll see you at some point

On and off for a couple weeks
A couple kisses on the cheek
Pretty soon you kept your toothbrush at my house

And I don’t wanna be a downer
A tourist or an out-of-towner
But this is where things usually fall apart

I want this upward trend to continue
I want this upward trend to continue
And I don’t wanna push you away

I want this upward trend to continue
I want this upward trend to continue
At least we’re always gonna have today

I’ve been here before and it’s nothing more
Than an old spit shine on a dirty floor
I just can’t take another look
From another girl who’s time I took
And I don’t wanna be a downer
A tourist or an out-of-towner

I want this upward trend to continue
I want this upward trend to continue
And I don’t wanna push you away

I want this upward trend to continue
I want this upward trend to continue
At least we’re gonna always have today


Zipper Merge
Written by Jeremy Porter

I’m slinging this mop, closing up shop
Ready to drive on home

Gonna see my baby, and ooh just maybe
We’ll get some time alone

There’s twenty five miles `tween me and her
(And) a million cars around every turn
And they all got a baby of their own

I take the ramp, I'm not looking back
The sun sets in my eyes

Nothing beats those surface streets
As the raven flies

There’s twenty miles between me and her
These tail lights got me all deterred
And they all got a baby of their own

But First I gotta get though this zipper merge
I gotta wait my turn as two lanes converge
First I gotta get though this zipper merge
This Zipper merge

Well I can see her eyes in the clouds in the sky
I can almost smell her hair

She’ll jump in my arms and succumb to my charms
If I make it there

There’s fifteen miles between me and her
What I’d give for my own chauffeur
And they all got a baby of their own

But First I gotta get though this zipper merge
I gotta wait my turn as two lanes converge
First I gotta get though this zipper merge
This Zipper merge

One by one by one by one by one

There’s just two miles between me and her - I can see her house from here
I can’t navigate or just drive straight - I can barely steer
It’s nice to have a baby of my own
It’s nice to finally be home

One by one by one by one by one


The Things All Men Do
Written by Jeremy Porter

Oh how I thought I knew you then
Just look what’s left of me
There’s nothing left there to defend
My destroyed Integrity

We never got our stories straight
We never could agree
A girl like you just has no place
Running with a guy like me

That’s quite a scene you set
We barely only met
But it’s the second go around for you

How quickly you forget
How quickly bad things get
The things all men do
The things all men do

The second hand department store
Is where you get your shoes
Graffiti on the bathroom door
That's not the place where you should get your news

A lifetime of regret
Left you a silhouette
Of the girl that I once knew

How quickly you forget
How quickly bad things get
And the things all men do
The things all men do

The feeling’s not quite mutual
But I guess I’m glad we tried
I got a song for each and every
Single time I was pushed aside

How quickly you forget
That once you place your bet
You;re gonna have to see it through

How quickly you forget
How quickly bad things get
And the things all men do
The things all men do
The things all men do


Downriver Song
Written by Jeremy Porter

Well the story starts many years ago
The jobs came on as the river flowed
The foundry floors were stained with blood
And the boots were caked with river mud

And my old man worked his paper route
Because his old man couldn't be put out
He still goes back every now and again
To see what's changed, what's in the wind

He's not sorry that he left there
He's not sorry that he's gone
Downriver Song

The years went on and the jobs went south
The bars filled up, my old man got out
The streets filled up and they emptied again
They stayed alive when the cash got thin

They're not sorry that they left there
They're not sorry that they're gone
Downriver Song

They don't take to strangers well
They don't got a lot to sell
Oh the stories I could tell
The stories I could tell

Eventually I was on those streets
With a guitar and songs, not the foundry heat
I never passed any judgment there
Everyone I knew was always fair

My old man returns now and again
To see what's changed, what's in the wind
And I make it back myself, sometimes too
And I call `em my streets, tried and true

I'm not sorry that I'm left there
I'm not sorry that I'm gone
I'm not sorry to have my roots there
I always felt like I belonged
I felt like I belonged
Downriver Song


What Could Be In That Box
Written by Jeremy Porter

What could be in that box?
I watch you from a distance back
What could be in that box?
An apple and some cracker jacks
What could be in that box?
The record that served as the soundtrack to the days
When I called you mine and you called my bluff
And the ways we found to detach
I finally got `em all convinced, a string of lies and evidence
And just enough reasonable doubt

What could be in that box?
Is it a present from a lonely friend
What could be in that box?
A blind man could have seen the end and made
Some adjustment to the way he was treating you
But it does no good to you now
When every day’s a soft parade of mistakes that some loser made
In every face I see I see your smile

The truth is out but the news is old
The milk’s gone bad and the bread has mold
And you were in no hurry to decide

And on one hand you count the times
That I ignored the warning signs
You always took your rotten news in stride

What could be in that box?
Just some dirty shoes
What could be in that box?
Something you could never stand to lose
What could be in that box?
Some pictures you could use to remind yourself
That someone else was left behind
When you took that all away

Now all that’s left are a few old cards,
Some photographs and a lot of scars
In the bottom of the box I saw you carrying today
In the bottom of the box I saw you throwing away


History Lesson, Part III
Written by Jeremy Porter and Gabriel Doman

I see you’re walkin’ out on me
So that’s the way it’s gonna be
So glad to see I wasted my time

So this’ll be my legacy
My island-hopping fantasy
My Tanqueray and tonic with lime

Your family owns some property
It’s swamp and rocks from what I see
It’s ours as soon as I give you a ring

Your sister wants us all to know
That she’s the star of this show
She wants it more than anything

And if you want to throw her to the wolves
Take solace in knowing that I'm sleeping with you both

All the time that you can steal
And all the pain that I can feel
Still I got you on my mind

Is it just the drugs or is it real
The part that comes before the deal
The silver lining I can’t find

Asylum is a funny thing
And being alone’s got a ring
But how’s a guy supposed to survive?

And looking back on history
And all the things you’ve said to me
I guess we can say that you’ve arrived

So this is how it’s gonna be
Every time you think of me
I get a call to come back home

It’s safe to say you’re part of me
But I flunked out of history
And now I guess I’d rather be alone

All the time that you can steal
And all the pain that I can feel
Still I got you on my mind

Is it just the drugs or is it real
The part that comes before the deal
The silver lining I can’t find


Stunned
Written by Jeremy Porter

You got a mouth-full of fight
That’s why you’re on your own
Don’t forget to turn the light off
While you’re showing how you’ve grown

I called it over and I called us done
You looked back with misty eyes
I bit my tongue and took it back
Could never stand to see you cry

When I woke up this morning I was thinking about
How we talked it over had it all worked out
I know every last bartender in this town
And they’ll always let me know when something’s going down

Your words were warm - they taste like blood
But true to form - you left me stunned

You got your sights on the horizon
But you never leave the yard
So quick to rush to judgement
But it’s really not that hard - it’s really not that hard

Your words were warm - they taste like blood
But true to form - you left me stunned

But what I should’a done, that’s a different song
I don’t do much that I don’t do wrong

I saw blood but you saw red
I saw your eyes roll back in that pretty head
You can get dressed up and you can sing along
They can make you feel like you don't belong
But I never knew that you could dance like that
No, I never knew that you could dance like that

Your words were warm - they taste like blood
But true to form - you left me stunned
You left me stunned


October Girls
Written by Jeremy Porter

I got my arm around some baby on a cold October night
And even though she said maybe It’s just not feeling right
October girls are friendly, they’re glad when I’m around
They get a little chatty, I wish they’d keep it down

And I feel the weight
When I’m far from home
But I’m here tonight
And I’m all alone

Well I appreciate the offer but on second thought I’ll Pass
I better get inside now, I got an empty glass

And I feel the weight
When I’m far from home
But I’m here tonight
And I’m all alone

October girls they mean well and I know they’re lonely too
And sometimes I get tempted but my heart is home with you

And I feel the weight
When I’m far from home
But I’m here tonight
And I’m all alone


Girls Named Erica
Written by Jeremy Porter and Gabriel Doman

She got me by a year or few in that polyester blue
Servin’ up them eggs in those pantyhose legs
And those slip-resistant shoes
I’ll meet her at her trailer day or night
I might be a little young but I’m just her type
Oh Erika, who you gonna flirt with now?

Girls in America can be so boring
But girls named Erica are so adoring
They might play with your heart or criticize your art
Or tell you that they are or tell you that they aren’t
Girls named Erica, Girls named Erica

You’re writing up some clever songs
Such a shame that our timing’s always wrong
It’s nice that you get out when you can
We listen to your record in the van
I can see you dancin’ in the back of the room
I heard you said hi at Sonic Boom
Oh Erika who you singing to now?

Girls in America can be so boring
But girls named Erika are so adoring
They might play with your heart or criticize your art
Or tell you that they are or tell you that they aren’t
Girls named Erika, Girls named Erika

Rainbow socks and roller skates - Hoola-hoops and whiskey straight
A little bit of mystery there too
Pills and powder, the music’s louder - The floor is shaking and really crowded
Never a dull moment with you

Such a lucky girl always in demand
Holdin’ your liquor like-a most men can’t
Life of the party, muse of a song
But when I turn around you’ll be gone

Girls in America can be so boring
But girls named Erica are so adoring
They might play with your heart or criticize your art
Or tell you that they are or tell you that they aren’t
Girls named Erica, Girls named Erica


Christmas Dance
Written by Jeremy Porter

I was wonderin if you’d go to me to the Christmas dance
That other guy, you know, he just wants into your pants
We’ll hook up with my buddy Joe
He’ll bring his truck and this girl he knows

I started countin’ down the days from the moment you said yes
Got a jacket and a tie that goes just right with your new dress
I’ll pick you up and eight and meet your mom and daddy too
She’ll take our picture, he’ll bark at me "Boy - get her home by two"

I thought that was pretty cool, never thought I had a chance
I was wonderin if you’d go to me to the Christmas dance

My uncle called the day before to say my grampa died
I told you from a payphone I could not be back in time
You said “Hey that’s cool, I understand, I’ll see you back in class."

It’s been a couple dozen years but it seems like yesterday
What’s the point of wishin’ it’d gone down a different way
I blame it all on circumstance, All I know is I missed my chance
I’ll never go to another Christmas dance

That other guy, you know, he just wants into your pants
I was wonderin if you’d go to me to the Christmas dance
I thought that was pretty cool, never thought I had a chance
At the Christmas dance




Cigarettes, snowflakes, Mistletoe and Wine
Written by Jeremy Porter

Cigarettes and snowflakes, Mistletoe and Wine
I never needed anything when you were mine
Cigarettes and snowflakes and decorated pines
If I could only get you back this Christmastime

You came into my life and set me straight
Took care of all those habits you hate
And now your present's under someone else’s tree

Cigarettes and snowflakes, Mistletoe and Wine
You can stop by anytime that you're inclined
Cigarettes and snowflakes Church bells and chimes
If I could only get you back this Christmastime

It’s not the snow it’s not the candy canes
It’s just another lonely day
And now you’re in some other one horse open sleigh

Maybe I got greedy or salacious
Or maybe you were just too proud to leave
So now you’re gone and I’ve got all that I could ask for
A Newport light and bottle of Chablis

Cigarettes and snowflakes, Mistletoe and Wine
I’ve never been a super fan of Christmastime
Cigarettes and snowflakes and hydrocodone lines
If I could only get you back this Christmastime

Cigarettes and snowflakes, Mistletoe and Wine




Scarf
Written by Jeremy Porter

Got this scarf and it was wrapped around my neck
Smelled like drugs and fumes from the car you call a wreck
Saw your eyes a’waterin’ from the cold
Said you was lookin’ nice you said I’s lookin’ old

Feel naked in your coat but you’re dressed from head to toe
Got nothing around your neck to protect you from the cold
I feel honor bound to comply with chivalry
You’d be doin’ me a favor by takin’ it from me

The scarf’s collateral for a smile the next day
And if I never get it back it’s a deal anyway

A week or two goes by, the morning afternoon
I’m in no hurry but I hope it happens soon
You found a reason to give it back to me
In a box behind some socks beneath your Christmas tree

The scarf’s collateral for a smile the next day
And if I never get it back it’s a deal anyway

I wore it proudly man I felt so overpaid
‘till after a while the smell began to fade
I keep it hidden in a closet in a box
Between some notebooks and a bag of polished rocks
It don’t keep no one warm or protected from the cold
And when I look at it it just makes me feel old

The scarf’s collateral for a smile the next day
And if I never get it back it’s a deal anyway




No Use for Christmas
Written by Jeremy Porter

December cold is getting old
Everyone’s in tune but I’m not sold
I’m running late and I can’t relate
To Christmastime when you’re so far away

I really thought I’d be ok
I can usually hide my feelings far away
I think I found out yesterday
I’ll never get you back no matter what I say

I got no use for Christmas
Since I watched you walking out the door
I got no use for Christmas
I got no use for Christmas anymore

I remember Christmas Eve
A year ago or 2 or 3
I told you that you’d never seen
The me I thought I knew that I could be

I wasn’t long before I went back
Just one more chance, a little slack
Just stick around for one more day
I blew `em all and let you Get away from me

I got no use for Christmas
Since I watched you walking out the door
I got no use for Christmas
I got no use for Christmas anymore

I’ll do anything to get you back
I’ll fake another heart attack
I’ll put away the records and the drums

I’ll put the tree and stockings out
And promise not to cry or pout
I’ll step aside when January comes

I got no use for Christmas
Since I watched you walking out the door
I got no use for Christmas
I got no use for Christmas anymore




Lonely Mrs. Claus
Written by Jeremy Porter

Well I’m three foot four and I’m all alone
I’m three foot four and I’m all alone
The old man’s tending to the reindeer
And the chief elf’s yelling at someone on the telephone

Misses Claus is feeling neglected and all alone
The old man’s wife is neglected and all alone
So I’ll sneak on out of this workshop
And I’ll give that dog a little bone

It gets cold and lonely in the North Pole late at night
But that red suit in the closet’s got me feelin’ uptight

The old man’s comin in through the front door
(I can) hear them black boots walking across the floor
So I grabbed my pointy shoes
And I snuck out of that window like before
I grabbed my pointy shoes
And on Christmas Eve I’ll be back for a little more





Second Thoughts
Written by Jeremy Porter

I looked for answers in the mountains and found some peace out there
I left you in Seattle, but it could have been anywhere
I went down to San Francisco and looked out at the bay
I considered jumping off that bridge and floating away

I had second thoughts in Reno and I called you on the phone
You’d taken up with another and headed back on home
You had second thoughts in Bizmark and left him in the snow
You had a map in front of you but had nowhere to go

If I don’t get you back I’ll die
But you can’t look me in the eye
If I could buy back every other word I said
But I’m left here all alone instead

We crossed paths again in Memphis on some random city street
You said “Ain’t it funny where you go and the people who you meet”
You didn’t show much interest so I didn’t push too strong
You were off to get with someone, you couldn’t talk for long

If I don’t get you back I’ll die
But you can’t look me in the eye
If I could buy back every other word I said
But I’m left here all alone instead

On second thought I best leave you alone
I’m accident and bad-decision prone
If I could take back every bad move that I made
Like leaving when I know I should've stayed

You ended up in Macon with a lawyer and a cat
You still send me a Christmas card and I’m alright with that
So I try to be objective, we all have our paths to choose
I left you in Seattle, with everything to lose




Half Empty
Written by Jeremy Porter

Remember holding your hand
Wrote our names in the sand
Didn’t work out like we planned
Remember holding your hand

Things been quiet since you’re gone
But how are things in your town
Things been quiet all along
There’s nothing new since you’re gone

A waste of time in your book
Barely take a second look
For the effort that it took
Just a waste of time in your book

What happened wrong is all you see
The glass is always half empty
Who has time for planting seeds
What happened wrong is all you see

Wait until tomorrow
To send you an apology
I don’t need your forgiveness
Being alone ain’t new to me

In troubled times I’d look to you
You helped me through when I was blue
Being alone is nothing new
In troubled times I’d look to you

Remember holding your hand
You’ve always been all I had
Didn’t work out like we planned
Remember holding your hand






Don't You Know
Written by Jeremy Porter

When the rain turns into snow
Don’t you know, don’t you know
I guess it’s time for me to go
Don’t you know, don’t you know
When the spark leaves from your eye
I’ll say goodbye, I’ll say goodbye
When the rain turns into snow
Don’t you know, don’t you know

When the leaves begin to fall
That’ll be all, that’ll be all
When I hear your distant call
That’ll be all, That’ll be all
When the love dies in your voice
I’ll have no choice, I’ll have no choice
When the leaves begin to fall
That’ll be all, that’ll be all

When the days grow short and cold
Then I’ll know, then I’ll know
When the weeds no longer grow
Then I’ll know, then I’ll know
When I hear your distant cry
I won’t ask why, I won’t ask why
When the days grow short and cold
Then I’ll know, then I’ll know






Letters In Rehab
Written by Jeremy Porter

I sent you letters in rehab
They’d give them to you the next day
After they opened and read them
To see what I had to say

I was allowed to visit on Tuesdays
On Fridays I’d sneak in your dorm
Sometimes they’d catch me and kick me out
On the count of you’re being reformed

I’d send you letters in rehab and each one would end the same way
With the name of your favorite song, you’ll be out by your birthday

Your momma just wanted the best for you
And she was sure you’d find it in there
We had plans that could wait `til Spring time
But the snow wasn’t going nowhere

I checked off dates n the calendar
As the city began to thaw
You’d throw me notes from your window
While your room mate made sure no one saw

I’d send you letters in rehab and each one would end the same way
With the name of your favorite song, you’ll be out by your birthday

You said the right things, you put on the right face
You let them believe that you’d fully embraced
But you’re nobody’s fool and you just want to go
And as long as the days are the nights pass twice as slow

We threw you a hell of a party
The day that they let you come home
But we didn’t make it through summer
Before we went ways of our own

I’d send you letters in rehab and each one would end the same way
With the name of your favorite song, you’ll be out by your birthday






At Least She's Still In Love With You
Written by Jeremy Porter

It started like any other year
Watching my discipline disappear
We were getting in on but we weren't getting it right

A week of Sundays came and went
Then a week of ignored signals sent
All we do is make up and fight

Her hair ain't gold and her eyes aren't blue
She was never known for being true
But at least she's still in love with you

The second song was her favorite one
She didn't like the way I liked to have fun
Always looking for a bluer sky

Then out of the woodwork and out of the blue
Came a son of a bitch and that was you
You caught a little more than the corner of her eye

Her hair ain't gold and her eyes aren't blue
She was never known for being true
But at least she's still in love with you

She meant more to me than she ever knew
She was cold inside and she played it cool
At least she's still in love with you

Yesterday might have been too soon
But I ain't said her name this afternoon

Well I heard you two were quite the pair
With intentions laid out and quite declared
And you take her dancin' every Saturday night

Well it's cuttin' deep I must admit
But I'm finally getting used to it
Just do me a favor and always treat her right

Her hair ain't gold and her eyes aren't blue
She was never known for being true
But at least she's still in love with you

She meant more to me than she ever knew
She was cold inside and she played it cool
At least she's still in love with you





How About A Beer For Smokey The Bear?
Written by Jeremy Porter

There’s gotta be a better way to make a buck
I never met a thief who wasn’t down on his luck
There’s a fire in the bathroom, the first to yell
Here’s a pitcher of water put it out yourself

How `bout a beer for Smokey the Bear?

There’s gotta be a better way to press your luck
With pockets full of nothing you’re a sitting duck
You never took advantage of the lessons learned
You never left a bridge standing that you could’a burned

How `bout a beer for Smokey the Bear?

How ‘bout a pass for another year?
Let’s all get on board for the final frontier
You finally came clean and admit you’re wrong
But it’s not like you wrote any of those songs

There’s gotta be a better way to make a buck
You can never get ahead `till you admit you’re stuck
There’s a fire in the bathroom, now what the hell?
If you could just get lost, yeah, that’d be just swell

How `bout a beer for Smokey the Bear?




Walk Of Shame
Written by Jeremy Porter

Tell me the one again about how you like breaking hearts
Tell me once again how you like tearing 'em apart
You leave on Sunday morning making breaking up an art
Tell me the one again about how you like breaking hearts

Tell me one more time 'bout how you like the look of fear
Explain to me again how you push back when they're near
There's no tender act of solitude, nothing to make clear
Tell me one more time 'bout how you like the look of fear

Sometimes you don't give your real name
But when you do or not it's all the same
There's no regrets, no time to complain
No secrets, no walk of shame

With a smile and a glass of wine, I guess it's time
To skip the next song and get in line

Explain to me just one last time how you grew to be so cold
The trail that you leave behind is something to behold
The emptyness inside your heart has to be getting old
Explain to me just one last time how you grew to be so cold

Sometimes you don't give your real name
But when you do or not it's all the same
There's no regrets, no time to complain
No secrets, no walk of shame




Huckleberry

I'll be your huckleberry, You can be my Clementine
That's a funny way to put it - Why don'cha just come inside?

If I could look into the future, If I could show you what I see
If I show up at the last minute will there be anything left for me?

Everybody says you're hard to get to, everybody says you're lookin' fine
We can take that up over breakfast - come with me my little Clementine

Everybody says I'm acting dumb
Everybody says you're just too young

We can sail across the ocean
And find ourselves lost at sea
I'll be your Huckleberry

You can look to your famous daddy, You can ask him what you should do
Hell, you can even ask your boyfriend- but he can't come along with you

You can take the high road sometimes, ain't nothing else to talk about
I got nothing but all the time now to get your pretty little answers out
To get your pretty little answers out

Well It's a fool that looks for logic in the chambers of the human heart
But I got you all figured out now, in my mind, and that's a start

All I need is your little face to be in front of me
If you can be my Clementine
If you can be my Clementine
I'll be your Huckleberry

I'll be your, I'll be your
I'll be your Huckleberry




Don't Worry....
Written by Jeremy Porter and Gabriel Doman

Don't worry it's not contagious, this broken heart of mine
This might sound a bit outrageous but eventually I'll be fine
And I might even live to see some progress on my own
But don't worry it's not contagious - to the one who let me go

I didn't always treat you as friendly as I could
But that can't be the reason why you shut me out for good
And I always tried to hold myself how an honest man should
Tell me why you left me, tell me why if you would

Don't worry it's not contagious, this broken heart of mine
I saw you at the party and you seemed to me just fine
It didn't take you long before you found yourself a beaux
But don't worry it's not contagious - to the one who let me go

Well if your silence was a gift with the answer there for me
It flew right by my face but everybody else could see
A full moon or hormones, whatever could it be?
Find some way to move on, forgiveness is the key

Well they told me to take it day by day
And I'm slowly trying to find my way
But everywhere I look I'm reminded of you
Your toothpaste, your books, all the things we used to do
And I'm sorry I blew it, I'm sorry times two

Don't worry it's not contagious, this broken heart of mine
And I'm the last you'd call courageous, or stepping out of line
And we might even have ourselves a laugh on down the road
But don't worry it's not contagious - to the one who let me go






Avenues Are For Heroes

On the avenues and side-streets where we ran when we were kids
Just a little less scared at sunset, less intimidated
Now there's some pretty girls outside, in line to get into the bars
I'm not sure what we're even doing here or the decision to come was ours

You always liked to make an entrance cuz attention is your thing
Your words they flow like whiskey but they don't have any sting
You find yourself a little nervous when it's time to close up shop
In one ear out the other when you're told it's time to stop

Might'a meant more under different circumstance
But it was nice to be invited to the dance
A little bit of dirt and a little bit of romance
But it makes me wonder if we ever stood a chance

You can justify your silence when you're young
But the years of holding back have left your numb

Now avenues are for heroes, they park their busses on the streets
But you and I, we're a little too proud to worship at their feet
We tried our best to not act impressed or foolish, God forbid
If avenues are for heroes, then streets are for the kids

Avenues are for heroes and the streets they are for kids




Consolation Prize

It seemed like a pretty good deal at the time
I've got some ideas but none of them are mine

We took shelter from the rain, the sunshine and the snow
We acted all put out but we had nowhere to go

Well I never had the guts, the confidence, the pride
To show you what was eating me up from the inside

She's my second choice my consolation prize
She doesn't have your spirit and she doesn't have your eyes
She's my second choice my consolation prize
She's all I had to run to when you lied
She's all I had to turn to when you said goodbye

Picking up the pieces of a couple wasted years
is easier than watching from my rear view mirror

Never had the gumption to really follow up
About what it was exactly of that you'd had enough

She's my second choice my consolation prize
She doesn't have your spirit and she doesn't have your eyes
She's my second choice my consolation prize
She's all I had to run to when you lied
She's all I had to turn to when you said goodbye

As often as I told you together we'd be great
You never took the bait
It seems silly to me now It took me so long to learn how
To finally get it straight

She's my second choice my consolation prize
She doesn't have your spirit and she doesn't have your eyes
She's my second choice my consolation prize
She's all I had to run to when you lied
She's all I had to turn to when you said goodbye

She's all I had to run to when you lied
She's all I had to turn to when you said goodbye
Goodbye




Torn

The boys are inside keeping barstools warm
I'm tempted to join them but I'm torn, I'm torn
The wind blows the trash down this boulevard
It's empty, it's cold and it's worn

"Hey white boy, what you doin' around here?"
"Hey sugar daddy, you got a car near?"
Lights from a liquor store spill into the street
Bars on the windows, just the sound of my feet

The calm before the storm
Duck inside where it's warm
The wind cuts through like a hole in a shoe
I'm tempted to join them but I'm torn

The boys are inside for another round
I'm out on the street taking in the sound
Of traffic and fighting far away
Stray cat on the prowl down the one way
It's empty, it's cold and it's worn, it's worn

I'm tempted to join them but I'm torn




Don't Have To Ask Twice
Written by Jeremy Porter, Gabriel Doman, and Patrick O'Harris

You don't have to ask me twice to come home
I've been waiting on the corner all alone
You don't have to ask me if I'll be good
Even though I've never tried I just know that I could

Next time when you kick me out
Won't you please think it through
Cuz you know I'm good for you

The look on your face tells a story And your voice is asking why
I deserve another chance, why I deserve another try
Your friends just shake their heads and walk away
My friends say give her time to come your way

Next time it comes to this
You need to take a big step back
Cuz you know that I'll be missed

You don't have to ask me twice to come home
You don't have to ask me twice to come home
You're about to see an effort like I haven't shown
You don't have to ask me twice to come home
Twice to come home

Well the house feels empty at night
But that don't make me coming home right
In column one's the things that you miss the most
But column two is winning, it's not even close
If the third one's the charm then the fourth one's just dumb
Let's call a spade a spade and get out while we're young

You don't have to ask me twice to come home
You don't have to ask me twice to come home
You don't have to ask me if I've been alone
You don't have to ask me twice to come home
Twice to come home




Urge To Cry

Saw you sitting such a lonely sight
A little shifty and fifty kinds of uptight
Watch you fightin' every urge to cry
Watch you fightin' every urge to cry

I took an open seat and kept my mouth closed
You're smoking cigarettes and wiping your nose
Watch you fightin' every urge to cry
Watch you fightin' every urge to cry

Well I'm not working on taking you home
It just tears me up to see you all alone
We don't need to talk or even say a word
And I won't tell you this dirty joke I heard
And I know you don't want me to see you to cry
Watch you fightin' every urge to cry

They're closing up so I got your tab
And you ain't walking so I got you a cab
Watching you fight every urge to cry
Watching you fight every urge to cry




Patty's Not Impressed

Patty doesn't like chicken on the bone
Percocet or The Ramones
Patty doesn't understand why we're always playing last
Patty doesn't understand

Patty's got a thing for Iowa
Corn-fed girls with makeup on
Roller derby queens with dirty knees
He knows what he likes when he sees
The other squad was the best
Patty's not Impressed

Patty doesn't always wanna know
When the transition's begun
To the Growler show
It's all fun and games until it's time to go

Patty got his habits and his dirty shoes
We like to cheer him up when he gets the blues
Patty doesn't like the opening band
Even though they did their best
Even though they did their best
Patty's not impressed




Worth The Wait

Well I figured you'd be alright
When you left the bar last night
Hanging on somebody's arm that I know

We're hedging bets on what's coming next
To mitigate any regrets
It's three to one you'll have something to show

Two days later we turn the page
But can you do a little better to act your age
With a ticket in your hand and a runny nose

You waste no time to seal your fate
He's everything but he's not so great
You'll be just up the coast everybody knows
But I can't figure out what draws you in
Just like a moth to a flame

CH :Is he worth the wait, worth the wait
He's everything but he's not that great
Worth the wait, worth the wait, worth the wait

Someone saw you back around
With some new possession that you found
People are so cruel when you're gone

What to see when you're passing through
And who wants to see you
Avoiding all the faces you done wrong

But I can't figure out what draws you in
Just like a moth to a flame

I hope you find what was in your dreams someday
I know I said I'd always be there
And if you survive another setback, babe
Just try to remember the ones who cared




Somewhere New

When I thought that I'd lost you to the cold city night
Never been so relieved to see daylight

With your suitcase on the stairs and your key by the door
Your taxi waiting out front to take you somewhere warm
When you were looking for me I was lookin' for you, baby
To take you somewhere new

Now the house is so empty and I'm just so all alone
I could'a taken you away, baby, if I'd only known

So I keep the curtains drawn to keep the sun away
And I keep the music on to keep the voices at bay
When you were looking for me I was lookin' for you, baby
To take you somewhere new

And I might just be to blame for the awful shape I'm in
But last time I was gone It was you who sinned

So my nights turn to days and by rights I should say
That to do it all again it'd be done another way
And by sticking to my guns when there's no one left around
Beats begging you to stay by not making a sound

With your suitcase on the stairs and your key by the door
Your taxi waiting out front to take you somewhere warm
When you were looking for me I was lookin' for you, baby
To take you somewhere new




Barrel of Tears

I'm Drowning in a barrel of my tears
Adding up the price of living hard all these years
Just another painful exercise
Of just how little all my good intentions buy
C'mon little baby did I take you by surprise?

I'm rolling in a barrel of my tears
Hoping that that angry sad look disappears
This time maybe you can set aside
All the things I've done before to make you cry
All the arguments I've made that don't apply

It's not lost on me that you won't be around
I give up to easy and you never stand your ground
I don't mean to disconcert
but I guess it's too much work
It's not lost on me now

Just a sinister reaction to a constant attraction
That's pulling me away while you're begging me to stay
The sighing and the teardrops and them angry sad eyes
Please don't make this harder than all the other times
Let's skip the cheap romancing and soap opera lines

Does it keep you up at night what you should have done?
If you had it to it again would you still run?





Cemetery Road

There's a Red Roof Inn out on Cemetery Road
Where we'd meet late at night when the weather turned cold
Sometimes she was late, sometimes it was me
But we'd end up together eventually

The days would drag on and the nights would fly by
"How about tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure I'll try."
She was trying to end to our forbidden lust
With a fine sugar coating of cocaine and dust

We carried on like this for a calendar year
With late nights of plenty and next morning tears
With a lump in my throat and our cars side by side
outside of our room our worlds would collide

Cemetery Road, Cemetery Road
Polyester drapes and bathtub mold
Cemetery Road, Cemetery Road
We'd meet late at night when the weather turned cold

There's a field out back where the wind hits the trees
There's an old Cadillac by room 33
You put a sign on the door, says Do Not Disturb
You've given me more than I'll ever deserve
But we both know that dawn's soon to break
And we'll never admit to this mistake

There's a Red Roof Inn out on Cemetery Road
Where we'd meet late at night when the weather turned cold
Sometimes she was late, sometimes it was me
We'd end up alone eventually

Cemetery Road, Cemetery Road
Where the carpet's worn and the wallpaper's old
Cemetery Road, Cemetery Road
We'd meet late at night when the weather turned cold





Josh

We had a cat when I was a kid
His name was Josh and he did what he did
He loved to chase them mice and give 'em hell

He was skinny and white, just like me
A little fried, all thanks to me
He had balls and swagger and a collar with a bell

But they never heard him coming and it's probably just as well
In the tall grass we could hear the death knell

Well Josh he had some friends and most of them were cats
One was Good Time Charley and one was Max

You know he outlived them all because he lived by the seat of his pants
He never gave that dog a second glance

They never heard him coming
But Josh was on the way
He'd bring home something new and dead most every day
He never had the time
For dice or drink or whores
But he'd lay that dead thing down right on my mama's floor

One day Josh got chased around a cedar tree
By a big old mean red fox, orange and white was all you'd see
Somehow he survived to fight another day
But he never really walked or acted quite the same way

One day Josh just didn't come home
Somewhere there's a field where he still roams
And he's just waiting for my mom to let him in





Bottled Regrets

Playing chicken with a blind man on the streets of Cleveland
My head is hurting so bad it's a wonder I can even walk
We managed to get this far without a major pitfall
It's a wonder how we manage to get anywhere at all

Alex would have liked you and Scurvy says he's proud
And I might have heard the sound guy if we weren't so fucking loud
They weren't exactly lining up around the block in droves
But we almost looked the part as far as anybody knows

Well who's got dibs on green coat, and who will ride in back
And who's got those drink tickets cuz that's all we're getting paid
I can't imagine giving up or what I'd tell my ma
I can't let go of the two times in my life I've been betrayed

Alex would have liked you and Scurvy says he's proud
But everything just sounds the same - you guys are too damn loud
I'll listen under protest from someone in your clothes
But we almost pulled it off as far as anybody knows

If I could bottle my regrets and sell them off to my houseguests
And just sit back and count my profits
Keep your feelings to yourself 'till I've got nothing left to sell
'till I've got nothing left to sell

So I'll squeeze in somewhere sideways and just wait to be forgot
Just spanning time and getting by and tossing off the lot

Alex would have liked you and Scurvy says he's proud
And the singer for the next band is beyond a little plowed
I'll whisper in your ear from my death bead before I leave
You go and get 'em tiger, if that's what you believe





Elimination Round

Somewhere in Wisconsin I lost my way
Thought as we got closer I'd Know just what to say
Somewhere between Beloit and the Illinois line
Somewhere between 6 years ago and falling behind

I caught Up old friend, we'd lost track along the way
She told me she was sorry and everything's Ok
In spite of what went down we'd head in to the night
"Let me make it up" she said, "let me make it alright"

She said "we've all got regrets that can't just can't be undone.
Slide over, let me in" - and we drove into the sun

Another chance to let me down
Elimination Round
Let's get it right this time around
Elimination Round

a short re-acquaintance and a shorter goodbye
Be back in a minute, I slipped out on the sly
Somewhere Between I loved you and let me get the drinks
I don't really care what your boyfriend's dog thinks

I told her it's been great but we're leaving after this
No one's Looking so c'mon give me a kiss

Told her that I'd Miss her but we're gone after today
We're heading towards Chicago and it's Gotta be this way





Knocked Out Cold

Always a bridesmaid, never a nurse
I should've taken the time to put you first
Now all I got is a photograph
And memories of that little laugh

Playing hard to get you're always on my mind
You said "let's make it work" I said I'd make the time
For a couple days we really had a blast
I should've known it would never last

Now you're gone, gone, gone away
If that's how you want it, ok
Now you're gone, gone, gone away
Time stood still since that day

Even in the laundry room when you held my hand
And said that I could never understand
"As time goes on it gets easier, you'll see."
But time stood still for me

Some days your smile left me knocked out cold
But I could tell that it was getting old
For a couple days we really had a blast
I should've known it would never last
Now the ink is dry and said so long
but for some damn reason I'm still holding on





Don't Call Me Darlin'

I walked in late to a real loud band
With a cigarette and drink in hand
Feeling like I damn near owned that room

And there was you under the lights
Behind the drunks and sausage fights
Actin' like you had something to do

Baby ain't it understood what we'd do now if we only could
Darlin' won't you let me take your hand?

She said: Don't call me darlin' and I'll be yours tonight
Just keep that mouth shut and hang on tight
Don't call me darlin' and we'll be alright
It's been such a bad week, a bad day and bad night

We stayed on the dance floor, movin' slow to sad songs
Everything was right but everything was wrong
Just tell me baby, please tell me where we stand
What happens when the lights come up, where do I stand

She said well there ain't much left of this tattered old heart
But just for tonight maybe you can play the part





Hey Kentucky

Hey Kentucky where you going?
The beer's all in our room
Them girls out front ain't leaving
and the morning'll be here soon

And when the sun beats through them drapes at that Motel 6 from hell
We'll say farewell

Hey Kentucky what'd you play
In that jukebox, what's that song?
You'll be headed back below that
sweet tea line before too long

"Hey Michigan, go play a couple songs of your own
Before we go"

And even if this last run of shows ain't been great
You're still doin' what you love in some other state

Hey Kentucky what's that smell
Coming from your van?
You're heading up the interstate
as steady as you can

Let's go inside and see the door guy for the dough
Let's do a shot and talk about our upcoming shows
Until we meet again at some old watering hole
We gotta roll

Hey Kentucky where you going?





Long Story

When Friday night seems normal
And you end up in a rock and roll mess
Better make that last one a double
Raise a toast to the endlessly blessed

The pay backs seem so heavy
You're feeling left out, alone and behind
You keep on saying you're ready
But you're harder and harder to find

In summer time when you change your mind
It doesn't seem to carry so much weight
So you stand in line and take your time
But you're not starting with a brand new state

And I got all the time in the world for you to bore me
With your long story

Well I tried to tell you the best way
Was to leave well enough alone
A hundred excuses and delays
And each one overblown

From your living room you look at the moon
And you shake you head and wonder why
See what we do and you want it too
But you never wanna even try

And I got all the time in the world for you to bore me
With your long story

It's more than just a streak of bad luck
Never ready to just give up
And I got all the time to wait for you to grow up

When you're walking home because everyone's gone
And you look into your neighbor's garage
And you want so bad what you've never had
But your dreams have always been so flawed





Sounds Like Goodbye

You made a pretty good fake cowboy, grasping to your youth
Did you best to make more with less 'till you finally faced the truth
But I wouldn't want to walk a city block in your shitty cowboy boots

Well I was hung up on you for so long I could hardly face myself
In a bottle full of doubt and self-pity's where I fell
I might even come through or come around to say hello - I don't know

If it sounds like I'm saying goodbye
It's because I am

It was a bad day when your cat died and your car got stuck and towed
You were feeling down and out, lookin' for a shoulder I suppose
My voice just didn't cut when in your cowboy rode - knocked me cold

If it sounds like I'm saying goodbye
It's because I am

Let me know if it's safe to go outside and when
I never want to see that side of you again

Let's take a stock of everything we have before us now
You're on the clock and it meant a lot even though you disavow
It's easier to get to sleep at night
When you finally let go - I ought to know

If it sounds like I'm saying goodbye
It's because I am





Sleepy Eyes

Hey sleepy eyes don't make me wait
Let's go to bed it's getting late
We got lots to do tomorrow, that's for sure

There ain't no need to act grown up
There ain't no shame in looking rough
When everything's been lost you thought was pure

Sometimes you wanna just lay down
And never wake up again
Sleepy eyes lay down and count to ten
Sleepy eyes lay down and count to ten

One day you were just singing songs
The next day your whole world was gone
The answers barely hanging by a prayer

Head hung low and tail down
With darkness spreading all around
And nothing left to crawl on into there

Sometimes it feels better when
You're crying all alone
Sleepy eyes your heart ain't made of stone
Sleepy eyes your heart ain't made of stone

Eyes ain't made for cryin' and living ain't for dyin'
Sometimes you just gotta let it go

Hey sleepy eyes let's call it a day
Let's pack it up and put it away
Tomorrow's bound to be about as bad

There ain't no snakes beneath your bed
There's just some demons in your head
Sleepy eyes they'll never go away

Eyes ain't made for cryin'
And living ain't for dyin'
Sleepy eyes I see that you're in pain





Trouble In Paradise

Well I hear that there's trouble in paradise
I ain't talkin crabs or pubic lice
And I know that it won't take long
Yeah I know that it won't take long

It's not outta left field, not a big surprise
C'mon little baby let me dry them eyes
Don't stay where you don't belong
Don't stay where you don't belong

Well I'm sorry but I never knew him well
If you won't tell, then I won't tell
Let's leave him stink in his own damn smell tonight
Well alright

You don't got my name branded on your back
But the jig is up and the deck is stacked
C'mon, let's get away

Well you'll can talk him outta his own thick skin
But you're never gonna stop me from comin' on in
No way, let's leave today
Well c'mon, let's leave today





Plan B

Side steppin' your way out of this mess
Getting' out of trouble is what you do best
Picking up the pieces and leaving the rest
Puttin' all your friends and lovers to the test

Shakin' up emotions at the parties you throw
But pretty soon you're downing in the undertow
You got the hot potato but you won't let go
You're the only one tired of the people you know

Shake it up baby
Come home to me
You've done enough damage
It's time for plan B

Shake it up baby
Don't be side show
You got your point across
So c'mon, c'mon, c'mon let's go

Now everybody's lookin' at what you're gonna do
But nobody has any confidence in you
Let 'em down easy, make it quick and fast
Slippin' out the bask before anyone asks

Shake it up baby
Come home to me
You've done enough damage
It's time for plan B





Throwing Stones

When I'm walking down the sidewalk in your town
I don't feel down
I'm breathing in the city in the air
This could be anywhere today

You hide behind the curtain of the
Bay window in your living room
But I see the glowing of your smoke
To you this is some kind of kind of joke

There's nowhere else I'd rather be today

Remember on that Friday night
When you lost it at that one red light
You left me and our dog alone
In our glass house just throwing stones

There's nowhere else I'd rather be today

I can follow on my own
Or squeeze whiskey from a stone
But I'll never be the one you like
I'm not the diplomatic type
I'll never live up to the hype, I know

I stand beneath your window throwing stones





Castaways

It was quite a run we had
Full of second chances and keeping our hands to ourselves
It was just a couple weeks before that
Last drink, last time, or were you just being kind
'Cuz it's the same things this time that keep us misaligned

So I'm walking around, up and down in this sideways head of mine
I don't know what I expect to find
Different with one more trip to the same old well
If you got some insight by all means, tell

She don't like rainy days or guys that stay too long
When she first sent me away I tried to just be strong
So I'll take my place in my own disgrace
With your other castaways

There's no message in the sand, no ring on your hand
Did it all go down as planned?

There ain't no talkin' sense
To a country girl with her head all full of things
That I just don't understand about
Asking forgiveness when you've done nothing wrong
But I've been living with this for so, so long

She don't like rainy days or guys that stay too long
When she first sent me away I tried to just be strong
She don't like rainy days she's been inside for too long
So I'll take my place in my own disgrace
With your other castaways





Little Miss Awesome

I saw a picture of you standing outside your brand new house
With a smile on your face now tell me, what's that about?
This'll probably lead to nothing, and that's a long way back besides
But don't you ever wonder why it took us just a minute to say goodbye

Well it's nice to get a postcard from the sunny South
But did you ever stop to think that maybe I'm better off without
You laughing and your smiling and your funny little ways
That's a long way back, yeah funny, but the hold on my heart still stays

You saw it coming so you had to say it first
Spit 'em out quick so it doesn't sound rehearsed
Your laughing and your smiling, it's been so many years
Little miss awesome I wish you were here

Remember when I walked you to your car?
I didn't know you'd be gone so long, or go so far
We stood there like there's nothing wrong, like we didn't really care
We moved along and left our story there

Someday you'll come home to find me waiting by your door
Waking up that feeling you remember from before
Your laughing and your smiling, it's been so many years
Little miss awesome I wish you were here
Little miss awesome I wish you were here

You laughing and your smiling and your funny little ways
Little miss awesome I hope you'll let me stay





Wedding Day

It's no interrogation and you're not on trial
But did you whisper my name as you walked down that aisle
For just a moment did you think of me
Were you taken back to winter, '93

We were making up stories, we were making out
You were pretty sure but I had my doubts
We said goodbye, you said it really burned
But today it seems that the table has been turned

Did you think about me on your wedding day
Were you focused on the moment, not far away
Did you shed a little tear after all these years
As you threw away your bouquet
Did you think about me on your wedding day

You said I'm not the best singer but you liked my voice
Flaking out has always been my career of choice
Charming to the last, but at last we'll see
Who's looking in from outside alone, and lonely

On the sidewalk outside your favorite bar
You said "Let's go to my house, we can take my car
I know it's cold but it's not that far."





Pizza Girl

Pizza girl, pizza girl, I never thought I'd see there would come a day when you'd be serving food to me
Pizza girl, pizza girl I never thought you'd be down here rubbin' elbows with us lowly bourgeoisie

Remember back in homeroom when you were all frisky
But a girl who comes from money don't have time for guys like me
You boyfriend he took classes at the university
He had a job waitin' at his daddy's company

We all had you pegged for the lonely housewife gig
Squeezing out some babies for some rich suburban pig
Where did all those years go, what happened to those dreams?
But you're lookin' real fine in that 'ol apron and them jeans

Why'd you stick around, what happened to your beau?
When we all couldn't wait to get away from all that snow
Would it be too much to ask you for a miserable hello?

Even though you smile and tease me when I'm home
I can tell you'd just as soon if I left you alone
When your schlepping pies and batting eyes at customers like me
Waiting for us all to leave so you can drink for free





Goddamn Thing

No one lies about being lonely, no one ever gets that far
Got your suitcase & your carry-all, now you're packing up your car
Go on back to Georgia, go back to mom and dad
Turn your back on every little Goddamn thing we had

You're pulling wool over their eyes but I can see just fine
Playing games of take-away 'till there's nothing left that's mine
Go on back to Oregon, just see if I get mad
Giving up on every little Goddamn thing we had

I'm not waiting by the phone, I'm just sitting here alone
Go your way I'll go mine, just tell 'em I'm doing fine

It's the same old story on different day, sorry I forgot to laugh
Just pass along my sentiments, say goodbye on my behalf

Go on back to Arkansas if you wanna see me mad
Throw away about every little Goddamn thing we had
Get back onto the mainland - Get off this lily pad
Leave behind you every little Goddamn thing we had
Go on back to Pittsburgh and take another stab
Forget about every little Goddamn thing we had





What You're Doing Today

You're leading me astray with the words you got, beating around the bush
I had something to say but decided not, I didn't want wanna push
You left me down in the bottoms
But I never fired back and I never went away

There was a time when we were cool and clear, and everything was not
Out there on the table, now everything is shot
There's some sorta line that's been crossed
Now everything's all messed up everything is lost

I'm not high I'm just distracted, I can explain the way I acted
But I gotta know what you're doing today

Everybody knows that you had it so easy, everything to lose
It wasn't really fair and it never really is, when they finally make you choose
We're hangin' by the swings and your phone finally rings
You never looked back and you quietly walked away

I finally forgot your face but I've never been back to that place
And I gotta know what you're doing today

Now we all sit back in our easy chairs and talk about those days
The memories fade as the years go by but the emptiness remains
Somebody said they saw you, but you never even asked
You never even said my name

He said "Why are you hung up on her?"
I can't believe you actually saw her!
And I gotta know what you're doing today





Still Waiting Here

I never knew what a dump this was till you walked through the door
Spent the next 3 hours talkin' you in to having a couple more
From the light above the pool table to the tiles on the floor
And the way the juke box looks and sounds, like you never heard before

You see a mess you grab a sponge and get down on your knees
To you I'm just a carpet stain or a mangy dog with fleas
I'm just another project to keep you occupied
You're in control behind the wheel, I was just here for the ride

I couldn't wait for tomorrow to appear
The sound of your voice as it hit my ear
I'm waiting counting minutes as the seconds disappear
Now I'm still waiting here

A lesson learned is not forgot but lost in all this haze
And looking back I'm not too proud of my easy trusting ways
Another angel just walked through that lonely tavern door
I'd tell you what happens next but you've heard it before

I couldn't wait for tomorrow to appear
The sound of your voice as it hit my ear
I'm waiting counting minutes as the seconds disappear
Now I'm still waiting here





Partner In Crime

Our first date was a walk through the cemetery
We held hands as we fumbled through the dark
Pretty soon we moved up to lighthouses and abandoned old barns

In town all the talk down at the diner
And your momma's friends all gettin' their hair done
That's two strikes and a black eye all against us, just trying to have fun

That's just the way things are done around here
But I don't listen anymore
Don't be afraid, I'll never disappear
We got nothing to answer for

Their eyes burn a hole right through your dress
As you're laying flowers on your daddy's grave
They'll tell you that they know what's best, and you can still be saved

That's just the way things are done around here
But I don't listen anymore
Don't be afraid, don't you disappear
We got nothing to answer for

I hear them gasp I see them hold their breath
When you're passing them on by
Don't feel betrayed by their testament
They were never on your side

You still fix your hair before you go out
You still get to church on time
Maybe it's time that you find yourself a new partner in crime

That's just the way things are done around here
But don't you listen anymore
Don't be afraid, don't you disappear
You got nothing to answer for





Wandering Eye

She stands on the sidelines with her eyes closed and her arms crossed
While I do what I want when I want, as I please
She used to laugh and tease about these goings on with her eyes closed
And her nose and hair up in the breeze

I just can't go on acting innocent, I don't know why I even try - my wandering eye

Her silence is unnerving as we take turns saying nothing
To each other for another long lonely day
She used to laugh and tease about these goings on but now I just
Wonder how long I have to stay

I just can't go on acting innocent, I don't know why I even try - my wandering eye

Maybe we should get away
Or maybe I should, and you can stay
This aint no lost and found, and I can't stop looking around
And I just can't wait another day

My silence is unnerving while I gather up what I got
That's not worth leaving behind or packing up
I know you might not see it now but this might just be good somehow
It might be your first taste of some good luck

I just can't go on acting innocent, I don't know why I even try - my wandering eye





Make Out King

Written by Ian Trumbull/Originally by The Deterants

A little rough around the edges
Born too smooth around the mouth
You're a weekend long legend
Turn around and spit you out
He's the make-out king

Short on long term attention
Any commitment marked in chalk
Yeah they see right through him
But no one ever up and walks out
On the Make Out King

Now Johnny's makin' fun
But wishin' he was the one the one
To never step out the same door twice
Like the Make Out King





Barely All the Time

I don't need a reminder that it's the end of Summer time
And if you ever find her, remember, she used to be mine

I'd walk her home through the city
Through the leaves and the rain
Cold and wet but always pretty
She never once complained

You should take what you want she'd always say
But she never let me get to her that way
If you see her tell her I'm doin' fine
And I barely think about her all the time

I don't get up much in the winter
But I'm not bothered by the cold
And though our group is getting thinner
She's still around, I'm told

You can take what you want she'd always say
But it never worked for me quite that way
If you see her tell her I'm just fine
And I barely think about her all the time

Saw you last that night this past July
You might show up I'd heard
Where you now, how you getting by?
Stood there chokin' on my words

You should take what you want she'd always say
Looking back it might've seemed that way
If you see her tell her I'm just fine
And I barely think about her all the time

I don't need a reminder that it's the end of Summer time
And if you ever find her, remember, she used to be mine





You Owe Me A Heart

You owe me a heart I don't want a clean start
You said until the end but you let me down again
You owe me a heart

You owe me heart, couldn't keep us apart
In my Sunday best but you said I looked a mess
You owe me a heart

You owe me some time to get you off my mind
A parking lot kiss, opportunity missed
You owe me some time

You owe me some time, more than nickels and dimes
No debt deferred if you haven't heard
You owe me some time

Shaking knees, shaking lips, hey it's me again

You owe me a heart 'till I get used to this part
I find it hard to believe that you're not gonna leave
You owe me a heart

Shaking knees, shaking lips, hey it's me again





Night On The Town

Saturday night and I'm acting normal, I'm taking my baby out
Our destination and plans are informal but I just can't tell her about

All the things that I've done and they're just so shameful so I'm hiding my lying away
Every day Is a bit more painful Seems the only way

Put on my best and cleanest threads but I couldn't be more down
We'll raise a glass to no regrets but they'll eventually come around

All the things I had will be taken from me, all the lies I've told exposed
Any weight I feel bearing on me is all deserved I know

She said "Hey, are you alright?"
Well what are you asking for?
Aren't I mister cheerful anymore?

I might not be the life of the party you're looking for
But I can lie as good as anyone for sure

Everything comes to an end, everything gives way
I can't hold out, I can't pretend. I got something I need to say

Let's walk it off, let's talk a while. Let me see your hand
Just this once I'm coming clean. I hope you'll understand






Ain't My House Anymore

Wasting away on the side of the road in a bar where we used to play
Counting the ways and the things I was told and the reasons you gave me to stay

I can live with the feeling that I made the worst mistake of my life
But I miss those windows and I miss that door
And it ain't my house anymore

Can I stop by for an hour or two, say hi to the dog and the kid
Why the sudden interest? Well, I don't know. When I lived here I never did

I could'a been a better man, it's true, but I coulda, shoulda, wish i woulda did
But I'm not here to answer for
'cuz it ain't my house anymore

Sure I get lonely sometimes but I'm not looking over my back
Chasing every dream that I ever had down and seeing how they stack
Against what I I left behind and what I had before
What I hoped to find and what I left you for

Settle up, 2 barstools down, nothing left for me in here
Maybe see you next time I'm in town, endeavor to persevere

I can live with this ringing in my ears and these voices in my head
But I miss that smile and I'm still real sore
'cuz it ain't my house anymore






Sidewalk Ends

The sidewalk ends at your house I'm rappin' on your door
The cat says you're not home I've been alone before
When I saw it in your eyes underneath the streetlight
I've been alone before but it never feels right

Saw a photograph or two, your Sunday picnic dress
It never feels right when you force me to confess
Was it yesterday, last year or a memory ago
I say I'm feeling fine but I'm not even so so

Picking me a flower or throwing me a line
Will I get paid by the hour, will I get paid on time?

Now the days melt like ice in the bottom of my glass
But before I down my drink I hadn't time to ask
Hey what'cha doing here now with a bum like me
I'm locked out of your house but I know I hold the key






Last Time I Saw You Happy

Well I'm watching it snow inside my head
Making up words you never said
I'm waitin' for a kickback to bail me out
But it doesn't seem to matter what the secret's about

Well we watch the sunrise as we scrap and fight
About toilet seats and left on lights
It was under your breath as you were out the door
You just don't know if you can take it any more

The last time I saw you happy was the last time I was sad
You'd be better off without me even though I really can't let you go

Saturday night we were out with friends
Making believe and playing pretend
You with yours and me with mine
Ok, I guess so, whatever, fine

The last time I saw you happy was the last time I was sad
You'd be better off without me even though I really can't let you go

You find it hard to swallow all the bitter pills that I have dealt
It won't be fine tomorrow ?cause you're feeling worse than you've felt before - to the core

So we're giving up, we're getting off this boat
We're cashing out while it barely floats
It was your reaction, but the blame is mine
Ok, I guess so, whatever, fine

The last time I saw you happy was the last time I was sad
You'd be better off without me even though I really can't let you go






Not Like You're Mine

It's not like you're mine to say what's on your mind until you tell me
It's not always fine to hang it on the line until you let me

It's not a good day to say you're going away like you never left me
Decisions were made and prices were paid in spades and debts were let free

Well I don't live in Boston I was there to see some friends
And I'm not from Chicago nut I get there when I can
But Minneapolis is alot more like my home
It's not like you're mine to keep me hangin' on

The passage of time has scarred over all the lines on the pages between us
It's been a few days it's too early to raise the flag - I don't think anyone's seen us
It's not a journey but a stumble to the floor
And I'm in a hurry but they're asking me for more
And I can't wait another thirty seven years
It's not like you're mine and worth all of these tears

And yesterday it was fantastic, but I'm not living in the past
That nostalgia sticks to you like gum that's on your shoe
And everrything went by so fast

I spent my afternoons beneath a shady tree
You spent all yesterday waiting there for me
But I've moved on from there, at least that's what I say
It's not like you're mine to let you get away

I got more regrets than I can count or understand
It's not like you're mine to let go of your hand






Hallmark Holiday

Said "I love you" on a Hallmark Holiday
Couldn't do it in a roundabout way
Just look inside to see the things I could never say

At your window I'm steamin' up the glass
I'm just obsessed with being part of your past
I'll take you back now all you gotta do is ask

I had you tailed and your cell phone bugged
I got inside and hid beneath your rug
I stole your lipstick off of your favorite mug

Changed your sheets on a Wednesday morning
Changed your number on a Thursday night
Said take a left but I really should have taken a right

I changed your tire and I mended your fence
Made sure to show up at all of your events
You're in my future but to you I'm strictly past tense

To shake it up I dressed up like a clown
And just for kicks I tried to put you back down
Snuck up behind you but you never even turned around

Changed your sheets on a Wednesday morning
Left on Thursday for an early flight
Said you're sorry but that really doesn't make it all right

Fell in love on a Hallmark holiday
Ask me nice but I'll never go away
Just look inside to see the things I could never say






Dead on Your Feet

You're always looking for tomorrow when it's barely afternoon
You've gotten pretty far though, you might just be there soon

You got grubs in your lawn and a head full of songs
And a book full of stories that you'll never want to read

You got your culture in the movies and your fashion on your block
Outside the passers by are all just flying with the flock

But you had stars in your eyes and a closet full of lies
That you were every bit excited just to go and leave behind
Is this the turning of the tide or the same old free ride
That never stops or lets you off or pays you back in kind

Now you're dead on your feet but you can't admit defeat
And you're busy looking for another way
Now you're dead on your feet but you were never on the street
Even though that's what you always say

You got a picture perfect view but if they really knew
They might not be so fast to take you back into their living rooms

There's no sign on the wall saying catch you if you fall
Never give them anything to change what they assume
Is this the turning of the tide or the same old free ride
That never stops or lets you off or pauses or resumes

Is this the turning of the tide
Or the same old free ride

Another Monday woke up and another weekend gone
A new day to remember a long forgotten song

You're always looking for some answers that you never seem to find
Out your bedroom window in a world that's left you far behind
Is this the turning of the tide or the same old free ride
That never stops or lets you off or pays you back in kind






When September Passed Us By

She's an open book that needs reading twice
With an open ear for bad advice
I'm a sucker for a basket case
With an open wound and a pretty face

Well I really can't deny
That we were both a little high
When September passed us by

So together we were on our way
But it wasn't long before she said "hey,
This might come off a little tough
But your good intentions aren't quite enough"

Well I really can't deny
That we were both a little high
When September passed us by

Still buried down inside
Because we never really tried
When September passed us by

Makin' out in the parking lot
Now the last two weeks are shot
And we got something to pretend
When your parents think we're studying

Well I really can't deny
That we were both a little high
When September passed us by

And I deserve another try
Because we never said goodbye
When September passed us by






Out Inside

Written by Randy Barrett and Jeremy Porter

Hey don't you know - That I was once an imbecile
It was quite a sight when we were up all night but we made it through

hey don't you know - I never even should'a tried
I dropped the pin when the ice got thin and I walked away as you let me in

Now I'm sittin in some club
Smokin' and tellin' lies
I guess my rep' is fried
I guess I'm out inside

Hey don't you know that you're the queen of Industry
You're stacked in black for the attack - and I'm on fire

Hey don't you know - there's more to this than camouflage
You'll chip a tooth if you tell the truth and you'll find more than you ever knew

They're all sitting in some room
Smokin' and tellin' lies
I guess my rep' is fried
I guess I'm out inside

Is that really your reaction or do you just need to vent
When we both know it was just for show but you ended up content
Dreams only last so long I guess I'll never wake again

I never even should'a tried
But I made it out alive
Now everybody's picking sides
And waiting for you to decide
Well I guess that's why I'm left out inside






The Turnaround

I'm in up to my feet in what's coming down the street
I got lost in yesterday

Empty chairs in empty rows and empty old mistakes
What's left to desecrate?

Hardly worth a second look
Hardly worth the toll it took
The turnaround's the hook
Why'd you have to go that way?

I had to laugh during the aftermath
After a shower and a shave
I had to decide if I was wasting all my time
I wanted to leave but I chose to stay

Packin' up
For another go around
But at the bar I just talk it down

Singles Going steady
Double nickels on the dime
Maybe another time
I'm out of time

Hardly worth a second look
Hardly worth the toll it took
The turnaround's the hook
I hear it's all the rage

The turnaround's the hook
And I am not afraid






Hundred Bucks

What better place than the present to kick myself in the ass
Start makin' plans and shaking hands and gettin' somewhere fast
Time just crawls from under this rock when I got nowhere to go
It weighs so much when you're outta touch, gettin' nowhere slow

She said no offense to whiskey drinkers
I said none taken here
As long as you owe me a hundred bucks
You'll never disappear

I first took one for the team because I thought it might be fun
But after a couple dozen more I said God damn I'm done
A master plan from where I stand sounds just about the same
As lessons learned by taking turns at our favorite pinball game

She said pull yourself together boy
Stop crying in your beer
As long as you owe me a hundred bucks
You'll never disappear

She said wait a minute, started breaking down
But that's no way to keep me around
This is not the time to act that way
I'm the one who's messed up here
Let make this one perfectly clear
Save the drama for another day

Countin' up the friends I got and maybe some I don't
Then there's two or three I dream about ripping out their throats
But I've never been much good at math so it oughtta now make sense
I crawl back in when things get hot or a little too intense