Aimee Mann

That's Just What You Are Lyrics

In our endeavor we are never seeing eye to eye
No guts to sever so forever may we wave goodbye
And you're always telling me that it's my turn to move
When I wonder what could make the needle jump the groove
I won't fall for the oldest trick in the book
So don't sit there and think you're off of the hook
By saying there is no use changing 'cause

That's just what you are
That's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fears
What's the matter with the truth, did I offend your ears
By suggesting that a change might be a thing to try
Like it would kill you just to try and be a nicer guy
It's not like you would lose some critical piece
If somehow you moved point a to point b
Maintaining there is no point changing 'cause

That's just what you are
That's just what you are

Now I could talk to you till I'm blue in the face
But we still would arrive at the very same place
With you running around and me out of the race

So maybe you're right, nobody can take
Something older than time and hope you could make
It better, that would be a mistake
So take it just so far

'cause that's just what you are
That's just what you are
That's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fears
What's the matter with the truth, did I offend your ears
You're like a sleepwalking man, it's a danger to wake you
Even when it is apparent where your actions will take you

chorus:
That's just what you are
And that's just what you are
That's just what you are
That's just what you are

I Know There's a Word Lyrics

I know there's a word for this
I know there's a word for the way I'm feeling
I know there's a word for this
I know it, and it's on the tip of my tongue
and it won't go any further.

I know there's a word for this
I know, 'cause it's in the dictionary
and when I find what it is
I'll write it down in case it comes up again
I'll be certain to avoid it.

chorus:
So, take this down: I just feel so beat
and I think it's time to admit defeat
I thought I got mine
but that uphill climbing is never through.

I know there's a word for this
I know 'cause we've all at sometime said it
like when we were little kids
we'd fight each other 'til someone would give in
and you'd make him tell you 'uncle'.

chorus:
So, take this down: I just feel so beat
and I think it's time to admit defeat
I thought I got mine
but that uphill climbing
is never through.

Say Anything Lyrics

You see me as a judge
Though I deny it
And hold me like a grudge
Then justify it
But when you make such claims
In searching for something that explains
Please take a good look at our remains

'Cause if you were everything you say
Things would be different today
And maybe there's room for compromise
But signs that I get say otherwise
Say anything, 'cause I've heard everything

As hopeless as it seems
I wouldn't worry
You'll get your chance to tell
Your side of the story
And, raising your right hand,
Whatever defenses you had planned,
Remember that when you take the stand

If you were everything you say
Things would be different today
And though I'd be happy to believe
I'd have to be much more naive,
Say anything, 'cause I've heard everything
Now I've heard everything
Now I've heard everything

So why do I refuse
The truth, when I clearly cannot use
The comfort of one more lame excuse

chorus:
'Cause if you were everything you say
Things would be different today
And if you were everything you swear
We wouldn't be beyond repair
If you were everything you say
Things would be different today
And if there has got to be an if,
Get it over with
Say anything, 'cause I've heard everything
Now I've heard everything
Now I've heard everything

Build That Wall Lyrics

She's been a long time on the phone
Courting disaster in an undertone
She's feeling nostalgic
And feeling that fall
How could anyone ever fight it
Who could ever expect to fight it when she
Builds that wall

Maybe it's one where time will tell
Maybe it's one where it's just fare-thee-well
I hear her coming
As she walks down the hall
How could anyone ever fight it
Who could ever expect to fight it when she
Builds that wall

I know the choice is made
I can tell, I said, by your guilty face
And I never was wrong to fight it
How does anyone ever fight it?

You couldn't pin this one on me
You knew my thoughts so far as I could see
Well, I'd say it's hopeless
But you make the call
Cause I never was wrong to fight it
And if given the chance, I guess I'll learn to
Build that wall

Charmer Lyrics

When you’re a charmer
The apples fall
And you’re quite the little collector
You got ‘em all

When you’re a charmer
People respond
They can’t see the hidden agenda
You got going on

But when you’re weak it’s the Holy Grail
You’re two for one, it’s a fire sale
And that’s a wall that you cannot scale
So you’re forced to burrow under

When you’re a charmer
The world applauds
They don’t know that secretly charmers
Feel like they’re frauds

When you’re a charmer
You hate yourself
A victim of sideshow hypnosis
Like everyone else

And then your thinking goes black and white
And you’re all hunger and appetite
This is a battle you cannot fight
No, you only can surrender
No, you only can surrender

Soon Enough Lyrics

Everybody’s got their differences
Too bad
Here’s a circumstance in which the stakes are high
Everybody’s got their secrets out
So sad
Go around the room and see who doesn’t cry

Soon enough
You’ll be free to write it off
You don’t know enough
To call a bluff
And the one who does
Will never ever tell

Soon enough
You can say we made it up
Just for fun I guess
To make a mess
Cause what’s more fun
Than other people’s hell

So go ahead and say you’re done with it
It’s cool
Baby you can go whatever way you choose
Though you ought to kill the whole vindictive bit
Cause you’ll
Someday realize there’s ties you’ll want to use

Soon enough
You’ll be free to write it off
You don’t know enough
To call a bluff
And the one who does
Will never ever tell

Soon enough
You can say we made it up
Just for fun I guess
To make a mess
Cause what’s more fun
Than other people’s hell

Slip and Roll Lyrics

You went from moonlighting
But you came out fighting
I saw you larger than life
Throwing your knife
Gone into deep hiding

But you were so charming
That it was disarming
I wondered what was behind
Having to find
An army that keeps arming

Oh, Slip and roll, honey
Stick the jab, kid
Don‘t just trade punches
Like your father did
Cause this playing the odds
Isn’t fooling the gods
So slip and roll til you’re willing to take the hit

So we just keep hoping
Although the deck’s sloping
You’re thinking, Throw me a bone
Or leave me alone
To do what they call coping

Oh, Slip and roll, honey
Stick the jab, kid
Don‘t just trade punches
Like your father did
Cause this playing the odds
Isn’t fooling the gods
So slip and roll til you’re willing to take the hit

And you can take it, take it, take it, take it
We’ve all seen that guy take it on the chin
Oh, take it, take it, I know you can take it
But when will you take something in

Oh, Slip and roll, honey
Stick the jab, kid
Don‘t just trade punches
Like your father did
Cause this playing the odds
Isn’t fooling the gods
So slip and roll til you’re willing to take the hit

And you can take it, take it, take it, take it
We’ve all seen that guy take it on the chin
Oh, take it, take it, I know you can take it
But when will you take something in
When will you take something in

Red Flag Diver Lyrics

Red flag diver
Jump to me
Red flag diver
Jump to me
I’m just floating here
In a big red sea
Red flag diver, dive in

Red flag diver
Swim to me
Red flag diver
Swim to me
You’ll be miserable
But I’ll be free
Red flag diver, dive in

Cause first I’ll want it
And then I won’t want it
And then I’ll just scuttle it all
On rocks where sirens call
You can blame my daddy
The playboy caddy
Who never kept his eye on the ball
The whitecaps rise and fall

Red flag diver
Dive for me
Red flag diver
Dive for me
I’m as good for you
As I can be
Red flag diver, dive in

Cause first I’ll want it
And then I won’t want it
And then I’ll just scuttle it all
On rocks where sirens call
You can blame my daddy
The playboy caddy
Who never kept his eye on the ball
The whitecaps rise and fall
The whitecaps rise and fall

Living a Lie (feat. James Mercer) Lyrics

[Verse 1 - James Mercer]
You can see yourself in the side mirror
Tossing your hair
If no one is there
Why do you care
Though I let you think there was no witness to
All of your crimes
I knew what you were:
A climber who climbs

[Chorus - Aimee Mann and James Mercer]
I'm living a lie
You're living it too
'Cause I live it with you
I'm living a lie
A lie I can't tell
So we wait for a crack in the shell

[Verse 2 - Aimee Mann]
No one bears a grudge like a boy genius
Just past his prime
Gilding his cage
One bar at a time
For every open arm there's a cold shoulder
Waiting to turn
People to blame
Bridges to burn

[Chorus - Aimee Mann and James Mercer]
I'm living a lie
You're living it too
'Cause I live it with you
I'm living a lie
A lie I can't tell
So we wait for a crack in the shell

[Bridge - James Mercer, Aimee Mann]
A girl comes around at a time when your ground
Is as shaky as leaves on a tree
Creating for you a persona or two
Or an out-and-out mythology
Now there's too many cooks but you like how it looks
When they're bowing and calling you "boss"
But the powers that were, were invested in her
And now winning means taking a loss

[Chorus - Aimee Mann and James Mercer]
I'm living a lie
You're living it too
'Cause I live it with you
I'm living a lie
A lie I can't tell
So we wait for a crack in the shell

Labrador Lyrics

Daisy, you
Shouldn't do the things you do
But you're just so incapable of changing
You lie so well
I could never even tell
What were facts in your artful rearranging

But I came back for more
And you laughed in my face and you rubbed it in
Cause I'm a Labrador
And I run
When the gun
Drops the dove again

When we first met
I was glad to be your pet
Like a Lab I once had that we called Maisie
But fetching sticks
Was the best I had for tricks
You got bored
You got mad, then you got crazy

But I came back for more
And you laughed in my face and you rubbed it in
'Cause I'm a Labrador
And I run
When the gun
Drops the dove again

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer
Daisy, Daisy, do
Remember good old Maisie, how she waited at the stairs for you

Daisy, dear
I could almost shed a tear
But let's shine in the time we have remaining
You're a tough old gal
But a dog is just a pal
And believe me, my dear
I'm not complaining

'Cause I came back for more
'Cause I knew even you did the best you could
And I'm a Labrador
And with me, you could see it was understood
That I'd come back for more
Daisy, Daisy do
'Cause I'm a Labrador
I'd come back for more
The loyal Labrador

Gumby Lyrics

Gumby, I just can’t do anything
Can’t do anything right
Don’t ask me
If I’ll help when helping you
Just means someone to fight

It’s so hard putting on your clothes
You don’t even move to cover your skin
Why move, moving is how things begin
The front yard taken by the crows
Blackguards with their shiny pieces of tin
So much fury
You bury it in

Gumby, we should call your daughter
Please, call your daughter again
You must see
Things are getting harder and
Getting more out of hand

Dude, you’re not even that old
How bad must it be to be bad as this
All day, filling a bottomless pit
All these trinkets bought and sold
All tokens you’ve thrown down to the abyss
There’s a bottom that you’ll never hit

And I don’t know just how you explain this
To a kid with nowhere to live
Tell her that the father she has means well
But just has nothing to give

Gumby…
You should call your daughter again
Don’t call me…
Call your daughter

Gamma Ray Lyrics

You build bombs, you’re familiar with explosions
The flat palms of the holiday
But there’s slime crawling back up from the ocean
You can’t keep everyone at bay
Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray

It all starts with an accident or failure
It all starts with a great big bang
And guess who's gonna have to play the jailer?
And guess who’s gonna lead the chain gang?
Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray

And one thing leads to another and none of it's good
None of it's good
None of it's good

There’s some flaw that you cannot help but foster
There’s some weakness you can’t forgive
And from that, you’ve been turned into a monster
A nightmare that you force yourself to live
Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray

And one thing leads to another and none of it’s good
None of it’s good
None of it’s good

Disappeared Lyrics

Somehow, I wound up on your bad side
Til now, I guess I had a free ride
But now I join the queue
Of people dead to you
The one-time chosen few

That's all, that's it
You got yourself disappeared
The atom split, and you got back-engineered
You're a forgotten face behind a beard
That's it, that's all
You're gone

Though I've been master of the thankless task
Nearby are questions you just have to ask
Was every enemy
Bad as you made him be?
Or were they just
Some gullible stooge like me?

That's all, that's it
You got yourself disappeared
The atom split, and you got back-engineered
You're a forgotten face behind a beard
That's it, that's all
You're gone

And everyone who knew you, said they'd been there too
And soon enough I'd see the mill you put them through
That "Irish Goodbye" you do

That's it, that's all
You got yourself disappeared
A curtain call
At which your absence was cheered
You're a forgotten face behind a beard
That's it, that's all
You're gone

Crazytown Lyrics

I guess this movie must’ve opened wide
Another girl who threatens suicide
You called the cops but then she denied every word
And you know you’ll be the one who’s paying the tab for her
You’re out there trying to flag a cab
And for who?
A girl who lives in Crazytown
Where craziness gets handed down
Who? whoever’s gonna volunteer
Will only end up living here

A plot like this will always have a twist
The girl’s a dream who never did exist
Just like the last one, and she enlisted a fool
And you thought, Oh, it’s all fun
When you’re writing songs for her
But now son, you’ll be posting bond, and for who?
A girl who lives in Crazytown
Where craziness gets handed down
Who? whoever’s gonna volunteer
Will only end up living here

And you don’t want to go that route
Cause that’s not what you’re all about
But you just can’t seem to get out of it
You’re still out there, raising a doubt
And for who?
A girl who lives in Crazytown
Where craziness gets handed down
Who? whoever’s gonna volunteer
Will only end up living here

Barfly Lyrics

Spent my nights in a sleeping bag smelling kerosene
Thinking fog and sand
Was gonna keep me clean
Feeding all the bluejays at the wrong address
Where they went instead
I could only guess

Tell the barfly
Who runs this town
You won’t get high
You’ll just get down
Tell the barfly
It’s on his dime
You won’t get high
So do the time

Took a breath full of iodine and I overdosed
And the tide crept high
Like a watery ghost
And no one needs your kind
Of a dope sick clown
You can always find
Sitting one seat down

Tell the barfly
Who rolls the dice
Your numbers up
So roll it twice
Tell the barfly
It’s on his dime
You won’t get high
So do the time

Honey, I’m not the one who’s of use to you now
I get an hour’s sleep at night
And I can’t see how
You deserve all the mess that even guilt won’t allow

Tell the barfly
Who runs this town
You won’t get high
You’ll just get down
Tell the barfly
It’s on his dime
You won’t get high
So do the time

Brother's Keeper Lyrics

Ladies and gents, fold your tents, 'cause we have a winner
Come see your Jane try to train every devil in her
There's not a man alive who could tame this creature
You better leave the professor behind, see what time will teach her

And when we've all collected a spectacular sum
We'll get a little glimpse of the disaster to come

You can justify what happens then
'Cause how could you have known
Leave the dust to dust and say "amen"
Put "sorry" on the stone
You're not not your brother's keeper, now
Your brother's on his own
That's how the seeds of avarice are sown

Shit's just a trick and each week's full of compromises
She'll push for a fish like a seal clapping for its prizes
There's not a man alive who could wake this sleeper
Oh, tie the rope, hide the dope, sure there's hope, but denial's cheaper

And when've all collected a spectacular sum
We'll get a Holy Roller in to rattle the drum

You can justify what happens then
'Cause how could you have known
Leave the dust to dust and say "amen"
Put "sorry" on the stone
You're not your brother's keeper, now
Your brother's on his own
That's how the seeds of avarice are sown

And after the fail, you can wail as they drag the river
Silence the band, wring the hand that you didn't give her
And every man alive has to sign a waiver
To put a coin in the plate, so that fate won't return the favor

You can justify, oh yes you can
You've got the microphone
Tell them dust is dust and men are men
And men all act alone
You're not your brother's keeper, now
Your brother's on his own
That's how the seeds of avarice are sown
How the seeds of avarice are sown

You Do Lyrics

You stay the night at his house
With no ride to work
And I'm the one who tells you
He's another jerk
But you're the one who can succeed
You've only got to prove your need
And you do
You really do

The sex you're trading up for
What you hope is love
Is just another thing that
He'll be careless of
But though there are caveats galore
You've only got to love him more
And you do
You really do
Even when it's all too clear

You write a little note that
You leave on the bed
And spend some time dissecting
Every word he said
And if he seemed a little strange
Well, baby, anyone can change
And you do
You do
You really do

Susan Lyrics

Oh Susan, you were clued-in
You knew just how this thing would go
A prognosis that was hopeless
From the very first domino
I guess I see it all in hindsight
I tried to keep perspective despite
The flash of the fuse, the smell of cordite

Now I'm in that place again
And I know he can't come in to get me
And someday he will live to regret me
Susan I can see it now

Oh Suzie, they get to me
They can really be wearying
So he threw me rope and buoy
Let me use his decoder ring
There must have been some kind of parade
We kissed for a while to see how it played
And pulled the pin on another grenade

But I'm in that place again
And I know he can't come in to get me
And someday he will live to regret me
Suzy I can see it now

Oh Susan, the hope of fusion
Is that the halo will reappear
It may be pure illusion
But it's beautiful while it's here
I had some trouble with the goodbye
I checked my roman candle supply
And watched the vapor-trail in the sky

But I'm in that place again
And I know he can't come in to get me
And someday he will live to regret me
Susan I can see it now
Susan I can see it now
Susan I can... see... it... now

Satellite Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Let's assume you were right
And play the game of charm and strange and satellite
And when we've all had our fun
Deflate the stars and put away the sun
And so, we can call it a day

[Chorus]
'Cause I'll never prove that my motives were pure
So let's remove any question of cure
'Cause even though you've made it pretty obscure
Baby, it's clear
From here
You're losing your atmosphere
From here
You're losing it

[Verse 2]
So let's assume it was true
'Cause baby can't lift up a hand to swear to you
And what's the use of defense
The hangers-on are too far gone for evidence
And that one was lost from the first

[Chorus]
'Cause I'll never prove that my motives were pure
So let's remove any question of cure
'Cause even though you've made it pretty obscure
Baby, it's clear
From here
You're losing your atmosphere
From here
You're losing it

[Bridge]
So have it your way
Whatever makes the best résumé
Whatever you can throw in
Wash, rinse and spin til it's spun away
Okay
But I won't be sticking around

[Chorus]
'Cause I'll never prove that my motives were pure
So let's remove any question of cure
'Cause even though you've made it pretty obscure
Baby, it's clear
From here
You're losing your atmosphere
From here
You're losing it

Red Vines Lyrics

[Verse 1]
They're all still on their honeymoon
Just read the dialogue balloon
Everyone loves you, why should they not?
And I'm the only one who knows
That Disneyland's about to close
I don't suppose you'd give it a shot
Knowing all that you've got

[Chorus]
Are cigarettes and Red Vines
Just close your eyes, 'cause, baby
You never do know
And I'll be on the sidelines
With my hands tied
Watching the show

[Verse 2]
Well, it's always fun and games until
It's clear you haven't got the skill
In keeping the gag from going too far
So you're running 'round the parking lot
'Til every lightning bug is caught
Punching some pinholes in the lid of a jar
While we wait in the car

[Chorus]
With cigarettes and Red Vines
Just close your eyes, 'cause, baby
You never do know
And I'll be on the sidelines
With my hands tied
Watching the show

[Bridge]
And tell me, would it kill you
Would it really spoil everything
If you didn't blame yourself
Do you know what I mean?

[Chorus]
Cigarettes and Red Vines
Just close your eyes, 'cause, baby
You never do know
And I'll be on the sidelines
With my hands tied
Watching the show
Watching the show

Nothing Is Good Enough Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Once upon a time
Is how it always goes
But I'll make it brief
What was started out
With such excitement
Now I gladly end with relief
In what now has become a familiar motif

[Chorus]
That nothing is good enough
For people like you
Who have to have someone take the fall
And something to sabotage
Determined to lose it all

[Verse 2]
Critics at their worst
Could never criticize
The way that you do
No, there's no one else I find
To undermine or dash a hope
Quite like you
And you do it so casually, too

[Chorus]
Cause nothing is good enough
For people like you
Who have to have someone take the fall
And something to sabotage
Determined to lose it all

[Bridge]
Ladies and gentlemen
Here's exhibit A
Didn't I try again
And did the effort pay?
Wouldn't a smarter man
Simply walk away?

[Verse 3]
It doesn't really help
That you can never say
What you're looking for
But you'll know it when you hear it
Know it when you see it
Walk through the door
So you say, so you've said
Many times before

[Chorus]
But nothing is good enough
For people like you
Who have to have someone take the fall
And something to sabotage
Determined to lose it all

Nothing is good enough

Just Like Anyone Lyrics

[Verse 1]
So maybe I wasn't
That good a friend
But you were one of us
And I will wonder
Just like anyone
If there was something
Else I could've done

[Verse 2]
So maybe it's true that
Your cry for help
Was oh, so very faint
But still I heard
And knew something was wrong
Just nothing you could put your finger on
And I will wonder
Just like anyone
Just like anyone

It Takes All Kinds Lyrics

[Verse 1]
As we were speaking of the devil
You walked right in
Wearing hubris like a medal
You revel in
But it's me at whom you'll level
Your javelin

[Chorus 1]
Wasn't that just our dear friend Ron?
Throwing your weight around the sun
Happier now that you've become
What you hated

[Verse 2]
I'm surprised I even thought I
Had half a chance
I was just one in a million
Of also-rans
Who was sure to be your victim
Of circumstance

[Chorus 2]
Once you were just our dear friend Ron
Selling the soul you swore upon
Spreading the word that you've become
What you hated

[Bridge]
And if I don't understand...
Well, I guess it takes all kinds

[Verse 3]
I would like to keep this vision
Of you intact
When we'd hang around and listen
To Bacharach
And you loved the world you lived in
And it loved you back

[Chorus 3]
Once you were just our dear friend Ron
Now you look out for number one
Who would've guessed that you'd become
What you hated

[Outro]
And I guess it takes all kinds

Driving Sideways Lyrics

At least you know
You were taken by a pro
I know just how you feel
She talked a perfect game
Deflecting all the blame
You took the jack
And changed the flat
And got behind the wheel

Now you're
Driving sideways
Taken in by the scenery
As you're propelled along
And your companion
Will not help you to navigate
For fear she may be wrong
For fear she may be wrong

And you will say
That you're making headway
And put it in overdrive
But you're mistaking speed
For getting what you need
And never even noticing
You never do arrive

'Cause you're
Driving sideways
If you roll down the window, you'll see
You're where you don't belong
And your companion
Will not help you to navigate
For fear she may be wrong
For fear she may be wrong

And you're powered by
The hopeful lie
That it's just around the bend
And when this, by default
Comes screeching to a halt
Let's hope that you
Know what to do
To start it up again

Driving sideways
Hitting scan on the radio
So she can sing along
And she'll sit
Thinking you're gonna handle it
Until she's proven wrong
Until she's proven wrong
Until you prove her wrong
(Driving sideways)

How Am I Different Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I can't do it
I can't conceive
You're everything you're trying to make me believe
Cause this show is
Too well designed
Too well to be held with only me in mind

[Chorus]
And how am I different?
How am I different?
How am I different?

[Verse 2]
I can't do it
So move along
Do you really want to wait until I prove you wrong?
And don't tell me
Let me guess
I could change it all around if I would just say yes

[Chorus]
But how am I different?
How am I different?
How am I different?

[Post-Chorus]
And just one question before I pack
When you fuck it up later
Do I get my money back?

[Verse 3]
I can't do it
And as for you
Can you in good conscience even ask me to
Cause what do you care
About the great divide
As long as you come down
On the winner's side

[Chorus]
And how am I different?
How am I different?
How am I different?

[Post-Chorus]
Just one question before I buy
When you fuck it up later
Do I get my money back?

Ghost World Lyrics

Finals blew, I barely knew
My graduation speech
And with college out of reach
If I don't find a job
It's down to Dad and Myrtle Beach

So I'm bailing this town
Or tearing it down
Or probably more like hanging around
Hanging around

Everyone I know is acting weird
Or way too cool
They hang out by the pool
So I just read a lot and ride my bike
Around the school

Cause I'm bailing this town
Or tearing it down
Or probably more like hanging around
Hanging around

And all that I need now is someone
With the brains and the know-how
To tell me what I want... anyhow

12th of June, a gibbous Moon
Was this the longest day?
I'll walk down to the bay
And jump off of the dock and watch
The summer waste away

Then I'm bailing this town
Or tearing it down
Or probably more like hanging around

Then I'm bailing this town
Or tearing it down
Or probably more like hanging around

Hanging around
Hanging around
Hanging around
So tell me what I want

The Fall of the World's Own Optimist Lyrics

[Verse 1]
There's no charity in you
And that surprises me
I guess I thought you were
A golden idol
'Cause I called you majesty
On the balustrade
You watched me hunt for tips
I was obliged to pick up
From the passing trade

[Chorus]
Hey, kids-look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist
I could get back up if you insist
But you'll have to ask politely
'Cause the eggshells I've been treading
Couldn't spare me a beheading
And I'll know I had it coming
From a Caesar who was only slumming
Hey, kids-look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist

[Verse 2]
Well, I could have objections
Which you could override
But what's the point
We're only flogging the horse
When the horseman has up and died
Once I testified
And swore I'd never leave a stone unturned
I bet you're really glad that I lied

[Chorus]
Hey, kids-look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist
I could get back up if you insist
But you'll have to ask politely
'Cause the eggshells I've been treading
Couldn't spare me a beheading
And I'll know I had it coming
From a Caesar who was only slumming
Hey, kids-look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist

[Alt Chorus]
Hey, kids-look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist
I could get back up if you insist
But you'll have to ask politely
Yes, you'll have to ask politely
Yes, you'll have to ask politely

Deathly Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Now that I've met you
Would you object to
Never seeing each other again
'Cause I can't afford to
Climb aboard you
No one's got that much ego to spend

[Chorus]
So don't work your stuff
Because I've got troubles enough
No, don't pick on me
When one act of kindness could be
Deathly
Deathly
Deathly

[Verse 2]
'Cause I'm just a problem
For you to solve and
Watch dissolve in the heat of your charm
But what will you do when
You run it through and
You can't get me back on the farm

[Chorus]
So don't work your stuff
Because I've got troubles enough
No, don't pick on me
When one act of kindness could be
Deathly
Deathly
Deathly
Definitely

[Verse 3]
You're on your honor
'Cause I'm a goner
And you haven't even begun
So do me a favor
If I should waver
Be my savior
And get out the gun

[Chorus]
So don't work your stuff
Because I've got troubles enough
No, don't pick on me
When one act of kindness could be
Deathly
Deathly
Deathly
Definitely

Calling It Quits Lyrics

[Verse 1]
He's a serious mister
Shake his hand and he'll twist your arm
With Monopoly money
We'll be buying the funny farm
So I'll do flips, and get paid in chips
From a diamond as big as the Ritz

[Chorus]
Then I'm calling it quits
Calling it quits

[Verse 2]
Eyes the color of candy
Lies to cover the handicap
Though your slippers are ruby
You'll be led to the booby trap
And there's no prize
Just a smaller size
So I'm wearing the shoe 'till it fits

[Chorus]
Then I'm calling it quits
Yes, I'm calling it quits
Yes, I'm calling it quits

[Bridge]
Now he's numbering himself among the masterminds
Calling it quits
'Cause he's hit upon the leverage of valentines
Calling it quits
Lifting dialogue from Judy Garland story lines
Where get-tough girls turn into gold mines

[Verse 3]
All those Polaroid babies
Taking chances with rabies
Happy to tear me to bits

[Chorus]
Well, I'm calling it quits
Yes, I'm calling it quits
Yes, I'm calling it quits
Yes, I'm calling it quits
Yes, I'm calling it quits
Yes, I'm calling it quits
Now he's numbering himself among the masterminds
Yes, I'm calling it quits
'Cause he's hit upon the leverage of valentines
Yes, I'm calling it quits
Now he's numbering himself among the masterminds
'Cause he's hit upon the leverage of valentines

True Believer Lyrics

[intro]

Nightly, you retrace your steps again
To return to the scene of the crime
It's uncanny how you hover in the air
Of the wreckage that you left behind

[Chorus]

I want you but you're a poltergeist
I want you but, baby, the price is high
I want you and now I've said it twice
So Mary, dim the lights

[verse]

Really, when you come into the room
It's not helping me, seeing you down
It's not easy in this phosphorescent gloom
Telling waking dreams apart anyhow

[Chorus]

I want you but you're a poltergeist
I want you but, baby, the price is high
I want you and now I've said it twice
So Mary, dim the lights

[verse]

Cups and saucers crashing in
But Houdini applauds the gag again
There no one's a true believer

[Chorus]

I want you but you're a poltergeist
I want you but, baby, the price is high
I want you and now I've said it twice
So Mary, dim the lights

[outro]

Cups and saucers crashing in
But Houdini applauds the gag again

Thirty One Today Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Thirty-one today
What a thing to say
Drinking Guinness in the afternoon
Taking shelter in the black cocoon

[Chorus]
I thought my life would be different somehow
I thought my life would be better by now
I thought my life would be different somehow
I thought my life would be better by now
But it's not, and I don't know where to turn

[Verse 2]
Called some guy I knew
Had a drink or two
And we fumbled as the day grew dark
I pretended that I felt a spark

[Chorus]
I thought my life would be different somehow
I thought my life would be better by now
I thought my life would be different somehow
I thought my life would be better by now
But it's not, and I don't know where to turn
No, it's not, and I don't know where to turn
No, it's not, and I don't know where to turn

[Verse 3]
Easter comes and goes
Maybe Jesus knows
So you roll on with the best you can
Getting loaded, watching CNN

[Outro]
I thought my life would be different somehow
I thought my life would be better by now
I thought my life would be different somehow
I thought my life would be better by now
But it's not, and I don't know where to turn
No, it's not, and I don't know where to turn
No, it's not, and I don't know where to turn
No, it's not, and I don't know

Stranger Into Starman Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I turned Stranger into Starman
In the Sunday New York Times
Like Anne Sexton with her star rats
Working backwards till it rhymes

[Chorus]
For the love of God you can't tell me again
For the love of God you can't tell me again

[Verse 2]
With a pencil and eraser I've rewritten all your crimes
I turned Stranger into Starman
In the Sunday New York Times

Phoenix Lyrics

[intro]

Got out of Phoenix, just in time
A box of kleenex, for the ride
The tumbleweeds said, their goodbyes
To javelinas and DUIs

[Chorus]

I don't want to abandon you but baby I've had my fill
You love me like a dollar bill
You roll me up and trade me in
And if you had the chance you will
And if you get the chance again

[verse]

It's hard to know when to cut and run
You balance heartache with your fun
And when the scales tip, you know you're done

[Chorus]

I don't want to abandon you but baby I've had my fill
You love me like a dollar bill
You roll me up and trade me in
And if you had the chance you will
And if you get the chance again

[verse]

Cause I know love doesn't change anything at all
I know love doesn't change a thing

[verse]

I wanted to believe in you and baby I believe it still
Baby I've just had my fill
You love me like a dollar bill
You roll me up and trade me in
And if you have the chance you will
And if you get the chance again
I know you'll do the best you can

[outro]

But baby love doesn't change anything at all
I know love doesn't change a thing

Medicine Wheel Lyrics

[Verse 1]
The day you left and you called me bitch
I called you selfish, better pull that switch
Put my son on amphetamines
He came home crying and there's your proof
Crying about nothing but a missing tooth
I did the right thing
You shade the truth almost everyday
Phone calls at night it's going to be okay

[Pre-Chorus]
Are you saddened baby, under the bridge?
Are you saddened baby, on Lake Street?

[Chorus]
Black marker on cardboard
Little drawing of a medicine wheel
Everything that's good, you steal
Everything that's good, you steal

[Verse 2]
Maybe you'll wake up in jail alone
And hold the handle of the one pay phone
And do the right thing
Like I once tried, though I bent the truth
A five dollar dent for a little lost tooth
There's a payback in front of me
'Cause once you were like a walking high
Breaking in motion through the parking lot

[Pre-Chorus]
Are you saddened baby, under the bridge?
Are you saddened baby, on Lake Street?

[Chorus]
Black marker on cardboard
Little drawing of a medicine wheel
Everything that's good, you steal
Everything that's good, you steal

Words of encouragement are just as real
Same effect as a smooth blue pill

[Pre-Chorus]
Are you saddened baby, under the bridge
Are you saddened baby, on Lake Street

[Chorus]
Black marker on cardboard
Little drawing of a medicine wheel
Everything that's good, you steal
Everything that's good, you steal
Everything that's good, you steal
From me

Looking for Nothing Lyrics

[Intro]
Macka wants to ride on the Mouse and the Tilt-A-Whirl
Canada is looking for a smile from a pin-up girl

[Chorus]
But I ain't looking for nothing
Just spend the money I made
I ain't gotta do nothing today

[Verse 1]
Everybody's waiting for their thing just to come along
They all got something they can pin all their feelings on

[Chorus]
But I ain't looking for nothing
Just spend the money I made
I ain't looking for nothing today

[Verse 2]
I got high on the ferris wheel
Didn't like how it made me feel
So alone
Another cog in the loading zone

[Verse 3]
Macka went on home when the fireworks and rides were done
Canada got busted with a girl who was way too young

[Bridge]
But I wasn't looking for nothing
Not trouble, money or thrills
"Cause when you're looking for nothing
Babe, it's not the speed that kills

[Outro]
Oh I'm not looking for nothing
Just spend my money and go
I'm not looking for nothing
To put me in the rodeo

Little Tornado Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Little tornado
Bane of the trailer park
Lifting houses to leave your mark

[Verse 2]
Little tornado
Noah can build his ark
But he will never disembark

[Chorus]
Make it go faster
Baby go faster
Make it go twice the speed of you and me

[Verse 3]
Little tornado
You and the hurricane
Close your eyes and go campaign

[Chorus]
Make it go faster
Baby go faster
Make it go twice the speed of you and me

[Bridge]
Oh, no, no we don't
No we don't know

[Whistling]

[Verse 4]
Little tornado
Blew out the window pane
Left the inside to the rain

[Chorus]
Make it go faster
Baby go faster
Make it go twice the speed of you and me

[Outro]
Oh, no, no we don't
No we don't know
Oh, no, no we don't
No we don't know
Oh, no, no we don't
No we don't know

[Whistling]

It's Over Lyrics

[intro]

Everything's beautiful
Every day's a holiday, the day you live without it
Everything changes up, everything shifts and falls unless you care about it

[Chorus]

But you sit there in the darkness
And you make plans but they're hopeless
And you blame God when you're lonely
And you'll call it fate, when you show up too late and it's over

[verse]

Here on the boulevard, you were the golden boy
A mix of brains and muscle
That was a lucky break
Luck is a thing you make
Not just another hustle

[Chorus]

But you sit there in the darkness
And you make plans but they're hopeless
And you blame God when you're lonely
And you'll call it fate, when you show up too late and it's over

[verse]

'cause nothing can wait forever
They don't give unlimited chances in life;
They hand you the knife and tell you to cut it around

So baby let's fly;
Baby let's ride, baby let's ride

[verse]

Cause everything's beautiful, every day's a holiday
But days are getting shorter
The moon and the stars report the boulevard's last resort
And now your last supporter

[outro]

But you sit there in the darkness
And you make plans but they're hopeless
And you blame God when you're lonely
And you'll call it fate, when you show up too late and it's over

Great Beyond Lyrics

Go, honey go
Into the ocean
Go, honey go
Into the great beyond till you're good and gone
And you can hide away for when everything goes wrong
Honey, go

Go, honey go
If I were you I would leave this neighborhood
Away from people who never treat you like they should
Honey, go
Go

In the woods or in the ice and snow
Where there is no one else you know
You've really nowhere else to go
So honey go

Go, honey go
'Cause it's a dead end street
And it's a street in a town where winning isn't sweet
And every win is the beginning of defeat
So honey go
Go

Freeway Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You got a lot of money, but you can't afford the freeway
The road to Orange County leaves an awful lot of leeway
Where everyone's a doctor or a specialist in retail
They'll sell you all the speed you want if you can take the blackmail

[Chorus]
You know it
I know it
Why don't you
Just show it?
You got a lot of money, but you can't afford the freeway
You got a lot of money, but you can't afford the freeway

[Verse 2]
You got a lot of money, but you cannot keep your bills paid
The sacrifice is worth it just to hang around the arcade
You found yourself a prophet, but you left him on the boardwalk
Another chocolate Easter bunny, hollowed out by your talk

[Chorus]
You know it
I know it
Why don't you
Just show it?
You got a lot of money, but you can't afford the freeway
You got a lot of money, but you can't afford the freeway

[Bridge]
And everything I do is wrong
But at least I'm hanging on

[Outro]
You got a lot of money, but you can't afford
You got a lot of money, but you can't afford
You got a lot of money, but you can't afford the freeway
You got a lot of money, but you can't afford the freeway
You got a lot of money, but you
Can't afford
You got a lot of money, but you
Can't afford

Columbus Avenue Lyrics

1, 2, 3, 4

[Verse 1]
Storefront, streetcars rattle
One more losing battle
What is Columbus Avenue to you now?

[Verse 2]
Last call tattoo parlor
Deathbed sword swallower
What is Columbus Avenue to you now?

[Chorus]
The place where you failed
To make your story go over
The place where you bailed
And let the bottom drag you under
Drag you under

[Verse 3]
Cheap shot paranoia
Exiled from Victoria
What is Columbus Avenue to you now?

[Chorus]
The place where you failed
To make your story go over
The place where you bailed
And let the bottom drag you under
Drag you under

[Bridge]
Where you moved with a ghastly precision
To the echos of bones in the air
Finding hope in an X-ray division
Of a world that's not there

[Verse 4]
Cafe sinners bother you
Empty pockets follow you
What is Columbus Avenue to you now?

[Chorus]
The place where you failed
To make your story go over
The place where you bailed
And let the bottom drag you under
Drag you under

What is Columbus Avenue to you now?

Borrowing Time Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Get up, the needle has pricked a little finger
She wants the beautiful child the blood will bring her
You ask a question in the mirror
Alas, no answer could be clearer

[Chorus]
Get up (get up), you're borrowing time
Get up (get up), you're borrowing time

[Verse 2]
Get up, a substitute heart has just reprieved you
Beware, for flattery ruses have deceived you
No kings of yesterday falling
But you'll come when destiny's calling

[Chorus]
Get up (get up), you're borrowing time
Get up (get up), you're borrowing time

[Bridge]
I don't want anything anyway
I was happy with what I had yesterday
Who wants the whole weight of the world
When it'll drag you down, underground?

[Verse 3]
Today she's singing a song called Hallelujah
You stay, she's bringing the poison apple to you
Sun's up and reveille's playing
You know what everyone's saying

[Outro]
Get up (get up), you're borrowing time
Get up (get up), you're borrowing time
Get up (get up), you're borrowing time
Get up (get up), you're borrowing time

Ballantines Lyrics

[intro]

It must be hard ringing the bells
Of doors that don't swing wide anymore
It must be hard hearing the sound
Of voices just inside of the door

[Chorus]

A man who couldn't hold your coat
Who's hung on ever antidote
So it must be hard watching the fellows gloat
Ballantines

[verse]

It must be hard seeing the same old crowd
Just pass you by in the street
It must be tough knowing your stuff
Could only horrify the elite

[Chorus]

You cut off everyone you know
Boy you told `em all where to go
Now it must be hard getting the same heave-ho
Ballantines

[verse]

Well, patrons at the bar in Lexington Kentucky
Who sprung for every drink you downed
With things the way they are it's not that kind of party
If what you've got might just be going around

[verse]

The fat cows won't be getting thin
Seeing the kind of jam you're in
Though the angels dance on the head of another pin

[outro]

Ballantines
Ballantines
Ballantines

Save Me Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You look like a perfect fit
For a girl in need of a tourniquet

[Chorus]
But can you save me
Come on and save me
If you could save me
From the ranks of the freaks
Who suspect they could never love anyone

[Verse 2]
'Cause I can tell
You know what it's like
The long farewell
Of the hunger strike

[Chorus]
But can you save me
Come on and save me
If you could save me
From the ranks of the freaks
Who suspect they could never love anyone

[Bridge]
You struck me dumb
Like radium
Like Peter Pan
Or Superman
You will come to save me

[Chorus]
C'mon and save me
If you could save me
From the ranks of the freaks
Who suspect they could never love anyone
'Cept the freaks
Who suspect they could never love anyone
But the freaks
Who suspect they could never love anyone

C'mon and save me
Why don't you save me
If you could save me
From the ranks of the freaks
Who suspect they could never love anyone

Except the freaks
Who suspect they could never love anyone
Except the freaks who could never love anyone

Amateur Lyrics

I'm told the case is now closed
So I can come to my senses
But when the question is posed
I'll have this meager defense

chorus:
I was hoping that you'd know better than that
I was hoping but you're an amateur
I was hoping that you'd know better
But I've been wrong before

Despite conclusions I drew
There was a chance you'd surprise me
And you'd be better than you
Cause I'd have left otherwise

chorus:
I was hoping that you'd know better than that
I was hoping but you're an amateur
I was hoping that you'd know better
But I've been wrong before

So I wasn't thinking clearly
So you didn't think at all
I thought was protocol

chorus:
I was hoping that you'd know better than that
I was hoping but you're an amateur
I was hoping that you'd know better
But I've been wrong before

I was hoping that,
I was hoping but you're an amateur
I was hoping that you'd know better
But I've been wrong before

Frankenstein Lyrics

(I still have the shake in my voice
And I'm going to sing you this song)

I don't know you from Adam, it could make my day
If you leave me a message I'll give it away
'Cause the most perfect strangers that you can talk to
Are the ones who pretend that you're not really you

Are with any attempts here to play Frankenstein
Come with plenty of chances for changing your mind
When you're building your own creation
Nothing's better than real than a real
Imitation

I won't find it fantastic or think it absurd
When the gun in the first act goes off in the third
'Cause it's rare that you ever know what to expect
From a guy made of corpses with bolts in his neck

If the creature is limping the parts are in place
With a mind of its own and a fist for a face
Say hello to your new creation
Now it's better than real
It's a real imitation

You may wonder what the catch is
As we batten down the hatches

And when later we find that the thing we devised
Has the villagers clamoring for it's demise
We will have to admit the futility of
Trying to make something more of this jerry-built love

And you'll notice it bears a resemblance to
Everything I imagined I wanted from you
But at least it's my own creation
And it's better than real
It's a real imitation

Stupid Thing Lyrics

Nothing was saving our day
There was nothing to say,
But you said something anyway
Claiming I stepped out of line
Which forced you to leave me,
As if that idea was mine.

chorus:
Oh, you stupid thing
Speaking of course as your dear departed
Oh, you stupid thing
It wasn't me that you outsmarted,
You stupid thing
Stopping it all before it even started

I bet you knew it would come
That's just like you, to sit back
And just play it dumb
One word of warning would help
But that sacrifice was made
Trying to save yourself

chorus:
Oh, you stupid thing
Speaking of course as your dear departed
Oh, you stupid thing
It wasn't me that you outsmarted
Oh, you stupid thing
Stopping it all before it even started

Maybe that's just how I am
To fall where I stand,
Or I'm weak for that kind of man
One who looks helpless and brave
But you turned into a coward
I don't care for the parts you saved.

chorus:
Oh, you stupid thing
Speaking of course as your dear departed
Oh, you stupid thing
It wasn't me that you outsmarted
Oh, you stupid thing
Speaking of course as your dear departed
Oh, you stupid thing
It wasn't me that you outsmarted:
Oh, you stupid thing.
Oh, you stupid thing.
Oh, you stupid thing.
Oh, you stupid thing.

Choice in the Matter Lyrics

Skip the cloak and dagger bit
Don't you know we're sick of it?
As much as I would like to stay
The message light just blinks away
And while I'm here you won't push play

So you leave me no choice in the matter
You leave me no choice in the matter
You leave me no choice in the matter

You leave me no option to indulge in this
Exercise in cowardice
Ignorance without the bliss

chorus:
'Cause you leave me no choice in the matter
You leave me no choice in the matter
You leave me no choice in the matter

You leave me no ...

'Cause I know where this boat will go
Pulled down by the undertow
It's lucky I know how to row

(so row, row, row your boat gently down the stream.
I hope you drown and never come back.)

'Cause you leave me no choice in the matter
You leave me no choice in the matter
You leave me no choice in the matter

You leave me no

Backfire Lyrics

I've got some cookies from our junk food run
And here's a couple beers, so let's go create some fun
Supplies are limited and I'm all out
Of any explanation, of what I'm on about

chorus:
I'm tired of having to try to convince you
If I go along with you it all will backfire
I know you had plans, your intentions were grand
But it's out of my hands and it isn't the way I pictured it either

Well, things felt weird but you said that's alright
That it was not a problem and we could just sit tight
And when you said that I was sure I cringed
'Cause you had no suspicion that I had come unhinged

Or just tired, I cannot say which but there's always a hitch
That will cause the whole thing to backfire
I know you had plans, your intentions were grand
But it's out of my hands now, it's out of my hands now

I know you'd like to be the St. Bernard
Who rushes to the rescue when there's an avalanche
But in my panic I may pull too hard
And the novice lifeguard gets rushed off in the ambulance

I'm tired, I cannot seem to get a message to you
That the rescue you planned has just backfired
I know you had plans, your intentions were grand
But it's out of my hands now, it's out of my hands now
And it isn't the way I pictured it either