I Am a Queen Already I made up my mind a long time ago not to be somebody else. If I would've sold my soul, how could I live with myself? I couldn't do it anyway, no one would ever believe. I never could hide the way that I feel, just read my face and you'll see. I am a queen already, I am a steel beam. I do have scars, but they don't define me. I'm a collector's item, the only one in the series. I am a queen already, I am a steel beam. Not that I won't change and grow, as long as I don't bend and break. I was born a sprout in the earth, under the surface was a lake. This current ebbs and flows; it's in me, it's in you. Show me the path, I'll take a step and follow through. I am a warrior.
Better Angels I have spent a lifetime ducking down my head, telling myself to be humble, brushing off the unkind words you said. I have spent a lifetime listening to you tell me who I was, considering your opinions, looking for the logic to your thoughts. I have spent years hoping your grievances would heal, but you prefer your darkened world, so this all ends right here. I have spent too long growing ever-weary with my failures to reach your better angels, so today I lay down a kiss and simply walk away.
Moonwalk I’ll take a step, a leap of faith into the abyss. Air & space spin around me, I’ll be the shooting star defying gravity. Open up the hatch. I’ll go on a moonwalk,
not sure if this is up or down. But I see the earth in green, blue & brown, and I wanna drown in its tranquility. I don’t have a map for this life. I trust I’m where I should be. I’m awaiting instructions and pushing random buttons--just trying to be authentically (me). The sun shines on my windshield with cracks just like stars from the impact of a million small pebbles trying to leave a big impression and throw themselves right through the glass. I don’t wanna get lost and float off like some spacecraft debris. My jet pack is clogged, but I hope it’ll still respond. Return to blastoff, one-two-three.
Moonwalk I’ll take a step, a leap of faith into the abyss. Air & space spin around me, I’ll be the shooting star defying gravity. Open up the hatch. I’ll go on a moonwalk,
not sure if this is up or down. But I see the earth in green, blue & brown, and I wanna drown in its tranquility. I don’t have a map for this life. I trust I’m where I should be. I’m awaiting instructions and pushing random buttons--just trying to be authentically (me). The sun shines on my windshield with cracks just like stars from the impact of a million small pebbles trying to leave a big impression and throw themselves right through the glass. I don’t wanna get lost and float off like some spacecraft debris. My jet pack is clogged, but I hope it’ll still respond. Return to blastoff, one-two-three.
Top Shelf On the top shelf of my closet, right next to the attic, in the dark where no one can see, under a stack of magazines in a box locked up without the key are troubles and bad memories that stay far out of reach. I thought maybe I needed to open it, but I decided it’s not worth it. The hurts can stay inside and out of view--Incidents I’ve forgotten, but my dreams have haunted. Don’t deserve my nerves, I’ve forgotten you. Instead I’ll step into the sunshine, wave good-bye to all of that. I carried that weight on my shoulders for too long, and that’s a fact. Throw on a pair of sunglasses and bask in the brightness at hand. Hey all, I think I’m over it, it’s all gone--would you look at that? I had to work out some things from way back in the past. I caught them all and clipped their wings, pinned them down, and now they’re stashed in an album showing life as it had been once, way back. I could peruse it if I wanted, but I think I’ll pass. Like an ant carries its body weight times twenty, all that brought me down, and plenty. Like an ant carries its body weight times thirty, look how strong I got, I tossed it off liike something dead and dirty.
Extremist~Everybody needs a little balance; a kiss from heaven, kick from hell, a proper love and a shadowy dalliance, a swimming pool, and a deep dark well. All things in moderation--sweet and sour, this and that, a little virtue, salacious temptation, a puffed-up ego and a trip and fall flat. But you make me happy and depressed. You are nothing in the middle, my own personal extremist. One moment, I’m on top of the world--tightrope walking, I can see for miles and miles. Next minute, cut me down to size, a wrecking ball. You capsize me. Night is dark and day is light. Don’t know to expect love or a fight. I open up to snap back shut. I can’t figure out, what do you want?
Apron Strings Somewhere out there is a city, beyond this curtain of snow. Somewhere out there is my life, though when I’ll see it again, I don’t know. Somewhere past this blinding screen, you and I connect, there’s a pulse in our necks. I wanna know you as you were, but I’m sure I’ve changed too. The snow and wind are disorienting... let’s tie apron strings and keep pushing through. This twisting road is a long one. I’m sorry if I left you alone. But the envy in your heart, through the long-run... the snow drifted between us and has grown. But I’ll always head towards your voice, so don’t go quiet, let’s talk. I won’t die without a fight. I wanna know you as you are. Will you know me too? It’s too cold to sleep, so let’s walk. Don’t go quiet, let’s talk.
Wild Wild is the wind through the cottonwood trees, roaring like an ocean that grows and recedes. Wild is the music from the crickets and the locusts. The summer grows short when all the insects form a chorus. Wild is the moonlight, shadow branches all around, playing tricks on your wide eyes, darting before you on the ground. The wild seeps into my skin, it kisses my lips again. It soaks into my bones and settles deep within, and I am painted midnight blue; then I am wild too. Wild is the smell of earth, sinks deep into your soul. Some part of you started there, and in the end, that’s where you’ll go.
Apron Strings Somewhere out there is a city, beyond this curtain of snow. Somewhere out there is my life, though when I’ll see it again, I don’t know. Somewhere past this blinding screen, you and I connect, there’s a pulse in our necks. I wanna know you as you were, but I’m sure I’ve changed too. The snow and wind are disorienting... let’s tie apron strings and keep pushing through. This twisting road is a long one. I’m sorry if I left you alone. But the envy in your heart, through the long-run... the snow drifted between us and has grown. But I’ll always head towards your voice, so don’t go quiet, let’s talk. I won’t die without a fight. I wanna know you as you are. Will you know me too? It’s too cold to sleep, so let’s walk. Don’t go quiet, let’s talk.
Wild Wild is the wind through the cottonwood trees, roaring like an ocean that grows and recedes. Wild is the music from the crickets and the locusts. The summer grows short when all the insects form a chorus. Wild is the moonlight, shadow branches all around, playing tricks on your wide eyes, darting before you on the ground. The wild seeps into my skin, it kisses my lips again. It soaks into my bones and settles deep within, and I am painted midnight blue; then I am wild too. Wild is the smell of earth, sinks deep into your soul. Some part of you started there, and in the end, that’s where you’ll go.
Wrinkled Dresses~Start out, fresh and eager, bright, put-together. And as the day progresses, wrinkled get the dresses, and later, we get caught in the rain. Did I know that it wouldn’t work out? Would we all fall in, if we knew what love was all about? When autumn leaves start to die, they go out with a bang, brash & brassy, to deny it.
Travis~Travis was a troubled kid, tough blue eyes, ripped blue jeans. Punched holes in walls, home life was rough—you know what that means. Ringleader, the head mixer, kingpin on the playground, chalkboard eraser. Wicked smile for just a child; it’s a phase that’ll blow over. Travis, won’t you remain in my mind as you were before the innocence got left behind? Keep some naïve up your sleeve, cause this world ain’t easy, Travis. Gave me a hard time, and then we got along fine. He’d hide in the classroom closet--stop, rewind, pause it. One day he was gone, parents moved, uprooted. He started with me but we weren’t the same--I knew it, and he proved it. Travis stared at me today, mugshot full of felons, and drug possession. Travis, well, I don’t know your path, but you weren’t bad, though I was right to be scared under the fire escape, breath in the air. You could still prove me wrong, in fact I wish you would. Cause I remember there was a lot of good.
Time~Time is a past lives teller. Time can your plans erase. Time’s a dirty word with four letters. Time can both heal and disgrace. Time is a gift and a blessing. Time can dismantle and curse. Time is the chance for a new beginning. Time could make it all worse. Time isn’t rich. Time isn’t poor. You can’t buy it back, you can’t give it away,
You’ve only got what you’ve got; there will be no more. Time as a child was forever. Now that I’m old, it’s running out. Time can be as present as the pulse in your ears or as distant as the echo when you shout. Time is wise, but it may be too late. You are worth my time, but please, don’t wait.
Stanford White Ruined My Wife~Stanford White ruined my wife. She was defenseless, and he made her his own. She was naïve and trusting, he was demanding and thrusting, and she liked it, and for that I can’t leave it alone.
Stanford White ruined my wife, and I can’t get it out of my head. Thoughts of him touching her hair, kissing her, breathing her air, and she liked it. And I just want him dead. Stanford White ruined my life. She’s mine, but he had her first. Not a minute goes by that it’s not in my mind, not an intimate act, not a second of time. I must quiet these voices, or my brain will just burst... but not if I can get him first.
I <3 NY~Cobwebs on my Midwestern manners, sensitivity slow from disuse, my gentle heart’s in here, somewhere,
in this carnival of constant abuse. NYC, I see what you do to the people you chew, and like an accident where I can’t look away, I’m praying I’ll be spared your unyielding snare while I grin and continue to stay. I’m talking New York--thought I’d won, but look out, here you come. I’m singing New York--you’ve got me cornered, thought I’d had enough, now give me some. There’s girls here who’ve been misdirected, there’s men who got lost in the scene. Time flies by in the blink of an eye and I don’t want to lose track of some dreams. But I stood on the streets in the fury, dirty feet, dirty hands, sparkling smile. Everyone was in such a hurry, and so was I, after awhile. Hopelessly devoted, more addicted by the minute.
Travis~Travis was a troubled kid, tough blue eyes, ripped blue jeans. Punched holes in walls, home life was rough—you know what that means. Ringleader, the head mixer, kingpin on the playground, chalkboard eraser. Wicked smile for just a child; it’s a phase that’ll blow over. Travis, won’t you remain in my mind as you were before the innocence got left behind? Keep some naïve up your sleeve, cause this world ain’t easy, Travis. Gave me a hard time, and then we got along fine. He’d hide in the classroom closet--stop, rewind, pause it. One day he was gone, parents moved, uprooted. He started with me but we weren’t the same--I knew it, and he proved it. Travis stared at me today, mugshot full of felons, and drug possession. Travis, well, I don’t know your path, but you weren’t bad, though I was right to be scared under the fire escape, breath in the air. You could still prove me wrong, in fact I wish you would. Cause I remember there was a lot of good.
Time~Time is a past lives teller. Time can your plans erase. Time’s a dirty word with four letters. Time can both heal and disgrace. Time is a gift and a blessing. Time can dismantle and curse. Time is the chance for a new beginning. Time could make it all worse. Time isn’t rich. Time isn’t poor. You can’t buy it back, you can’t give it away,
You’ve only got what you’ve got; there will be no more. Time as a child was forever. Now that I’m old, it’s running out. Time can be as present as the pulse in your ears or as distant as the echo when you shout. Time is wise, but it may be too late. You are worth my time, but please, don’t wait.
Stanford White Ruined My Wife~Stanford White ruined my wife. She was defenseless, and he made her his own. She was naïve and trusting, he was demanding and thrusting, and she liked it, and for that I can’t leave it alone.
Stanford White ruined my wife, and I can’t get it out of my head. Thoughts of him touching her hair, kissing her, breathing her air, and she liked it. And I just want him dead. Stanford White ruined my life. She’s mine, but he had her first. Not a minute goes by that it’s not in my mind, not an intimate act, not a second of time. I must quiet these voices, or my brain will just burst... but not if I can get him first.
I <3 NY~Cobwebs on my Midwestern manners, sensitivity slow from disuse, my gentle heart’s in here, somewhere,
in this carnival of constant abuse. NYC, I see what you do to the people you chew, and like an accident where I can’t look away, I’m praying I’ll be spared your unyielding snare while I grin and continue to stay. I’m talking New York--thought I’d won, but look out, here you come. I’m singing New York--you’ve got me cornered, thought I’d had enough, now give me some. There’s girls here who’ve been misdirected, there’s men who got lost in the scene. Time flies by in the blink of an eye and I don’t want to lose track of some dreams. But I stood on the streets in the fury, dirty feet, dirty hands, sparkling smile. Everyone was in such a hurry, and so was I, after awhile. Hopelessly devoted, more addicted by the minute.
Demon on Your Shoulder~Beautiful boy, whose blue eyes are bloody; swaying, unsteady, slurred words as he comes on to girls, homeless guys beg him for money. Why do you poison yourself with fools' gold and whiskey? Search for the bottom of the glass, let down when it comes up empty. There's a demon on your shoulder, there's death in your eye. Shake it off, cry it out. Life could love you, give it a try. Golden boy who sees coal in the mirror above the liquor to be sold, talks to strangers cause he doesn't wanna go home. Black hole in a sweet soul, can't be filled no matter how much beer. Chug as much as you can from the glass or the can; empty chasm, shaky hands, panic spasm. Your guardian angel's working overtime while you kick back and unwind. Kick the bar stool from beneath your bones, which I fear too soon will find a home flat on the ground. Party till you pass out, till the sunlight peers in. Till the vampires all go to sleep, then it's safe to rest with no dreams.
White Noise~White noise is erasing my brain. The frequency of a sedative, it lulls away any pain and dulls the rhythm of the city, it soothes away human sounds. Everything is tan, bland and pretty. There's a strip mall being built around my heart. I'm toning down my edges, making palatable my art. I've tamed my frizzy hair, it's unbecoming in your eyes. I'm trying hard to reach you, so I put on this disguise. Is it working? Can you hear me? So many ways to communicate, and no one speaks their mind. Auto correct regulates all thought, space and time. Mayday, SOS, I get a text instead of a hug. My body longs for touch, but I sense that you're reluctant. So many broken hearts, so many missed connections. I wanna tell you I love you; do you have reception?
Watch Me~Turn the camera on me. I want to be seen before I'm gone. I want to be beautiful forever. Would you watch me? Show me the spotlight, a thin sliver of heavenly light. I'll bathe in its purity, I'll wash in its fire... but would you watch me? Please check me out. Snap that shutter shut, check me out. I'm moving just for you, check me out. I like it when you look. You call it vanity. It's human to desire, and I think it's sanity. This ain't all I'm worth, sir, but there's a reason why we flirt, so just watch me. Make me immortal, a photo conquers death and I want your desire to outlast my last breath.
True Blue~I know the Rolling Stones are classic, and whiskey's a dependable choice. I like a guy with a shy smile and a smoke break in his voice. There are boys who use buttery tones to sweet talk for the night, and real men, far between, who give a compliment in broad daylight. Will you stay for a bad day or two? Valentines are red, would you be true blue? I'm a country girl at heart--gullible, and naive. I'd hitch my horse behind a runaway cart, so don't promise the city and leave. So don't joke if you mention tomorrow, cause that might be what I'm a-thinkin. Don't be a tease and plant that seed, fingers crossed and eyes winkin.
Give~A pinata and a blindfold, I threw thrusts into the darkness. Never a hit, only miss; but the prize would so tantalize, I pommeled blank air with my fists. A seeker, a treasure map; X marked the spot of quicksand and black holes, but such gold did I imagine. I never found it, and I almost died trying. And now adios, sayonara, it was fun trying to know ya, but this romantic tragedy ain't how I wanna live. And I just give and give and give. A lucid dream that was so real, I felt the beating of your heart. Heard the thoughts in your head, words before they were said. Warm sunlight did glow, but then I'd awaken alone. A riddle, a sphinx, maybe a few more drinks.
White Noise~White noise is erasing my brain. The frequency of a sedative, it lulls away any pain and dulls the rhythm of the city, it soothes away human sounds. Everything is tan, bland and pretty. There's a strip mall being built around my heart. I'm toning down my edges, making palatable my art. I've tamed my frizzy hair, it's unbecoming in your eyes. I'm trying hard to reach you, so I put on this disguise. Is it working? Can you hear me? So many ways to communicate, and no one speaks their mind. Auto correct regulates all thought, space and time. Mayday, SOS, I get a text instead of a hug. My body longs for touch, but I sense that you're reluctant. So many broken hearts, so many missed connections. I wanna tell you I love you; do you have reception?
Watch Me~Turn the camera on me. I want to be seen before I'm gone. I want to be beautiful forever. Would you watch me? Show me the spotlight, a thin sliver of heavenly light. I'll bathe in its purity, I'll wash in its fire... but would you watch me? Please check me out. Snap that shutter shut, check me out. I'm moving just for you, check me out. I like it when you look. You call it vanity. It's human to desire, and I think it's sanity. This ain't all I'm worth, sir, but there's a reason why we flirt, so just watch me. Make me immortal, a photo conquers death and I want your desire to outlast my last breath.
True Blue~I know the Rolling Stones are classic, and whiskey's a dependable choice. I like a guy with a shy smile and a smoke break in his voice. There are boys who use buttery tones to sweet talk for the night, and real men, far between, who give a compliment in broad daylight. Will you stay for a bad day or two? Valentines are red, would you be true blue? I'm a country girl at heart--gullible, and naive. I'd hitch my horse behind a runaway cart, so don't promise the city and leave. So don't joke if you mention tomorrow, cause that might be what I'm a-thinkin. Don't be a tease and plant that seed, fingers crossed and eyes winkin.
Give~A pinata and a blindfold, I threw thrusts into the darkness. Never a hit, only miss; but the prize would so tantalize, I pommeled blank air with my fists. A seeker, a treasure map; X marked the spot of quicksand and black holes, but such gold did I imagine. I never found it, and I almost died trying. And now adios, sayonara, it was fun trying to know ya, but this romantic tragedy ain't how I wanna live. And I just give and give and give. A lucid dream that was so real, I felt the beating of your heart. Heard the thoughts in your head, words before they were said. Warm sunlight did glow, but then I'd awaken alone. A riddle, a sphinx, maybe a few more drinks.
A Song for You~If I wrote a song for you, it'd be country, cause that's what we are, you and me. It'd have beer and heartache and twang, drunken dancing and clumsy swing. No need to talk much; just a little touch. If I wrote a song for you, it'd have guitar, like the purest sounds of the best you are. It'd have smoldering licks and cool-hand riffs, tremolo, reverb, the hint of a hiss; electricity, like in your kiss. If I wrote a song for you, it'd be summer, like the rock-n-roll from when we were younger. Sunglasses on, hair slicked back, but falling in your face (cause I like it like that). Freckles on your skin and the sky in your eyes, cutoffs and goofing off; starry, starry nights, the Rolling Stones at sunrise.
Be Careful~Eyes the color of endless sea where I'd like to be shipwrecked and stranded Lips with the gentlest touch A tenderness I can't explain very much You have the power to make me cry Please be careful Wild and daring repentant in the morning Your temperament can change with the hour And your medication of choice Silly, scary or sour You have power over your life You have the power to make me cry Please be careful You push me and pull me probe me and lure me Caress me and reject me at whim You admire and ignore me Love me and adore me Then run to the edge of the limb I am standing in front of you Eye to eye shoe to shoe Standing in front of you tell me What will you do Please be careful
Jaycee~I was a fly on your spider web, waiting around to die. You came to visit me daily, all hands and tentacles; groping and probing, you'd pry open everything closed, like I was property you owned. Played whatever games you wished, dressed me up, unbuttoned, unfastened, uncinched. <Not one more second.> The days turned into months, my life rolled by into years. You couldn't get enough of your plaything, so I remained in your toy chest in tears. Until like a boy growing out of his toys, you moved on to other joys. But by then, I had babies, in bonds just like me. I watched like a hawk as you bounced them on your knee. <Not one more second.> And then one day, they came and locked you away and set me free! And you will never take another second of time away from me.
Be Careful~Eyes the color of endless sea where I'd like to be shipwrecked and stranded Lips with the gentlest touch A tenderness I can't explain very much You have the power to make me cry Please be careful Wild and daring repentant in the morning Your temperament can change with the hour And your medication of choice Silly, scary or sour You have power over your life You have the power to make me cry Please be careful You push me and pull me probe me and lure me Caress me and reject me at whim You admire and ignore me Love me and adore me Then run to the edge of the limb I am standing in front of you Eye to eye shoe to shoe Standing in front of you tell me What will you do Please be careful
Jaycee~I was a fly on your spider web, waiting around to die. You came to visit me daily, all hands and tentacles; groping and probing, you'd pry open everything closed, like I was property you owned. Played whatever games you wished, dressed me up, unbuttoned, unfastened, uncinched. <Not one more second.> The days turned into months, my life rolled by into years. You couldn't get enough of your plaything, so I remained in your toy chest in tears. Until like a boy growing out of his toys, you moved on to other joys. But by then, I had babies, in bonds just like me. I watched like a hawk as you bounced them on your knee. <Not one more second.> And then one day, they came and locked you away and set me free! And you will never take another second of time away from me.
Glinda~I wish I was Glinda to your Wicked Witch of the West, I'd melt down your firm composure with one swift douse from my drinking glass. Give you a smile and you'd fall, bewitched, under my spell; kick up my heels and still look my best, you could be evil, but I'd never tell. I wish I was Wonder Woman, I'd lasso you in; make you confess how you loved me, you'd just have to give in. I'd easily dodge any bullet for you with a flick of the wrist; bend these bars between us to get close to you, you know it's useless to resist. I wish I was Dolly Parton, giggly bleach blonde; buxom and talented and, don't you know, straight off the farm. I'd teach you to yodel and I'd sing you a song; work it for you 9 to 5, my darling, all weekend long.
Beware the Songbird~I checked the mail today. I've got a lot of bills to pay. Somebody's always threatening to take something away. Tug on a worm till the earth gives way, tug of war till I've had my say. I could clench my fists to the sky, but I've got wings to fly, so I'll get by. I'm a songbird, li-o, li-o, kinda meek but I'll wake you in the a.m. Rock your beds while you're still sleeping in them, I'm a songbird, li-o, li-o. There's a big man I'm trying to reach, he's a vulture with overfilled cheeks. Predicts gloom for me, says my future's so dire it's bleak. Hey vulture man, I'm right here, I'm playing in the headphones laying in your ears. I'll croon away your doldrums. You keep your talons honed, but I ain't going home. Just you try to gobble me down, I'll stick my claw out your mouth. That's right, I don't mess around; I suggest you fly south.
Laundry Chute~I met you, my heart fell through; through like a laundry chute, now it's black and blue. My mood was grey, but the sun burned bright, then you were dancing in front of me, oh the blue your eyes implied. Looked my way, and then things changed; I saw spots, I fell hard, I was in love right from the start. I'll patch your jeans, darling, make sure the stove's burning, fold your t-shirts, promise me that you'll keep me company. Let's do the twist, baby, spin me round, maybe I'll wash every stitch that you've got on, you're gonna miss me when you're gone. Come on, roll your sleeves up. Don't leave me strung out on the line, I'll press your pleats, you're looking fine . Tie your socks up, make you hiccup. I'm permanently impressed, let me help you get undressed. Spin me round, up and down, don't leave me strung out on the line, boy, kiss me one more time.
Lost Boys~Comes this time of evening when my arms start to hurt for longing to be holding you, some rebel in a button-down shirt. I crave your head on my chest that I can bend and kiss and rest my cheek on some swagger and sly boisterousness, right around now. Comes this time of evening when my heart starts to droop. I search in vain for the hiding sun and the warmth of his store-bought suit. Lately I take in mending, a stitch in time going on nine. I do my best work making bonnets for whenever that sun will shine, and it's bound to, right around now. The clock is ticking, it reminds me of crocodiles and Peter Pans with heartbeats that run a quick minute per mile; Lost Boys fly, footloose and fancy, avoiding every wedding aisle while ransoming darling Wendy. Comes this time of evening when it's best to just go to sleep. Tune into some snow-white static inhabited by millions of sheep. In my dreams, it works out fine, Huckleberry Hound winds up with Clementine. I've captured the frequency, I'm waiting online. Adjust your rabbit ears, darling, I'm right here in primetime.
Right Around the Corner~It's like a shadow under the street lamp, a ghost out the side of your eye, a dead poet whose words still hang in the air; a juicy rumor, you and I. A question mark in the dark, a wrinkle on my forehead, a crease on a piece of parchment, empty impression to the left on my bed. In my dreams, you were always right around the corner, I heard your voice. You've had it rough before, wide-flapping door, gasping on the floor, meteors and the moon falling at you from the sky--once bitten, forever shy. Well, I'm not that girl and I never was. Hung onto this dream like fingernails on peach fuzz, but this dandelion's all been blown. So I bid you farewell, you're on your own. Please throw the ring out the window of your car on the highway of broken dreams, may the diamond become a star.
Obsolete~There's a breeze through the grate from the train below the street; a man-made, slate-grey hurricane. Once I saw the face of my maker in the mist, amidst the dust and the angst and the vermin. He was dirty, Lord, and toothless, wily and kinda ruthless. He said, Ruth, could you spare a bum some change? I said, Jesus, do I look like an heiress? I have a nickel and a sandwich. He gave me a look, I gave him half, and he smiled kind of strange. And I said to him, all the angels are on the ground making rainbows for the queens. Real stars fade to grey next to famous tears of glycerin. A few fall leaves may still fall next to garbage on the street, but god's been dead for decades, his code was obsolete. The Lord polished off the sandwich and brushed the crumbs from his tired face. He said, Grace, which way is the rat race? I said, OMG, what's there that you need? Wall Street's full of deceit and greed. He said, Meghan, I've a new sign for beggin I hope folks will read. He showed me his sign. It said, 'You don't have to stop, but don't think I'll stop trying.' He re-folded it, put it back in his pocket, and got on the ferry for Staten Island.
Take You As You Come~Such a light you are, such a beacon in the darkness; the glow of my alarm clock, the dash lights of my car--how do you light my eyes from within? Such warmth you are, a collar against the cold. Fireworks in my fingertips, explosions in my heart--I need nothing more covering my skin. I see you as you are, I take you as you come. Such beauty you are, purity of heart. I see your flaws, and I am not alarmed, cause your smile renews me once again. My palms are open, to give and receive. My lifeline is long, with nothing up my sleeve. Rest your head in my hands, your fever I will ease.
Eva~I wanted to prove my love, he was so hard to convince. It was so hard to get his attention, but every so often we'd kiss. And every so often I'd get so proud that such a powerful man called me his. That's why I took that bite of cyanide, he was so difficult to convince. The parties were grand and fantastic. I'd only known boys before. My man the world didn't understand, and so I guess the whole world declared war. I kept thinking that soon things would change; soon, we'd be married, front page. He'd be proud to tell everyone, they'd all know my name. I guess that did happen, in a way. And he gave me one last kiss. I wanted to prove my love, he was so hard to resist. Millions of citizens mesmerized by his might; I lay in wait for the cyanide to kick in.
Robin, Take Me with You~I love you like I love my cowboy boots, oh the history we've shared, and how well you wear. I love you like my favorite pair of blue jeans, you're a perfect fit, I'm comfortable with you anywhere. I love you like I love this empty page, I tell you all my secrets and you make no judgments. Like a sailor's tattooed arm, I see you've been there, and you bear the scars like art of life's disagreements. In your eyes, I see storm clouds for miles, there's trouble in your smile, mischief all the while. In my hands, you're a bird, you're a reassuring word, don't know how you handle me, but you do. You're my shadow in the night, the landmark in my sight. Robin, where you're going, take me with you. I love you like I love a summer rain, you make my shoulders relax, everything seems clear. I miss you like the Sandhills and Chimney Rock. Long ago and far away... darling, I wish that you were here. But Robin, I'm not taking what you got, it's hard-won and hard-fought. Don't end up wanting what I'm not.
Farinelli~Spotlight ablaze trained on you. Nightlife in full-swinging force. Encore accolades, and swooning serenades--by rights, the life of your choice. Discreetly passed notes from ladies at your disposal, sweet nothings demurely murmured in your ear. Captured attention and rapturous inflections, completely out of reach, but seemingly so near. Farinelli, who is to blame? Would you trade all your fame for a chance at true love? People on the streets shout your name, but when the night came, who did you dream of under the covers all alone? Alone in the footlights and alone at your bedside. As a star on the stage, and as solitary in the night. The scent of a woman summoned longing within you that was never met, just an instinct deep inside.
Beware the Songbird~I checked the mail today. I've got a lot of bills to pay. Somebody's always threatening to take something away. Tug on a worm till the earth gives way, tug of war till I've had my say. I could clench my fists to the sky, but I've got wings to fly, so I'll get by. I'm a songbird, li-o, li-o, kinda meek but I'll wake you in the a.m. Rock your beds while you're still sleeping in them, I'm a songbird, li-o, li-o. There's a big man I'm trying to reach, he's a vulture with overfilled cheeks. Predicts gloom for me, says my future's so dire it's bleak. Hey vulture man, I'm right here, I'm playing in the headphones laying in your ears. I'll croon away your doldrums. You keep your talons honed, but I ain't going home. Just you try to gobble me down, I'll stick my claw out your mouth. That's right, I don't mess around; I suggest you fly south.
Laundry Chute~I met you, my heart fell through; through like a laundry chute, now it's black and blue. My mood was grey, but the sun burned bright, then you were dancing in front of me, oh the blue your eyes implied. Looked my way, and then things changed; I saw spots, I fell hard, I was in love right from the start. I'll patch your jeans, darling, make sure the stove's burning, fold your t-shirts, promise me that you'll keep me company. Let's do the twist, baby, spin me round, maybe I'll wash every stitch that you've got on, you're gonna miss me when you're gone. Come on, roll your sleeves up. Don't leave me strung out on the line, I'll press your pleats, you're looking fine . Tie your socks up, make you hiccup. I'm permanently impressed, let me help you get undressed. Spin me round, up and down, don't leave me strung out on the line, boy, kiss me one more time.
Lost Boys~Comes this time of evening when my arms start to hurt for longing to be holding you, some rebel in a button-down shirt. I crave your head on my chest that I can bend and kiss and rest my cheek on some swagger and sly boisterousness, right around now. Comes this time of evening when my heart starts to droop. I search in vain for the hiding sun and the warmth of his store-bought suit. Lately I take in mending, a stitch in time going on nine. I do my best work making bonnets for whenever that sun will shine, and it's bound to, right around now. The clock is ticking, it reminds me of crocodiles and Peter Pans with heartbeats that run a quick minute per mile; Lost Boys fly, footloose and fancy, avoiding every wedding aisle while ransoming darling Wendy. Comes this time of evening when it's best to just go to sleep. Tune into some snow-white static inhabited by millions of sheep. In my dreams, it works out fine, Huckleberry Hound winds up with Clementine. I've captured the frequency, I'm waiting online. Adjust your rabbit ears, darling, I'm right here in primetime.
Right Around the Corner~It's like a shadow under the street lamp, a ghost out the side of your eye, a dead poet whose words still hang in the air; a juicy rumor, you and I. A question mark in the dark, a wrinkle on my forehead, a crease on a piece of parchment, empty impression to the left on my bed. In my dreams, you were always right around the corner, I heard your voice. You've had it rough before, wide-flapping door, gasping on the floor, meteors and the moon falling at you from the sky--once bitten, forever shy. Well, I'm not that girl and I never was. Hung onto this dream like fingernails on peach fuzz, but this dandelion's all been blown. So I bid you farewell, you're on your own. Please throw the ring out the window of your car on the highway of broken dreams, may the diamond become a star.
Obsolete~There's a breeze through the grate from the train below the street; a man-made, slate-grey hurricane. Once I saw the face of my maker in the mist, amidst the dust and the angst and the vermin. He was dirty, Lord, and toothless, wily and kinda ruthless. He said, Ruth, could you spare a bum some change? I said, Jesus, do I look like an heiress? I have a nickel and a sandwich. He gave me a look, I gave him half, and he smiled kind of strange. And I said to him, all the angels are on the ground making rainbows for the queens. Real stars fade to grey next to famous tears of glycerin. A few fall leaves may still fall next to garbage on the street, but god's been dead for decades, his code was obsolete. The Lord polished off the sandwich and brushed the crumbs from his tired face. He said, Grace, which way is the rat race? I said, OMG, what's there that you need? Wall Street's full of deceit and greed. He said, Meghan, I've a new sign for beggin I hope folks will read. He showed me his sign. It said, 'You don't have to stop, but don't think I'll stop trying.' He re-folded it, put it back in his pocket, and got on the ferry for Staten Island.
Take You As You Come~Such a light you are, such a beacon in the darkness; the glow of my alarm clock, the dash lights of my car--how do you light my eyes from within? Such warmth you are, a collar against the cold. Fireworks in my fingertips, explosions in my heart--I need nothing more covering my skin. I see you as you are, I take you as you come. Such beauty you are, purity of heart. I see your flaws, and I am not alarmed, cause your smile renews me once again. My palms are open, to give and receive. My lifeline is long, with nothing up my sleeve. Rest your head in my hands, your fever I will ease.
Eva~I wanted to prove my love, he was so hard to convince. It was so hard to get his attention, but every so often we'd kiss. And every so often I'd get so proud that such a powerful man called me his. That's why I took that bite of cyanide, he was so difficult to convince. The parties were grand and fantastic. I'd only known boys before. My man the world didn't understand, and so I guess the whole world declared war. I kept thinking that soon things would change; soon, we'd be married, front page. He'd be proud to tell everyone, they'd all know my name. I guess that did happen, in a way. And he gave me one last kiss. I wanted to prove my love, he was so hard to resist. Millions of citizens mesmerized by his might; I lay in wait for the cyanide to kick in.
Robin, Take Me with You~I love you like I love my cowboy boots, oh the history we've shared, and how well you wear. I love you like my favorite pair of blue jeans, you're a perfect fit, I'm comfortable with you anywhere. I love you like I love this empty page, I tell you all my secrets and you make no judgments. Like a sailor's tattooed arm, I see you've been there, and you bear the scars like art of life's disagreements. In your eyes, I see storm clouds for miles, there's trouble in your smile, mischief all the while. In my hands, you're a bird, you're a reassuring word, don't know how you handle me, but you do. You're my shadow in the night, the landmark in my sight. Robin, where you're going, take me with you. I love you like I love a summer rain, you make my shoulders relax, everything seems clear. I miss you like the Sandhills and Chimney Rock. Long ago and far away... darling, I wish that you were here. But Robin, I'm not taking what you got, it's hard-won and hard-fought. Don't end up wanting what I'm not.
Farinelli~Spotlight ablaze trained on you. Nightlife in full-swinging force. Encore accolades, and swooning serenades--by rights, the life of your choice. Discreetly passed notes from ladies at your disposal, sweet nothings demurely murmured in your ear. Captured attention and rapturous inflections, completely out of reach, but seemingly so near. Farinelli, who is to blame? Would you trade all your fame for a chance at true love? People on the streets shout your name, but when the night came, who did you dream of under the covers all alone? Alone in the footlights and alone at your bedside. As a star on the stage, and as solitary in the night. The scent of a woman summoned longing within you that was never met, just an instinct deep inside.
