Outer Space
1. Family Tree
2. Man & Woman
3. Quiet Life
4. Greater Things
5. Roaring 20s
6. Rural Scandal
7. The Thing About Crushes Is You Get Crushed
8. Sunday Service
9. Newspaper Headlines
10. Population: 653
11. Outer Space
12. Last Days
13. Epilogue
Family Tree
(verse 1)
Shelby was cutting up a banana to put in her cornflakes
Riley called her that morning to say
he's back from the big city, he apologizes for being away
he brought her back because she missed that warm bed
and that short brown mess on top of his head
Shelby feigned she was glad
sometimes her son drove her mad
why did it have to be this girl?
the one whose mama was in jail
preacher said she's going to hell
Rita's husband never saw it coming
that frying pan done all it can
to do him in
but the judge didn't really care
her lawyer said she wasn't all there
she'll be out in time for the wedding
but Shelby knows where this is heading
a couple kids with a broken home
their mama will leave her grandkids alone
(chorus)
I guess that's part of being a mother
you got to worry about this, that, and the other
but why can't they love another?
someone who will treat him better
but the mama doesn't see what the son sees
he knows it'll be a stronger family tree
and all these ties will come together with a smile
a happy family they will be after while
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
he'll be related to that woman by union
Shelby worries while she chops an onion
Riley and his fiance sit at the table
Shelby laughs and smiles when she's able
but everyone in town will think he's a laughing stock
she'll never be able to go out, she'll be under a rock
Rita got off the bus
hugged her daughter with a lot to discuss
just because she didn't find happiness
doesn't mean her daughter will live in messiness
(chorus)
I guess that's part of being a mother
you got to worry about this, that, and the other
but why can't they love another?
someone who will treat him better
but the mama doesn't see what the son sees
he knows it'll be a stronger family tree
and all these ties will come together with a smile
a happy family they will be after while
I guess that's part of being a mother
you got to worry about this, that, and the other
but why can't they love another?
someone who will treat him better
but the mama doesn't see what the son sees
he knows it'll be a stronger family tree
and all these ties will come together with a smile
a happy family they will be after while
(end chorus)
(bridge)
"if this crime ties you to me," Shelby said
"I'll never let them be"
"but can't you see," Rita said
"they're young, happy, and not miserable like you and me"
(chorus)
I guess that's part of being a mother
you got to worry about this, that, and the other
but why can't they love another?
someone who will treat him better
but the mama doesn't see what the son sees
he knows it'll be a stronger family tree
and all these ties will come together with a smile
a happy family they will be after while
I guess that's part of being a mother
you got to worry about this, that, and the other
but why can't they love another?
someone who will treat him better
but the mama doesn't see what the son sees
he knows it'll be a stronger family tree
and all these ties will come together with a smile
a happy family they will be after while
(end chorus)
Man & Woman
(verse 1)
Gloria hired the lawyer
Ronnie left the house
now it's quiet as a mouse
and Gloria couldn't be happier
Constance let him crash on her couch
the banker didn't know who was the teller
but he felt quite relieved
he wanted something serious, though Constance thought
he would just use her and leave
just like all the rest, all the rest
(chorus)
he knew it wouldn't be perfect
he liked that this woman was mad and direct
he could forget about the wife
he grew to hate and ruined his own life
no more cutting to the bone
this wild woman was his future set in stone
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
they got drunk after they went out to the county line bar
it was a slam dunk when they made out in the car
she could finally be happy
he could finally be free
she knows when she gets sleepy
his shoulder will be as available as it could be
(chorus)
she knew it wouldn't be perfect
she liked that this man was mad and direct
she could forget about the wife
he grew to hate and her ruined own life
no more cutting to the bone
this predictable man was her future set in stone
(end chorus)
(chorus)
he knew it wouldn't be perfect
he liked that this woman was mad and direct
he could forget about the wife
he grew to hate and ruined his own life
no more cutting to the bone
this wild woman was his future set in stone
she knew it wouldn't be perfect
she liked that this man was mad and direct
she could forget about the wife
he grew to hate and her ruined own life
no more cutting to the bone
this predictable man was her future set in stone
(end chorus)
Quiet Life
(verse 1)
running into those old friends
you ain't seen in awhile
it's weird how nothing changed about this place
besides those who continued to live in this space
while I was gone
now a stranger, possible danger
because I got out and they stayed in
(chorus)
everything's still predictable
everything's still laid out on the table
the quiet life is still irresistible
and for many to this day
not doing much is okay
it may make outsiders suspicious
how none of these people have a wish
living so content
even if others left and went
moved on to greater things
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
out here in the middle of nowhere
you don't gotta be there
to know what's happening
if you still have a tie to that land
even if an outcast was banned
you'd know what still happened
because everyone's business
is your one weakness
(chorus)
everything's still predictable
everything's still laid out on the table
the quiet life is still irresistible
and for many to this day
not doing much is okay
it may make outsiders suspicious
how none of these people have a wish
living so content
even if others left and went
moved on to greater things
(end chorus)
(bridge)
it's not complex
but it's entertaining
no matter the prospect
rich, poor, in between, or something
everyone hates each other
but loves the drama of everyone and their brother
(chorus)
everything's still predictable
everything's still laid out on the table
the quiet life is still irresistible
and for many to this day
not doing much is okay
it may make outsiders suspicious
how none of these people have a wish
living so content
even if others left and went
moved on to greater things
(end chorus)
Greater Things
(chorus)
and the church choir sings
you, too, can do greater things
but your comfort zone is this town with one red light
are you going to break out and shine bright?
or stay here and never go there?
(end chorus)
(verse 1)
this failed star
has come to one conclusion
life is one big illusion
a delusion of grandeur
if you aren't the big man's kid
all you're going to be is stranded
with the world stacked against you
(chorus)
and the church choir sings
you, too, can do greater things
but your comfort zone is this town with one red light
are you going to break out and shine bright?
or stay here and never go there?
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
so you either give up and go home
or stay in the stratosphere
and make your new home here
feeling as poor as you did back in Little Rock
then you get old as the hands go quick on the clock
(chorus)
and the church choir sings
you, too, can do greater things
but your comfort zone is this town with one red light
are you going to break out and shine bright?
or stay here and never go there?
(end chorus)
(chorus)
and the church choir sings
you, too, can do greater things
but your comfort zone is this town with one red light
are you going to break out and shine bright?
or stay here and never go there?
(end chorus)
Roaring 20s
(verse 1)
it's usually treated as an end of life ritual
clinging to the bit of youth that is residual
a woman's getting older
but a man he doesn't care
should have saw it coming by the number
or when that first strand of gray appeared in my dark hair
everyone looks at you like you have their sympathy
but if they knew anything about me
they'd know, I wouldn't do it over again
(chorus)
that's the thing about looking back
at your roaring twenties
when you're nearing your thirties
the stability is too nice to give up
the ability to finally smile with a small bit of wealth
and say something, anything, is finally yours
or maybe even ours
but not theirs
and that feels like the best thing ever
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
so maybe now I'm a grown up
but I still feel like a kid
being caught in the center was something
I wish I had never did
people take me serious
but I can still be curious
no rhyme or reason
I'll just do what I want to do
(chorus)
that's the thing about looking back
at your roaring twenties
when you're nearing your thirties
the stability is too nice to give up
the ability to finally smile with a small bit of wealth
and say something, anything, is finally yours
or maybe even ours
but not theirs
and that feels like the best thing ever
(end chorus)
(bridge)
so it doesn't matter what the ladies at church say
those guys looking for a virgin, I won't give them a day
it's all going to be okay
because I've finally found my wisdom
it's come, my kingdom
and it's here to stay
(chorus)
that's the thing about looking back
at your roaring twenties
when you're nearing your thirties
the stability is too nice to give up
the ability to finally smile with a small bit of wealth
and say something, anything, is finally yours
or maybe even ours
but not theirs
and that feels like the best thing ever
(end chorus)
Rural Scandal
(verse 1)
the sheriff and the judge
sat in the courthouse one midnight
talking about how the judge had
cancer of the bone
and it's giving him quite a fright
the sheriff tells the judge don't worry
the judge replies that he's sorry
but he won't be able to run
next year for his seat in the county
the sheriff starts to sweat
the two of them have run this town since they first met
and now it's falling into ruin
(chorus)
"well ain't that some shit" he says in his mind
they managed to ruin everything and have a marvelous time
but now he's got to leave it behind
because the election's been rigged since it was his daddy's time
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
that means no more money
the judge said "it'll be fine trust me"
but the sheriff had trust issues to begin with
and it turns out he was right
he must look like a real sight
he's looking at everyone like they know
the strongest man in this place
hell's the next place he's going to go
(chorus)
"well ain't that some shit" he says in his mind
they managed to ruin everything and have a marvelous time
but now he's got to leave it behind
because the election's been rigged since it was his daddy's time
"well ain't that some shit" he says in his mind
they managed to ruin everything and have a marvelous time
but now he's got to leave it behind
because the election's been rigged since it was his daddy's time
(end chorus)
(bridge)
his mama can't look him in the face
there's a spot in the floor where he would pace
something like this will surely make the six o'clock news
in an orange jumpsuit he'll be singing prison yard blues
but not him, not him
(chorus)
"well ain't that some shit" he says in his mind
they managed to ruin everything and have a marvelous time
but now he's got to leave it behind
because the election's been rigged since it was his daddy's time
"well ain't that some shit" he says in his mind
they managed to ruin everything and have a marvelous time
but now he's got to leave it behind
because the election's been rigged since it was his daddy's time
(end chorus)
The Thing About Crushes Is You Get Crushed
(verse 1)
the graduating classes of this high school
are always small
and to them, that's cool
everybody knows everybody
and the teachers taught the parents
and saw the grandparents at conferences
Stacy took over as secretary
after Mrs. Lawrence finally gave it up
her colorful language set her free
and move her retirement up to a date she could see
but Stacy loved Coach Mason
she had a crush on him since they were students there
but he would never love her
he would never heal her heart's tear
(chorus)
the only thing they share
is this small town
so she don't expect you to care
you didn't even notice her new hair
and the skirt that she ironed
there's no fond feelings found here
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
Stacy heard it was possible that Mason
had a fling with the new Ms. Blonde Sunshine
they might even share a son
she doesn't know how this town works
she moved her for the job and it made Stacy scoff
where do these two get off
flirting out and so openly?
Stacy's right there she's lovely
you know what? just never mind
(chorus)
the only thing they share
is this small town
so she don't expect you to care
you didn't even notice her new hair
and the skirt that she ironed
there's no fond feelings found here
(end chorus)
(chorus)
the only thing they share
is this small town
so she don't expect you to care
you didn't even notice her new hair
and the skirt that she ironed
there's no fond feelings found here
(end chorus)
Sunday Service
(verse 1)
the thing about being a man of God
is everyone thinks you don't want love
the pastor's service is only through Him
and he doesn't need anything else
this humanly love has to offer
the pastor listens to others' problems
helps them from staying sorry
relieves them of their worry
but what about his own history?
(chorus)
even though during Sunday service
the church is jam-packed
he still feels lonely
preaches how we're bound to a holy pact
even though he's never truly alone
the pastor still feels the weight of age on his shoulders
especially at night as he sits and smolders
another day gone and he can't ever smile
praying to God to make this life worth his while
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
he's human too
not above man's law
saying he's a sinner if you question him
well that's the last straw
packing his bag and signing his resignation letter
as the tears make his face wetter
he can't leave, he can't abandon the church
the one thing that gives him worth
(chorus)
even though during Sunday service
the church is jam-packed
he still feels lonely
preaches how we're bound to a holy pact
even though he's never truly alone
the pastor still feels the weight of age on his shoulders
especially at night as he sits and smolders
another day gone and he can't ever smile
praying to God to make this life worth his while
(end chorus)
(bridge)
so he'll stay in this town a little longer
and pray to become stronger
maybe he'll ask out Stacy
because he don't see what they see
praying that the Lord will send him a woman of God
and not just someone that's existence is a facade
(chorus)
even though during Sunday service
the church is jam-packed
he still feels lonely
preaches how we're bound to a holy pact
even though he's never truly alone
the pastor still feels the weight of age on his shoulders
especially at night as he sits and smolders
another day gone and he can't ever smile
praying to God to make this life worth his while
(end chorus)
Newspaper Headlines
(verse 1)
it painted the whole town black and white
everyone had their head stuck in newsprint
the reporter got the not-so-anonymous tip
but discovered more due to a lip slip
digging wasn't even needed
the whole case blew open like dynamite in the mines
the news says even the dying man is going to do some time
he confessed his sins, so he might live through the sentence
as for the sheriff, his defense is a hindrance
he's going down and won't even bargain a plea
(chorus)
headlines painted the whole town black and white
newspapers sold out for the first time in decades
the guys at the barbershop
their lips wouldn't stop
it was the hot gossip of the town
and no one felt it was a sin
because the bad guys didn't win
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
two of the riches men in the county
rigged elections hyping their personal bounty
being harsh on the poor
greedy because they wanted more
innocence didn't matter
the jail was pretty much set free by the prosecution
victims are calling for a public execution
the former sheriff ended up dead
his old buddies on the squad
couldn't rule out homicide
but they wasn't sure if it was suicide either
(chorus)
headlines painted the whole town black and white
newspapers sold out for the first time in decades
the guys at the barbershop
their lips wouldn't stop
it was the hot gossip of the town
and no one felt it was a sin
because the bad guys didn't win
(end chorus)
(bridge)
leaving behind small children
they buried him in a weekend
the smallest funeral the pastor ever did see
that weekend the town drank for free
maybe now no one will live above the law
God's justice will always stand tall
(chorus)
headlines painted the whole town black and white
newspapers sold out for the first time in decades
the guys at the barbershop
their lips wouldn't stop
it was the hot gossip of the town
and no one felt it was a sin
because the bad guys didn't win
(end chorus)
Population: 653
(verse 1)
it's hard to believe a town with a single stop light
has a park that's not a complete wreck
maybe this is what the missing tax dollars
were sunk into
or maybe this is a place of play
where the kids can't look at the sky so blue
(chorus)
it's weird to be in a park all alone
even if the town's population is so low
seeing heroes dedicated here with their names in stone
remind everyone their life's can hold great meaning and you grow
it's up to you and what you want to do
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
so look at that shiny monument
take as long as you need, a moment
maybe it was the grandfather that didn't return from war
or the firefighter that gave his life for something more
you never know what's in store
(chorus)
it's weird to be in a park all alone
even if the town's population is so low
seeing heroes dedicated here with their names in stone
remind everyone their life's can hold great meaning and you grow
it's up to you and what you want to do
(end chorus)
(bridge)
from here you can hear the school bell ring
watch the secretaries of the court have lunch
what did they bring?
but wouldn't it be nice to have a friend?
that will see you through to your own end
it's strange how people live so close
yet they can be so far
but they can't help it's the way they are
(chorus)
it's weird to be in a park all alone
even if the town's population is so low
seeing heroes dedicated here with their names in stone
remind everyone their life's can hold great meaning and you grow
it's up to you and what you want to do
(end chorus)
Outer Space
(verse 1)
Mrs. Marble was everyone's favorite teacher
she retired and became a widow
Gloria caught her looking out the window
and became a little worried for her
Mrs. Marble had a yard sell
packed everything and put a for sale sign in the yard
caught a good price, it wasn't that hard
moved upstate and wished everyone well
(chorus)
when asked why she told them you're never too old
to start over from the beginning
it's better than sitting around weeping
that little lady decided to be bold
bought a fancy new house
baked and sold her famous caramel apple cake
enjoyed her remaining days by the lake
and when she thought about her old spouse
she imagined he was enjoying it in outer space
as a warm tear ran down her face
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
Mrs. Marble wasn't one to sit around and wait
and it's kind of an inspiration
her marriage was full of dedication
but real love doesn't want you to sit around and hate
the other little ladies in town thought it was a shame
her husband hadn't been in the ground that long
but who's to say she's living her short life wrong?
Mrs. Marble didn't care if she was the one to blame
(chorus)
when asked why she told them you're never too old
to start over from the beginning
it's better than sitting around weeping
that little lady decided to be bold
bought a fancy new house
baked and sold her famous caramel apple cake
enjoyed her remaining days by the lake
and when she thought about her old spouse
she imagined he was enjoying it in outer space
as a warm tear ran down her face
(end chorus)
(bridge)
if grief is the last act of love
she knows he's looking down on her from above
even though death caused them to part
it won't keep them apart
(chorus)
when asked why she told them you're never too old
to start over from the beginning
it's better than sitting around weeping
that little lady decided to be bold
bought a fancy new house
baked and sold her famous caramel apple cake
enjoyed her remaining days by the lake
and when she thought about her old spouse
she imagined he was enjoying it in outer space
as a warm tear ran down her face
(end chorus)
Last Days
(verse 1)
the raindrops on the window
make me want to trace the glass
today's a day where I think about past mistakes
and think about what future has, the risks
(chorus)
maybe I tried to hard
maybe I bet when I should have folded
but if the life I want
isn't mine to hold
I can leave knowing I still had fun anyways
until the last of my days
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
I repeat key moments
over and over in my head until they're gone
nothing but ghosts of a memory
of things I need to let go because they're too blurry
(chorus)
maybe I tried to hard
maybe I bet when I should have folded
but if the life I want
isn't mine to hold
I can leave knowing I still had fun anyways
until the last of my days
(end chorus)
(bridge)
try again and try as I must
everything turns out to be a bust
just being a man of love and lust
isn't enough if it's your heart that can't trust
(chorus)
maybe I tried to hard
maybe I bet when I should have folded
but if the life I want
isn't mine to hold
I can leave knowing I still had fun anyways
maybe I tried to hard
maybe I bet when I should have folded
but if the life I want
isn't mine to hold
I can leave knowing I still had fun anyways
until the last of my days
(end chorus)
Epilogue
(verse 1)
if pain could become a tangible thing
would it be one solid entity
for all eternity
or would it burst and fall like an aching pain?
sure, you can mock misery
say it's getting late, you gotta go, and can't be company
maybe you just stopped by for dinner
but have no intention of coming back later
(chorus)
endings become beginnings
and beginnings can end as fast as they begin
sometimes you just can't win
completely soaked in a sin
you can't carry all the way
as a result of all that lonesome anxiety
you sew and grow in your own mind
pay it back in kind
and in time, you'll see
everything will be as you want it to be
(end chorus)
(verse 2)
the judge of the town had blood on his hands
the young couples stopped and made amends
the beauty pageant had no one who could win it
because they're all ugly on the inside
and the boys figured out that part mattered too, not just the outside
(chorus)
endings become beginnings
and beginnings can end as fast as they begin
sometimes you just can't win
completely soaked in a sin
you can't carry all the way
as a result of all that lonesome anxiety
you sew and grow in your own mind
pay it back in kind
and in time, you'll see
everything will be as you want it to be
(end chorus)
(bridge)
life goes on
even if it's all wrong
life goes on
even if it's right and strong
life goes on
doesn't matter if it's short or long
(chorus)
endings become beginnings
and beginnings can end as fast as they begin
sometimes you just can't win
completely soaked in a sin
you can't carry all the way
as a result of all that lonesome anxiety
you sew and grow in your own mind
pay it back in kind
and in time, you'll see
everything will be as you want it to be
(end chorus)
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