yes in a world of no (new ending)

everybody I meet
everywhere I go
go on living and keep
looking for a yes 
in a world of no
yes in a world of no

everybody I know

I am an old man
I still live by myself
I spend most of my time
maintaining my health
I have a doctor for this
a doctor for that
iron for thin blood
a gym to lose fat
there's only one problem
that's simple to see
everybody I know
is paid to be around me

I have no real friends
they're all busy these days
grandchildren and cruise ships
keep them far, far away
so I talk to the doctors
and nurses and staff
they joke about Friday
maybe we share some laughs
but that's not the way
I wish it would be
everybody I know
is paid to be around me

          what I would give to be young again
          maybe even have some kind of career
          over the hill is a sad, bitter pill
          you swallow till you disappear

I am an old man
these folks aren't my friends
but I can't wait
till I see them again
I show up early
I wait for the bus
just one more stranger
returning to dust
I limp on home and 
turn on the TV
everybody I know
is paid to be around me

peace for now

I don't know
how long it will last
but I ain't asking
why or how
I only know this second
is better than my past
and I'm at peace for now

I can't say
if I'm deserving
I just hang on
to that gospel plow
my history's 
not worth observing
and I'm at peace for now

          I've always lived
          with my head in the clouds
          but for once I'm somewhere 
          where it isn't allowed

I won't bet
on tomorrow
I ain't no prophet
or wise old owl
I just know 
I ain't suffering in sorrow
and I'm at peace for now
I'm at peace for now

I keep walking

I keep walking
even though I don't know why
I keep talking
though all I want to do is cry
I keep moving
though I swear I'm standing still
nothing's improving
yet I think it always will
I keep walking
like I'll get somewhere 
someday

I keep learning
even though some say I don't
home fires burning
as I pour whiskey down my throat
I try running
but both my legs are broken down
something's coming
yeah, I said that last go round
but I keep walking
like I'll get somewhere
someday

I keep crying
I keep sharpening my knife
I keep trying
I keep fighting for my life
I need help here
I'm drowning on dry ground
I am not waving
this time I'm going down
and I keep walking
like I'll get somewhere
someday
I keep walking
I keep walking
anyway

needs get unmet

plans fail
hope is lost
you're not to blame
but you pay the cost
people misuse you
life gets upset
it's all to confuse you
needs get unmet
needs get unmet

nothing repays you
for all that you miss
life swings at you
with your father's fist
it's your sins
it's your shame
don't ever forget
it's all under your name
needs get unmet
needs get unmet

convince yourself
say your prayers
question if
there's something there
in the end
still the same old bet
needs get unmet
needs get unmet

tomorrow's just
another day
try not to get
in its way
tell yourself
it's not over yet
needs get unmet
needs get unmet
needs get unmet
needs get unmet

used to people

I am used to people
thinking they're too good for me
I am used to people
telling me what I should be
I am used to people's
personal point of view
that doesn't include
people who are not you

I am used to people
telling me that I'm wrong
I am used to people
who believe I don't belong
with their class of people
I am not one who deserves
to be among the privileged
I am the one who serves

I am used to people
who kick me to the dust
so you'll need to forgive me
I have not learned to trust
I am used to people
who consider me a fool
I am not used
to someone like you

I only hope you're true

speed dial ideas

since I was born
I've spent my life on trial
I got suicide hotline
on speed dial

don't tell me I'm in denial...

hopeful thinking ain't my style...

holding back tears like a crocodile...

I found my face in the reject file...

I'll get better
but it's gonna take a while...