for the rest of my life

I knew by my first real job
that I would be smoking weed
for the rest of my life
as long as I kept on working

You recognize the story when you see it

So here's a song idea, and it's from true life, too. I have noticed that when I get up in the morning, I think about how I can't wait to get home from work so I can go back to bed and fall asleep.

That's…that's actually kind of sad, farmboy.

You don't think it's funny?

I guess it is. It's just that I would hope you have a better life than that.

Oh, I do. But I can see why you would think that it's sad. But, you know, there's a lot in this world that's sad, you know? And I think that this would also qualify as a source of conflict, which any good story needs.

I hope you explore it, then. Especially since it's been going on now. 

And why is that?

Oh, I just mean that you can look at those feelings with a sense of direction and you're a witness to them currently. I'm not sure what I'm trying to say, farmboy, but I hope you get the gist.

I think I do. I should pay attention when I start thinking like that, and then use it for writing.

Exactly!

Sheesh! I could have told you that, man. I do that with fuckin' everything, man. That's part of writing songs. You're like a newspaper reporter in that way. You recognize the story when you see it.

I'm looking forward to hearing this song.

Me too, man. Maybe I'll learn something about myself, you know?

never coming home

I got gas in the pick-up
whiskey in a flask
money in my pocket
and questions I don't need to ask
you may treat me like a schoolboy
but darlin', I'm full grown
I got the open road before me
and I'm never coming home

I need a change of direction
I need a new point of view
this may be natural selection
but I don't need you
I'm deleting your name
and number from my telephone
I got a life to keep on living
and I'm never coming home

don't make me think about you

don't make me think about you
there's a million other things I can do 
I can drink a little whiskey
I can tell myself lies
instead of cutting you down to size
ooooh
don't make me think about you

and that's okay

I want meaning in my life
is that too much to ask?
if that's the case
I better hurry up
godspeed 
and so begins the task
I got on my walking shoes
I ain't got no more time for blues
but the answers never come my way
what can I say
I'm just a human being still searching
and that's okay

on their own behalf

I can't believe how powerless I've become
I used to be so strong
the sky was as blue as the ocean
now color just doesn't belong
all the rejection and all the unfairness
I used to fight on the righteous path
are all but accepted by those who can't fight
on their own behalf

bonnie's song

rooster crows
off to work
starbucks, please,
to stay alert
greet the students
at 8:05
it's another day for bonnie
at grant high

ten great kids
ten wheelchairs
bonnie gives
the best of care
with a heart as big
as the open sky
it's another day for bonnie
at grant high

she makes sure that they're clean
she makes sure that they're fed
she makes sure that they're safe
and she counts on david's head

with paints and paper
and elmer's glue
and colors yellow
red and blue
the kids make art
under her watchful eye
it's another day for bonnie 
at grant high

with words and a gentle touch
(sometimes with latex gloves)
with bonnie by their side
the kids know that they're loved

3:05
end of day
some rough parts
but it's okay
students on the bus
she waves goodbye
it's another day for bonnie
at grant high
it's another day for bonnie
at grant high