progress is slow

progress is slow

it barely even moves

it flows like molten lava

a tiny bit at a time

progress is slow

it hardly ever improves

as it rises to the surface

of the back of your mind

trouble, on the other hand,

thinks it can outsmart us

but it only works to part us

in ways we can't ignore

but progress is slow

it barely knows we're here

it's like we've disappeared

still looking for the shore

progress is slow

you hardly can see it

hiding in the distance

nearly out of sight

progress is slow

but it still keeps on moving

pushing us onward

into the light

trouble, on the other hand,

keeps us on the ground

neither safe nor sound

it holds us in its grasp

but progress is slow

it fools us with its hiding

but all along it's deciding

that in time trouble will pass

progress is slow

but I know it is coming

out from the shadows

to show its face

progress is slow

but you've got to believe

it is there in the future

of the human race

this world

I cannot go out there

the world is too scary

for me to open the front door

I'm staying inside

it's too overbearing

I want to live like I did before

stuck at home

with no one around

nothing unknown

safe and sound

don't make me leave here

I can see

this world is not the place for me

lock the deadbolt

close the drapes

I'm staying indoors today

I don't need to run

or make my escape

I don't want to move either way

it's scary as sin

and frightening as hell

I'm staying in

I can't help myself

don't call my name

just let me be

this world is not the place for me

maybe someday

at a time I don't know

I will leave home sweet home

there is nowhere

for me to go

that's as good as a place of my own

head under the covers

in an unmade bed

maybe I'll discover

what lies ahead

but until that time

at home I'll be free

this world is not the place for me

if I sleep

if I sleep

wake me up

in case anything happens

I may look like I'm sleeping

but I'm really just waiting

for my life to begin.

I have been awake

but nothing is breathing.

everything seems to be 

running in place.

nothing moves.

so I might as well sleep

but remember wake me up

if something happens.

all I can do

all I can do

is what I must do

100 percent

all of the time

all I can be

is what I've been through

fearfully waiting

at the scene of the crime

I have been wishing

for somebody else

to be the replacement for you

but it don't do no good

nobody could

and now I don't know what to do

all I can say

words get in the way

of everything 

I'm trying to tell you

all I can see

is you in front of me

I'm safe

I have nothing to sell you

I have been waiting

all of my life

to fill the hole inside me

where my heart should be

it's easy to see

all the damage that you provide me

          damn this heart

          I'm falling apart

          is there any way you can help me?

all I can be

is an example of me

nursing a broken heart

I'll make it through

whatever I do

won't rip me apart

I have been wanting

a reason to live

where I don't think about you

now I am strong

I can get along

I can do everything

without you

all I can do

is what I must do

100 percent

all of the time

if I were a child

if I were a child

I would be playing

with a hose in the backyard

getting all wet

not caring about clothing

enjoying the water

when you are older

you start to forget

that life was once different

and more at ease

you learned everyday

as you jumped into leaves

if I was a child

that's what I'd do

and I'd try to be

best friends with you

if I were a child

sometimes I'd be crying

when life would hand me

a bit of bad news

but then I'd be happy

wide-eyed and laughing

the world outside me

had ways I could choose

like time at the TV

or playing outside

or games where everyone

runs, jumps and hides

if I was a child

the world would be new

and I'd try to be

best friends with you

you were a baby

you were a baby

once upon a time

you were born innocent

you had committed no crime

you laughed when you were happy

you cried when you were sad

you trusted both your parents

'cause they were all you had

now you're all grown up

but the question comes again

you were a baby

what happened way back then?

you were a baby

a long time ago

you've learned a lot since then

but there's so much you don't know

back then, you had your instincts

they told you what to do

but you don't have the memories

that should be in front of you

now you're all grown up

your childhood is all gone

you were a baby

but you still haven't moved on

          therapy and medicine

          are what you do to live

          when you don't know what happened

          there's no one to forgive

you were a baby

it's a natural fact

you can try to remember

but there ain't no going back

but somewhere deep inside you

you're still feeling all the pain

and the problems and results

are all that remain

now you're all grown up

and it's still the same old song

you were a baby

and somewhere

somehow

something went wrong

new day

I want a new day

I want a morning

that I am happy to be in

I want a new day

one with some hope

that maybe the good guys will win

I know that here

is a place we don't belong

everything we know

is turning out all wrong

and it will be so

until we find a way

to live in this world

I want a new day

I don't belong here

I should be some place

where freedom still lives on

our leaders have deserted us

worthless pieces of shit

scattered on a new-mowed lawn

I know this country

is filled with anger and hate

we must reverse the tide

before it's too late

the time is drawing near

as we sink into decay

we can't go back again

I want a new day

strong medicine (rewrite 1)

strong medicine

is what I need

to survive in this world

to get me up to speed

it don't do no good

hanging 'round this town

so I'm leaving home

I'm California bound

my time in Oklahoma

is coming to an end

all I need 

is strong medicine

goodbye to my mama

goodbye to the land

take me some place far away

where i can understand

the ways of the world

as they reach out to me

the spirit leads me on

to where I'm supposed to be

goodbye to Oklahoma

I won't see you again

all I require

is strong medicine

nothing is ever easy

every question is a test

of all you hold inside you

I try my very best

you can come and see me

if you've got a mind to roam

I will give you shelter

in the safety of my home

I will miss Oklahoma

I will miss all my friends

all I have now

is strong medicine

no reason

today I have no reason

to give into the blues

today I give myself permission

to do whatever I choose

I can play this game of life

and not feel I have to lose

today I have no reason

to give into the blues

today I have no lessons

I really have to learn

today I can feel free

as far as life's concerned

I have money in my pocket

and all this time to burn

today I have no lessons

I really have to learn

          today I can do

          whatever I desire

          today I can walk out

          and set the world on fire

today I'm getting closer

to the person I can be

I look into the mirror

and I'm not sad for being me

misery is costly

but today the joy is free

today I'm getting closer

to the person I can be

today I have no reason

to give into the blues

today I feel like there's no way

I'm ever going to lose

from the top of my head

to the bottom of my shoes

today I have no reason

to give into the blues

with the possible exception of you

I have been waiting 

and I know it's going to come

everything I've wished for

will finally come true

I'm standing up strongly

and the race has just begun

and now I know

exactly what to do

          everything I've wanted

          is now close at hand

          it's all within my grasp

          and I finally understand

          all I've ever needed

          is at my command

          ringing true

          with the possible exception of you

bells of freedom

can we learn from our mistakes

or are we cursed forever

are we just the product of the past

or are we something better

if we can open up our eyes

and find the truth hidden in lies

maybe we can realise

just who we can be

maybe the bells of freedom

will ring for you and me

all the sins we have committed

in the name of what is right

all the troubles we've ignored

are we giving up the fight

we all know the time is now

to do the best that we'll allow

maybe we can learn how

to open eyes to see

maybe the bells of freedom

will ring for you and me

if I help you, will you help me

if I trust you, will you trust me

I try to imagine the days ahead

and wonder why this must be

we can make it if we try

can you hear the voices on high

it's too soon to say goodbye

we must challenge our history

maybe the bells of freedom

will ring for you and me

today with you

I don't want to think about the problems

that have followed me all my life

I don't want to remember yesterday

nothing ever seemed to turn out right

I've got my eyes set on tomorrow

and a different point of view

I don't want to think about the future

all I want is today with you

people talk about all my transactions

as if they mean nothing in this world

I'm looking for a reaction

to all the plans and dreams I have unfurled

I don't look back if I can't help it

my past can't tell me what to do

I don't want to think about tomorrow

all I want is today with you

          people come and people go

          but you remain the same

          the only person I desire

          is the one with your full name

yesterday's dreams don't mean nothing

they're just a memory of the past

instead I'm looking for a good friend

and I have found one at last

I have wasted so much time

looking for a live that's true

I don't wnt to think about the future

all I want is today with you

as I wander

as I wander off by myself'

into the cold, cold night

I stop to remember

to turn on the porch light

it's a long way back home

on a broken time like this

give me just a little smile

come on, baby, give me a kiss

strong medicine

strong medicine

that's what I need

to survive in this world

to get me up to speed

it don't do no good

hanging around this town

so I'm leaving home

I'm California bound

my days in Oklahoma

are coming to an end

all I need now

is strong medicine

goodbye to my parents

goodbye to this land

take me some place far away

where i can understand

the ways of the world

as they reach out to me

the spirit leads me on

to where I'm supposed to be

goodbye to Oklahoma

I won't see you again

all I desire

is strong medicine

nothing is ever easy

every question is a test

of all you hold inside you

I try my very best

you can come and see me

if you've got a mind to roam

I will give you comfort

in the safety of my home

I will miss Oklahoma

I will miss all my friends

all I have right now

is strong medicine

I want to feel peaceful

I want to feel peaceful

but peace won't come my way

it's not that I'm not trying

I work at it everyday

I close my eyes and breath

as deeply as I can

so why don't I feel peaceful

I don't understand

I want to feel peaceful

but peace is not inside me

I can't be the only one

there must be someone besides me

I try to quiet my mind

but my mind complains

about every little thing

that I cannot explain

          I worry about trying

          and I always try my best

          if I can't be peaceful

          can I get some rest?

I want to feel peaceful

that's all I really need

I'm not sure meditation

is as good as smoking weed

but still I keep on doing it

though I don't know what it's about

I operate on two speeds

breathe in

breathe out

I don't want to work

I don't want to work

I want to stay in bed

I want to drink coffee

and watch TV instead

I want to remain mellow

and enjoy a day off

just for a moment

one day will be enough

and I will be rested

and through with all my sorrow

and I'll be ready to work again

tomorrow

I don't want to work

I want to stay right here

with snacks and books and music

I really need to hear

they can do without me

for at least one day

so I'm going to stay at home

and waste the day away

I have enough money

I don't have to borrow

and I'll be ready to work again

tomorrow

I don't want to work

until the day is through

instead I'd rather be right here

with the likes of you

I will bring you lemonade

I will make it right

and it will continue

all through the night

and we will be happy

miles away from sorrow

and I'll be ready to work again

tomorrow

blood from your hands

you can try to wash 

the blood from your hands

but it never will come off completely

you can try to pretend

that your actions are right

and your solutions solve everything neatly

but the fact still remains

that many have suffered

and others are suffering still

from the decisions you've made

and the evil you've done

and the crime of your own free will

now grab that soap

and scrub the blood from your hands

you can do what you can

but it's going to stay 

forever

maybe you can't see it

but there's blood on your hands

from all of the deeds you have done

the women you've controlled

the men you've betrayed

all of us

everyone

the fact still remains

that you've driven our country

further into the ground

we can search for a reason

but unless it is money

no reason will ever be found

now grab that soap

try to wash the blood stains away

but they're going to stay

forever

someday we will win

and face the blood from your hands

and we'll be afraid no longer

our battle has trained us

in large and small ways

and our fighting has made us stronger

and the fact still remains

that we must undo

the damage that you have done

and soon we will see

that brand new morning

where justice has now begun

now grab that soap

and try to wash the blood from your hands

you're going to be washing

forever

safe

I want everything to be safe

no chance of conflict

no need to run

I need to believe in the faith

that tells me better times

have just begun

I don't want to fight anymore

I want it to be like it was before

when all was peaceful

and I had friends

that's what it was like back then

I want everything to be good

back to normal

the way it should be

like in my old neighborhood

where no one was threatened

and we could feel free

now, I don't need to live in the past

I just want security to last

in times of trouble

nearing its end

that's what it was like back then

          now is the time

          when everything falls apart

          I feel my broken heart

          every morning and night

I want everything to be safe

not like it is right now

I want to go back

I really would appreciate

a sense of safety

I currently lack

I'm through with pretending

that these hard times are ending

it used to be good

and it could be again

that's what it was like back then

I don't want to die (rewrite 1)

I don't want to die

I want to live forever

in this poor old world

of treasures and gold

I want to be a child again

and get it right this time

curious and carefree

no thought of getting old

I don't want to die

I want life to take me

on a neverending journey

past the sorrow of my youth

I want possibilities

of living in this world

I want what I know inside me

to be the truth

          but life keeps moving

          forward and fast

          my present too quickly

          turns into the past

          all that I want

          is this living to last

          a lifetime

I don't want to die

I like it here on earth

my mind enjoys it here

where the stars shine at night

and the wind blows softly

and the branches dance

I'm living in wonder

at the thrill of the sight

          but life keeps moving

          forward and fast

          the present too quickly

          turns into the past

          all that I want

          is this living to last

          a lifetime

I don't want to die

life is too short

to do everything here

that I want to do

I don't want to die

I don't need a funeral

all that I want

is to be here with you

days left behind (rewrite 1)

I was thinking about 

the days left behind

I knew they were hiding

in the back of my mind

I never go back there

but today I did

I started remembering

when I was a kid

it was no fun

people were mean

I found my escape

on a theater screen

showing movies both

funny and sad

that was the childhood

I had

living in darkness

kept me alive

moving pictures I saw

with my very own eyes

I dreamed I was up there

a big movie star

nobody could hurt me

or cause any harm

but then I'd walk out

in the hot midday sun

alone and forsaken

real life had begun

but deep in my mind

I'm still there in the dark

reality, dreams

I can't tell them apart

and there I remain

until this very day

living in fantasy

is my only way

of living my life 

the way it should be

nothing to hide from

except being me

I don't want to die

I don't want to die

I want to live forever

in this poor old world

filled with treasures and gold

I want to be a child again

and get it right this time

curious and carefree

not a thought of getting old

I don't want to die

I want life to take me

on a worldwide journey

past the troubles of my youth

I want possibilities

of freedom and love

I want the joy inside me

to be the truth

          but life keeps moving

          forward and fast

          my present too quickly

          turns into the past

          all that I want

          is this living to last

          a lifetime

I don't want to die

I like it here on earth

my mind enjoys it here

where the stars shine at night

and the wind blows softly

and the branches dance

I'm living in wonder

at the thrill of the sight

          but life keeps moving

          forward and fast

          the present too quickly

          turns into the past

          all that I want

          is this living to last

          a lifetime

I don't want to die

life is too short

to do everything here

that I want to do

I don't want to die

I don't want a transition

all that I need

is to be here with you

rain song

it's going to rain today

I can feel it in my bones

so I'm not going to go outside

I'm going to stay right here at home

and watch the drops on the window

right next to my bed

it's going to rain today

I'm going to stay in bed

I'm amazed that I'm so lazy

that I can sleep till the afternoon

and stlll manage to rest

when the sun is replaced by the moon

I ought to have ambition

I ought to have some fun

instead I have plenty of nothing

when the working day is done

          I know I'm depressed

          it's always been that way

          but tomorrow will be

          another hopeful day

tomorrow I'll wake up

and open my eyes

and maybe the morning

will hold a surprise

maybe I'll find a lover

maybe I'll find a friend

maybe I'll fall asleep

and it will be morning again

          I know I'm depressed

          but it won't last long

          today I feel weak

          but tomorrow I'll be strong

I would rather be

I would rather be

the person I am

instead of the man

you wish I could be

I would rather do

the best that I can

instead of your plans

of changing me

I would rather be

the one left alone

than to atone

for the way I am

I would rather do

whatever it takes

to grow beyond my mistakes

and finally understand

          we all are searchers

          every one of us

          it's what we do

          we are all searchers

          we do what we can

          to make it through

I would rather be

flying in the sky

like a crow up high

with the earth below

I would rather do

what a crow does

if you ask me, because

they all seem to know

          we are all searchers

          every one of us

          it's who we are

          we are all searchers

          we do what we can

          to visit the stars

I would rather be

an average man

doing what he can

to live his life

I would rather do

what I know how

the future is now

before my eyes

long years of waiting

forget about good luck

you can't count on it coming

good luck don't mean nothing

it's just wasting your time

nose to the grindstone

work as hard as you can

then you'll understand

good luck's what you find

when you've been busy

doing what you're supposed to do

it might make you dizzy

but working is good for you

so get ready

it's here

the time 

is drawing near

when you will be rewarded

at last

your long years of waiting

have passed

and forget about hard times

they're all going away

so what can you say

they've come to an end

you're finally free now

you've done all you know

it's time that you grow

into your own best friend

I'll tell you a secret

that no one has heard

the love that's inside you

is more than a word

so get ready

it's now

your heart will show you how

move on

the long years of waiting

have gone

missing

I went looking for myself

but I was missing

I couldn't find me

no matter how hard I looked

I looked under bridges

I looked under rocks

I looked at art and movies

and children's picture books

I looked so hard to find myself

pity how I tried

the one place I forgot to look

was hidden deep inside

I went looking for my story

but it was missing

somewhere with my history

it vanished into the air

I searched the whole town over

for whatever I could find

but everywhere I went

there was nothing there

I looked so hard to see myself

not knowing what I'd find

the one place I forgot to look

was hidden in my mind

          Lord, give me the courage

          to face myself within

          I believe the time is right

          let the games begin

I went looking for an answer

but I didn't know the question

it never occured to me

to look at first things first

somewhere I was damaged

my bearings lost control

it's either nothing or everything

I don't know which is worse

I tried so hard to be myself

but it was tearing me apart

the one place I forgot to look

was deep inside my heart

days left behind

I was thinking about 

the days left behind

I knew they were there

in the back of my mind

I never go back there

but today I did

I started remembering

when I was a kid

it was no fun

people were mean

I found my escape

on a theater screen

showing movies both

funny and sad

that was the childhood

I had

my imagination

kept me alive

those images I saw

with my very own eyes

I dreamed I was up there

a big movie star

nobody could hit me

or cause any harm

but then I'd walk out

in the hot midday sun

alone and forsaken

the fight had begun

and deep in my mind

I'm still there in the dark

reality, fantasy

I can't tell them apart

and there I remain

until this very day

when I've decided to give

my fantasies away

I now live my life

the way it should be

nothing to hide from

except being me

tic tac toe (rewrite 1)

life is like playing tic tac toe

I never can land three in a row

I can do one, maybe two

but three I just can't do

I can count

I've been to school

I haven't broken any rules

I try time and time and time again

knowing that someday I'll win

people say it's easy to try

but victory always passes me by

I choose one square, and then another

I figure it's one or the other

but I always fail

I always lose

I never know quite what to choose

I'll find my way around it though

give me a chance at tic tac toe

you've got three

draw a straight line

maybe I'll win another time

when luck finally goes my way

it's going to happen one sweet day

it's hard to hope when you're blue

but hoping I know how to do

there's one question I want to know

would you like to play tic tac toe?

tic tac toe

real life is like playing tic tac toe

I never can land three in a row

I can do one, maybe two

but three is something I just can't do

I know how to count

I've been to school

I've tried to break all the rules

I try time and time and time again

whatever I do, I just can't win

people say it's easy to try

but winning always passes me by

I choose one square, and then another

I figure it's either one or the other

but I always fail

I always lose

I never know quite what to choose

I'll find my way around it though

give me a chance at tic tac toe

you've got three

draw a straight line

maybe I'll win another time

when luck is strong and going my way

it's going to happy one sweet day

it's hard to hope when you're feeling blue

but hoping is something I know how to do

with all I can and all I know

would you like to play tic tac toe?

waiting right here (rewrite 1)

I would like to make some friends

but that means I have to go outside

and that's too much work right now

I'm here patiently waiting

God knows how much I've tried

I want to know you, but I don't know how

I hang around trying

and there's no denying

I'm lonesome as I can be

where is that someone

I know that they'll come

and my sorrow will be set free

          will you talk to me

          will you lend me an ear

          if you are lonely

          I'm waiting right here

open and unlock your front door

look at the sidewalk and the street

maybe I'm coming your way

I look at the faces

on all the people I meet

but this loneliness won't go away

I'm looking for action

a little satisfaction

I don't need to run and hide

someday I'll see you

and wishes will come true

and then my fears will subside

          will you talk to me

          please don't disappear

          if you are lonely

          I'm waiting right here

someday will you notice me

that's what I tell myself

even though I doubt that it's true

and I won't be thinking

I'm someone else

or pretending I'm somebody new

but until that day

would you look my way

enough to help me see

there's a chance that you

know what to do

in regards to me

          will you talk to me

          there's nothing for you to fear

          if you are lonely

          I'm waiting right here

waiting right here

I would like some friends

but that means I go outside

and that's just too much work right now

I'm patiently waiting

but Lord knows how much I've tried

I want to know you, but I don't know how

I hang around trying

and there's no denying

I'm lonesome as I can be

where is that someone

I know that they'll come

and my sorrow will be set free

          will you talk to me

          will you lend me an ear

          if you are lonely

          I'm waiting right here

open your front door

look at the sidewalk and the street

maybe I'm coming your way

I look at their faces

the people I meet

and this loneliness won't go away

I'm looking for action

and some satisfaction

I don't need to run and hide

someday I'll see you

and wishes will come true

and then my fears wilkl subside

          will you talk to me

          please don't disappear

          if you are lonely

          I'm waiting right here