TWO SIMPLE WORDS- Sorry ‘bout the way history’s portrayed. It’s not my fault. Photography of pain and misery hung from the walls and the price tag is anything but small. Your overview could use an overhaul. And I’m sorry ‘bout the way the world is today. What can I do? But in everything I see there are possibilities, ways to improve. Do what ya say, say what ya do. In two simple words, stay true. Give me the strength to say thank you. To give back exactly what I claim to. It’s not alright if I don’t. It’s that time again and I recommend that we rebuild. A brand new neighborhood, we won’t question if we should, we’ll just say we will. We’ll replant every tree that they killed. So why are we standing still? Give me the strength to say thank you. To give back exactly what I claim to. It’s not alright if I don’t. At least I’m fortunate to say honesty’s still all the rage. Cards face up on the table just like artwork on display. So I’ll sing a song of praise to commemorate these days and one day will be able to all look back and say we lived it well. Give me the strength to say thank you. To give back exactly what I claim to. It’s not alright if I don’t. Oh, no it’s not alright if I don’t do what I say.

BROKEN CHAMELEON- I’m like a broken chameleon. I change my colors like a mood ring. Stickin' out like a sore thumb with every other mood swing. I seldom blend in with my surroundings. I’m like an untuned piano. I look like I sound good, but little do you know what’s under this dark wood. These keys would open doors if they only could. So, let’s open a window and turn off the A.C. Turn up the stereo and turn off the T.V. Records, tapes and CDs are therapy. I’d like to thank the Replacements. I’d like to thank the Ramones. I’d like to thank Mike and Tre. I’d like to thank Billie Joe. What I’d be without you, God only knows. I was a messed up kid and I’m messed up still. I take shelter in music. I always will. I’d like to give those bands high fives ‘cause music still saves lives. It’s been saving mine since 1995. Still broken and ugly. And you’re so pretty in pink. I’ll be your barrel of monkeys if you buy me a drink. And I’ll never drink alone again I think. Yeah, we’ll be codependent. We’ll be all that we need. You need a hand and I’ll lend it. You need some blood and I’ll bleed. You’re just what I needed, I needed someone to feed. I hope that your heart is hungry so we can dance in the dark. I want you to want me. You can come as you are ‘cause what you are has been beautiful so far. I’d like to thank the Replacements. I’d like to thank the Ramones. The Cars and the Beach Boys and the Smoking Popes. What I’d be without you, God only knows. I was a messed up kid and I’m messed up still. I take shelter in music. I always will. I’d like to give those bands high fives ‘cause music still saves lives. It’s been saving mine since 1995.

POP-PUNK MEMENTO- It’s been a long time since last I fell in love. It’s been a long time since I knew what it was. Always the wrong time, and I know I’m not as tough as the man you claim to love these days. And there are engagement rings at the bottom of the East River. They’ll never get to shine on a bride-to-be’s finger. So, we will sing a song of their lament and for the feet in that same river wearing shoes made of cement. It’s been a long time since last I felt alive. It’s been a long time but now its do or die and if I don’t, I will just lay down and cry a lonely lullaby to ease my pain. And there are engagement rings at the bottom of the East River. They’ll never get to shine on a bride-to-be’s finger. So, we will sing a song of their lament and for the feet in that same river wearing shoes made of cement. It’s been a long, long, long time. Another sad song in a happy tempo. Another pop-punk memento. You can keep it like a secret underneath your pillow. Don’t give me too much credit. What the hell do I know? But a sad song on a bright day is better than a bad song stuck in my head, stuck on the highway. And I had something to say. I forgot it, must’ve lost it along the way. It’s been a long time, I’ve been locked inside this cell. Charged for the wrong crime but I guess its just as well. Doing hard time whether or not I’m in or out, still a prisoner of my doubt and of my shame. And there are engagement rings at the bottom of the East River. They’ll never get to shine on a bride-to-be’s finger. So, we will sing a song of their lament and for the feet in that same river wearing shoes made of cement. Its been a long, long, long time.

I’M SORRY AMELIA- I’ve written melodies to songs that have no endings. Stuck here on the bridge. And if you measure distance in terms of miles and minutes, you’re so far away that I can’t even see you. I’m sorry Amelia. I didn’t write you again today. I’m sorry Amelia. I didn’t call. I’m sorry Amelia. I wanted to tell you. I’ve written poetry simply by staring at your picture. Silently sincere. I’ve woken up to smiles from dreams you’re responsible for, but you never knew ‘cause I never told you. I’m sorry Amelia. I didn’t write you again today. I’m sorry Amelia. I didn’t call. I’m sorry Amelia. I wanted to tell you. “I just didn’t know” is no kind of alibi. I’m sorry Amelia. You don’t even know me these days. I agree but things can change. I’m sorry Amelia. I’m sorry Amelia. I didn’t write you again today. I’m sorry Amelia. I didn’t call. I’m sorry Amelia. I wanted to tell you.