DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE FOREVER

Written when I was under the influence of a new-used Honda and the possibility of business school. I forgot about grad school and went into the studio instead. The song's about staying true to yourself in the face of the inevitable pressures to do what other people expect of you. By the way, that includes pop-culture and rock musicians as well as parents and in-laws.

Mom and Dad they say you've got to make some cash in this world
first you get a job you get a car and then you get a girl
but they don't understand the price you pay for peace of mind in this world
every sleepless night you face your life there's got to be more in this world

(and they say)
Don't waste your life forever, Don't waste your life forever, Don't waste your life forever.

Mom and Dad they say you're gonna lose yourself in this world
first you wreck the car, you lose your job and you're left by your girl
So you learn to lie and compromise to get what you need in this world
Then try to buy back all the self-respect you promised to yourself in this world

(and they say)
Don't waste your life forever, Don't waste your life forever, Don't waste your life forever.

I've got no respect for my education
got no respect for my obligations
got no respect for you!

(and they say)
Don't waste your life forever, Don't waste your life forever, Don't waste your life forever.

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NOT FOREVER

I was (am) convinced that R&P (rhythm and punk) is a good idea. I pretty much believe anything that sounds good slow sounds better faster. My apologies to James Jamerson (and pretty much everyone else).

I know, you lied
I couldn't love you even if I tried
That's forever.

You said, your mine
You're gonna love me for a long long time
Not forever

Look up at me
If you love me baby
I know what you say,
but I'm gonna love you anyway

You laughed, and I cried
I was lonely for a very long time
Not forever.

Listen close, cuz I meant
every single solitary word I said
That's forever

(Chorus)

That look, in your eye
It really comes as no surprise
Not forever.

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OH BOY

The Buddy Holly Classic. It wasn't written by Buddy, though. It was written by a guy named West and it was based on a high school football cheer. We played this tune to warm up, and didn't realize the engineer was recording. This is a one take deal…vocals, solos everything. We liked the energy, but listen closely - or maybe not so closely - and you can hear something a little funny in the last chords.

TRAINWRECK

Thank God no lyrics to type.

NOTHIN' TO SAY

Just good snotty fun, and, surprisingly, a regional college radio hit. Dedicated to all the hipsters, scenesters, and VJ wannabes. You know who you are.

You wanna change things
You wanna change the system
You're only 19
You talk more than you listen

MTV
is your social contribution
Can't be free
without label distribution

Ohhhhh No! Ohhhhh No!
When ya gonna learn that we don't give a damn about you!

Tell yourself
The world owes you explanations
Don't understand
It don't meet your expectations

Tell yourself
That you've got some real solutions
Can't see past
Pop culture revolution

(chorus)

Waste your time
It's too complicated
You'll do fine
Cuz your college educated

MTV
is your favorite institution
Identity
mass marketing illusion

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FIGHTING IN THE STREET

Written after the L.A. riots in the early 90s. The second song I ever wrote. Strange choice for a white kid from suburban Chicago…hope it doesn't show too much. More Stiff Little Fingers than Toots anyhow.

They're fighting in the street, She can't find no relief
From fighting in the street, She can't buy no relief
They're fighting in the street

Acetone Sam and his teflon man are talking trash and trading hands
They're handing out cash to the alley trash,
tell momma's little heros and momma's last chance
Just to try it

Chorus

Jimmy laid down his life one Saturday night over nothing much 'cept his pride
and impossible dreams in impossible times
His momma held him in her arms as her last hope died

The mercy boys are giving it away their dead end cure ends a dead end day
numb the hope in the lies you say to get by
fighting to believe it after all this time

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I DON'T WANNA WORK

Written during one of my (several) stints of unemployment. The lyrics made my drummer giggle so we left it on the album. If you hate it, don't worry, it'll be over soon. The lead guitar was played though a mini-marshal - the kind that runs on a 9-volt and clips to your belt.

I don't wanna work
Can't make me so I'm not gonna
I don't wanna work
Can't make me so I'm not gonna
I don't wanna work
Can't make me so I'm not gonna

The company is pimping and I'm it's whore
All you gotta do's bend over for a dollar an hour more

chorus

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TONIGHT

I have no idea what this song means. I was probably drunk. I kinda like it though.

Tonight
There ain't nothin' to do, but fight
I'd rather be with you
Tonight
Everybody wants to be so cruel

Tonight
We're gonna have some fun, Alright
Down at the rock and roll club
Tonight
Everybody's there to be so cruel

I look at you but you won't say
Maybe we're just used up anyway

Tonight
We'll find it out on the street, that's right
chasing broken dreams
Tonight
Everybody wants to be so cruel

Chorus

Tonight
There ain't nothin' to do, but fight
I'd rather be with you
Tonight
Everybody wants to be so cruel

Tonight
We're getting' out on our own, Alright
Never going home
Tonight
Everybody wants to be so cruel

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