When life gives you lemons
Rub them in the open wounds of your enemies
To each of us according to the amount that we can bleed
To each according to his greed
You used to believe that with age you would become less unhappy
When you had real reasons to be sad
When you were younger, your suffering was inconsolable
'Cause it seemed unfounded, uncontrollable
But tonight I'm going to cut off all my hair
And wipe my bank account clean
Void all the contracts I'd vowed to keep
Let's run away together, you and me
And by tomorrow morning let's live free
Stumps at the lakefront, like beasts at the water hole
It’s our own personal dust bowl
We rise, each morning, as far as I can tell
Searching for water from a deeper well
How are you at love, art, and crime?
Three for three, if you ask me
It's a living wage
Being St. Sebastian of the short stage
I'll take upon myself the slings & arrows aimed at other singers
If you'll be high-bidder, I'll be a bell-ringer
You be come-hither, I'll be a ditch-digger
You be long-limber, I'll be a tale-spinner
Trickster & swindler
Scribbler & scriv'ner
Shimmering silver & high-gauge
June and Johnny for the modern age
Tonight I'm going to cut off all my hair
And wipe my bank account clean
Break all the promises I vowed to keep
Close your eyes and floor it, man, no guarantee
We'll see our way clear to live free
Stumps at the lakefront, like beasts at the water hole
It’s our own personal dust bowl
We rise, each morning, as far as I can tell
Searching for water from a deeper well
Suck in your gut, blow out your voice
Go home, as if you've got the choice
Take a shot and smooth your shirt
Whatever you do, don't get hurt
These are high seas
Pull yourself together, man, and live free
I believe it, and I've found it to be true
You can stay one step ahead of the problems that oppress you
I believe it, and I've found it to be true
You can stay one step ahead of your problems
I believe it, and I've found it to be true
I can outrun any one of you.
credits
from Live Free (Tour EP 2011),
released November 18, 2011
Recorded in Brooklyn by Franz Nicolay. Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music. Cover design by Ariana Nicolay.
supported by 8 fans who also own “Live Free (Demo)”
All of these new tracks have been great. So glad to hear you guys again, and great to have Franz back in the fold. THS stronger than ever! Viva! Daniel Bauer
supported by 8 fans who also own “Live Free (Demo)”
I like both tracks the same, it made me choose 1, These are dark times. The fact that this is The Hold Steady sounding like they should is a lantern of hope. I never thought I would hear new Hold Steady like this again. Joy is reborn. john parsons
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