Mark A. Mandel, © 1995
(to an original tune)
[The (BANG!)
ending each verse is a foot-stamp,
a knock on the body of the guitar, etc.]
Rhythms, words, and images go tumbling through my brain
and I want to, got to,
NEED TO write this song.
But my nervous system's singing me that haunting old refrain:
"You're already past exhausted and you can't support the strain.
If you stay up any later, you're gonna go insane!"
And I've got to get to work in the morning.
(BANG!)
I don't feel all that tired, 'cause my thoughts are bright and clear,
but I think -- I know --
I'm SURE I should be sleeping.
I only had one glass of wine and half a can of beer,
and it can't be from caffeine 'cause there's no ringing in my ear.
Maybe if I just lie down the urge will disappear,
'cause I've got to get to work in the morning.
(BANG!)
But... I'm... reaching for the paper, pen, and flashlight by my bed,
moving slowly so I won't disturb her slumber.
The words are flowing freely in the voice inside my head,
and I'm struggling to write them down as fast as they are said,
and I'm praying that these crazy marks are words that can be read
when I stagger off to work in the morning.
(BANG!)
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