• Luckier by Half

     

  • Lyrics

    All Songs by Brian Scully, Kate Scully, Jay Tagg, Dennis Walsh, Ryan Jackson and Jake Wertman

    1. Tell It Plain

    Please excuse my lack of pretense

    But I've come to realize

    We're all just a bad day away from the rest of our lives

    So please don't take too much offense

    If I insult your paradigm

    If it don't make my wife and kids smile

    Then it ain't worth our time

     

    The only perfect part of me is her

    And she should know it everyday

    Gonna teach our kids that dreaming is always worth the pain

     

    Gonna love the ones who love us back

    Gonna leave the rest behind

    Gonna cut the shit with metaphor

    And put our truth on plain white-lined

     

    And when the thousand voices tell us

    What we want, it can't be done

    Just grin, begin and buckle in

    Just like my nana's poem

    And when it doubt

    Love hard and tell it plain

     

    My daughter is always telling me

    To put my phone down at the table

    Hell she's just eight years old

    And I'll be 40 in April

     

    Her fiery eyes remind me of mine

    And what I sometimes forget

    That you can't let the grind

    Distract you from the rest

     

    The only perfect part of me is her

    And she should know it everyday

    Gonna teach our kids that dreaming is always worth the pain

     

    Gonna love the ones who love us back

    Gonna leave the rest behind

    Gonna cut the shit with metaphor

    And put our truth on plain white-lined

     

    And when the thousand voices tell us

    What we want, it can't be done

    Just grin, begin and buckle in

    Just like my nana's poem

    And when it doubt

    Love hard and tell it plain

     

    The only perfect part of me is her

    And she should know it everyday

    Gonna teach our kids that dreaming is always worth the pain

     

    Gonna love the ones who love us back

    Gonna leave the rest behind

    Gonna cut the shit with metaphor

    And put our truth on plain white-lined

     

    And when the thousand voices tell us

    What we want, it can't be done

    Just grin, begin and buckle in

    Just like my nana's poem

    And when it doubt

    Love hard and tell it plain

    when it doubt

    Love hard and tell it plain

    2. Cheap Seats

    I learned to play guitar

    To the snapping of pine in a campfire

    And to this day, it don't matter where the stage

    The first chord I play still smells like smoke

     

    Play the same old songs until the ranger came and shut us down

    And I learned then what I live by now

     

    When you're

    Luckier than you ought to be

    Luckier by half

    Best not to forget

    How it came to pass

    I've broken strings on stages I never thought I'd get to see

    This is for the ones who've sung along the way

    This is for the dreamers in the Cheap Seats

     

    I may never love as pure

    As the love my mother gave to me

    And I may never backcheck as hard as my old man on Sundays at the MDC

    I hope they see a little bit of both when I play this old six string

    What I learned from them taught me to sing

     

    When you're

    Luckier than you ought to be

    Luckier by half

    Best not to forget

    How it came to pass

    I've broken strings on stages I never thought I'd get to see

    This is for the ones who've sung along the way

    This is for the dreamers in the Cheap Seats

     

    (So much better)

    There's a Nashville man who says

    He knows exactly how this came to be

    He wants to package up what we've done

    Sell it out on late night TV

     

    We built this thing on the backs of late nights down at the Bell in Hand

    And if you weren't there

    You wouldn't understand

     

    When you're

    Luckier than you ought to be

    Luckier by half

    Best not to forget

    How it came to pass

    I've broken strings on stages I never thought I'd get to see

    This is for the ones who've sung along the way

    This is for the dreamers in the Cheap Seats

    3. California Kid

    I don't fit into these hillsides anymore

    These freeways always slow down time for me

    Traffic jams with a cinematic view of the shore

    A haze of sunburned memories

     

    I'll always, always be

    A little California

    I'll always, always be

    A little California

    Kid, Kid, Kid

     

    I drove from Malibu to Mission Bay

    To find a memory of me

    Through the tinsel and the shine

    To bonfires on Solana Beach

     

    I'll always, always be

    A little California

    I'll always, always be

    A little California

    Kid

     

    There's a place where this still feels like home

    There's a place where this still feels like me

    Drove 40 miles out of my own way

    'Cause I don't want to lose

    I don't want to lose

    I don't want to lose this place

    Don't want to

    Don't want to

     

    I'll always, always be

    A little California

    I'll always, always be

    A little California

     

    I'll always, always be

    A little California

    I'll always, always be

    A little California

    Kid, Kid, Kid

    Kid, Kid, Kid

    4. The Strummer

    I spent my 30s with a pick in my hand

    And my toes on the edge of an old linoleum stage

    And they've spilled beer on to the floor of this here bar

    Since we were all still loyal to the Queen

     

    A strummer's all I am

    Hell, it's all I'll ever be

    So choose your own pejorative

    'Cause they're all fine with me

    These folks don't come in here

    For guitar licks and fancy jeans

    They come to sing along

    'cause it's cheaper than therapy

    Until the end

    A strummer I will remain

    Until the end

    A strummer I will remain

     

    Learning not to fight the melodies that come to me

    Learned it's better not to mince my chords

    When everyone around me, they're all seeing dollar signs

    I just love that all you folks know all the words

     

    A strummer's all I am

    Hell, it's all I'll ever be

    So choose your own pejorative

    'Cause they're all fine with me

    These folks don't come in here

    For guitar licks and fancy jeans

    They come to sing along

    'cause it's cheaper than therapy

    Until the end

    A strummer I will remain

    Until the end

    A strummer I will remain

     

    If you believe what I believe

    About the power of song

    Sung loud amongst your friends

    If you believe that the lyrics of a song

    Can somehow fit where you are broken

    And make you whole again

     

    Amen, my friend

    Amen, my friend

    Amen, my friend

    Amen, Amen, Amen

     

    Music ain't a business

    Until you say it's so and I know

    And someday all this might fade away

    But if it does, I know exactly where I will go

    Find me on the edge of an old linoleum stage

     

    A strummer's all I am

    Hell, it's all I'll ever be

    So choose your own pejorative

    'Cause they're all fine with me

    These folks don't come in here

    For guitar licks and fancy jeans

    They come to sing along

    'cause it's cheaper than therapy

    Until the end

    A strummer I will remain

    Until the end

    A strummer I will remain

    5. Holding On

    I've been spending most my days

    Searching for a heart that wouldn't break

    Remembering how to get through the nights

    Forgetting how we lived this life

     

    So we're holding on, to holding on

    Going strong, to the sound on the radio

    And sometimes the sinking, is better for you than swimming

    So, hey, hey, we're holding on

     

    All these days without the sun

    I found all the hardest ones

    Wondering when we'll get to begin

    Cause this grey is creeping into my skin

     

    So we're holding on, to holding on

    Going strong, to the sound on the radio

    And sometimes the sinking, is better for you than swimming

    So, hey, hey, we're holding on

     

    The record player spins away

    The fears that I hold today

    Find my sunshine in a brand new song

    In the needle as it crackles and hums

     

    So we're holding on, to holding on

    Going strong, to the sound on the radio

    And sometimes the sinking, is better for you than swimming

    So, hey, hey, we're holding on

     

    So we're holding on, to holding on

    Going strong, to the sound on the radio

    And sometimes the sinking, is better for you than swimming

    So, hey, hey, we're holding on

     

    6. sunday Nights

    I can taste the metal of the words this tongue is holding

    Words this band won't survive

    But sometimes saying what you're feeling's just the same as running

    And this time they stay inside

     

    If you've ever been the only

    Lonely headlights in the night

    Chasing shitty gigs in Mississippi

    Just to say you made the drive

     

    'Cause In a Nashville hour or New York minute

    Dreams like mine are known to die

    But as sure as I am that I'm gonna

    Quit on Sunday mornings, I find hope in Sunday nights

     

    When I'm not sure that my voice will make it

    Through three more sets of 45

    I got friends who wait for me back in Boston

    On a makeshift stage under those red lights

     

    'Cause In a Nashville hour or New York minute

    Dreams like mine are known to die

    But as sure as I am that I'm gonna

    Quit on Sunday mornings, I find hope in Sunday nights

     

    So, in a way, here's a thank you

    For all those crazy Sunday nights

    And to the ones who know the words to all them missing verses

    Thanks for keeping this alive

     

    'Cause In a Nashville hour or New York minute

    Dreams like mine are known to die

    But as sure as I am that I'm gonna

    Quit on Sunday mornings, I find hope in Sunday nights

    7. Boston

    Finally found some open road outside of Allentown

    And I finally understood Nebraska

    Seems like them four tracks sound best

    Against highway fields come tumbling down

    And that's exactly what I'm after

     

    I long to be a writer

    I long to wear that crown

    But most days I just pretend

    When the words do come it's more

    an Irish rage come tumbling down

    Not something that I yet command

     

    But I'm calling

    Just got off the phone with Rolling Stone

    Pushing 80 on the Pike outside of Charleston

    And our song is

    Playing on the radio

    And I'm finally seeing highway signs from Boston

    I'll see you soon in Boston

     

    Tonight they put 14,000 watts behind

    That song we wrote on the road to Lac-des-Loups

    So let them judge if it's fate

    Or imprudence that led us here

    I'll just keep my eyes on you

    Just like I always do

     

    But I'm calling

    Just got off the phone with Rolling Stone

    Pushing 80 on the Pike outside of Charleston

    And our song is

    Playing on the radio

    And I'm finally seeing highway signs from Boston

    I'll see you soon in Boston

     

    Sometimes fortune smiles briefly

    On what you dreamt of

    Before taking it all away

    But put down enough highway miles

    And sit around enough campfires

    It'll find a way to give it back again

     

    And even if this ain't

    Our ship that's coming in

    Know that every song I ever wrote was true

    And as I'm counting down the miles back to

    The ones who sing along

    Know that all I ever needed was you

     

    And I'll be seeing you soon in Boston

    And I'm coming home to Boston

    I'll see you soon in Boston

    And I'm coming home to Boston

     

    I'll see you soon in Boston

    And I'm coming home to Boston

    I'll see you soon in Boston

    And I'm coming home to Boston

    8. Hand-Me-Down

    Tea cups and rocking chairs

    Favorite books and goodnight prayers

    Pale skin that hates the sun

    Blue eyes that stay young

     

    Thinking what you've given me

    It ain't hard to see

    What love has done

     

    Got a hand me down

    Kind of love

    The kind that's worn into the seats

     

    If you keep it well

    While it is yours

    It'll stay after you leave

     

    Paintings and recipes

    Remnants of fears and dreams

    Never letting that back deck sun go down

     

    Thinking what you've given me

    It ain't hard to see what love has done

     

    Got a hand me down

    Kind of love

    The kind that's worn into the seats

     

    If you keep it well

    While it is yours

    It'll stay after you leave

     

    Bumblebee with an attitude

    She always tells her truth

    Smart as hell

    Yeah, she's just like you

     

    Looking what you've given me

    It ain't hard to see

    What love has become

     

    Got a hand me down

    Kind of love

    The kind that's worn into the seats

     

    If you keep it well

    While it is yours

    It'll stay after you leave

     

    If you keep it well

    While it is yours

    It'll stay after you leave

    9. 80 GOOD

    I don't miss you yet

    Winter helps me to forget

    This lie won't last the summer time

    'Cause you'll be always on my mind

     

    For football games and your back den

    Screaming "Horace close that screen!" again

    Or else them flies will all get in

    And I'll be chasing them all day

     

    You gave it 80 good

    You gave it 80 good

     

    It hits me when I can't drive by

    As the summer's day turns into night

    Cause in my mind you're still there

    Poolside in the salty air

    Eating peanut butter with your spoon

    Big band sound filling every room

    As you whistle out each tune

    Going about your day

     

    You gave it 80 good

    You gave it 80 good

     

    And at the ending of the day

    When I bow my head I pray

     

    For football games in your back deck

    Screaming "Horace close that screen!" again

    Or else them flies will all get in.

    I'll be chasing them all day

     

    Than Sundaychurch that you always made

    With that girl you met back in second grade

    My troubles always seemed to fade

    When your laugh filled up the room

     

    You gave it 80 good

    You gave it 80 good

    80 good

    You gave it 80 good

    10. Her GOOD NAme

    I've got a desk full of unpaid bills

    And books I haven't read

    A list of things I ought to do today

    And the things I'll do instead

     

    She's miles too pretty for what I'm bringing

    Since the day that we first met

    She could have had diamonds and caviar

    But she chose me instead

     

    She is my better angel

    She's my saving grace

    She knows I ain't no good at parties

    Unless I'm on a stage

     

    And since there ain't no better story

    Than the truth in this three-chord game

    Know I'd be just another sinner

    If it weren't for her good name

     

    And I've been known just like my gramps

    To sometimes catch a mood

    And living with me ain't always easy

    Girl you know it's true

    But I never had to hide from her

    Anything that I've done

    And I owe her the moon and stars

    'Cause she's always been my sun

     

    She is my better angel

    She's my saving grace

    She knows I ain't no good at parties

    Unless I'm on a stage

     

    And since there ain't no better story

    Than the truth in this three-chord game

    Know I'd be just another sinner

    If it weren't for her good name

     

    Whoa, if it weren't for her good name

    Whoa, if it weren't for her good name

     

    I got a little notoriety

    From this here guitar

    But she was standing right beside of me

    In all those empty bars

     

    And in my mind it's 2:05

    After school on that back hill

    I can't believe she'll even talk to me

    I guess I feel that still

     

    She is my better angel

    She's my saving grace

    She knows I ain't no good at parties

    Unless I'm on a stage

     

    And since there ain't no better story

    Than the truth in this three-chord game

    Know I'd be just another sinner

    You know I'd be just another sinner

    You know I'd be just another sinner

     

    If it weren't for her good name

    11. Bones

    My suits don't fit right now

    But then you didn't give a warning

    So I'm in a jacket and black jeans

    Outside your mother's church

    On a day of mourning

     

    The windshield's sweating out the last muggy day of September

    And I can't remember what it was that we last spoke

     

    I'm learning lately you can't run away from what is in your marrow, what is in your bones

     

    Inside waits a family

    I choose to never see

    Life's circumstances are convenient

    For avoiding hearts

    All worn upon their sleeves

     

    They asked me here to sing for you,

    I did my level best to say no, no, no, no, no, no

    But I'm learning lately you can't run away from what is in your marrow

    What is in your bones

     

    I've decided that I'm done with running

    Without yet knowing what that will mean

    Every step I take across that parking lot, slows down like a movie scene

    Now it's time and I close my eyes, sing as hard as I can

    Proud as hell of my mom, that she went on that trip like she had planned

     

    Your brother was my first best friend, now I'm desperate to avoid his eyes

    Suddenly it's over and I make my way back, trying not to cry

    Learning that you can't run away from what is in your marrow

    What is in your bones

    What is in your bones

     

    I used to think that if I stayed away from our families, more cautionary tales

    I could stifle down the parts of me I see in their broken hearts beyond repair

     

    But it's just as bad for me to hide from them as it was for you

    To pretend everything was okay

    Learning that you can't run away from what is in your marrow

    You can't run away from what is in your marrow

     

    What is in your bones

    What is in your bones

    What is in your bones

    What is in your bones

    12. Ballad of southie

    Another top-down sunset over Carson Beach

    Late again, Ray's gonna give me hell

    Loading in someone's yelling out, F Ty P

    Bunch of guys drinking wine shouting, I know Jimmy Adams

    All I can do is crack a beer and smile

     

    I made a place for myself in this city that I love

    Just hung around till I fit in

    Played every dive bar, East and West of Broadway

    Turning paychecks into drinks and drinks into friends

    I made this place my home

    I made this place my home

     

    My buddies Zach's a lot like me

    Family showed him what he would need to be

    23 with a car between

    I'm here to party but I still got a job

    Standing on the other side

    There's a girl named Lou just clocked a 24 hour

    She came in here to yell two, three, four

    One more time like it's Friday night

     

    Yeah, we already played that song once but

    Hey boys, let's go again

     

    I made a place for myself in this city that I love

    Just hung around till I fit in

    Played every dive bar, East and West of Broadway

    Turning paychecks into drinks and drinks into friends

    I made this place my home

    I made this place my home

     

    Someday, we're all gonna summer down the Cape

    Reminisce about shutting down Lincoln on a Tuesday night

    But till then, "Hey Nico!" get us another round

    We ain't going home until Steve kicks our drunk asses out

    Let's go

     

    We made a place for myself in this city that I love

    Just hung around till we fit in

    Played every dive bar, East and West of Broadway

    Turning paychecks into drinks and drinks into friends

    I made this place my home

    I made this place my home

    Come on, one more time, let's go

    We made this place our home

    Peace

    "Come on Brendan, let's go"

    13. Dave Street

      

    There's a five-star job for thirty miles out to sea

    Where Packy lets us play our songs

    Since we were nobodies

    Hell, we still are

    A bearded man, beat up man, waiting out on the dock

    Still can't believe our luck

    Until we saw the band house and Joel's yelling

    "Boys, welcome to the cluck!"

     

    Get your ten bucks at the door

    You're gonna give them two days more

     

    Just biding our time

    Till the sun goes down

    Shaking off the night before

    For another round

    And someday I will own a piece

    Of this rock that stole my heart

    'Til then find us down on Dave Street

    Banging on our guitars

     

    We took Tall Paul's, carry-all, '95 Chevrolet

    To the dunes ten miles out of town

    Grabbed ourselves some breakfast beers

    As the sun was going down

     

    Get your ten bucks at the door

    You're gonna give them two days more

     

    Just biding our time

    Till the sun goes down

    Shaking off the night before

    For another round

    And someday I will own a piece

    Of this rock that stole my heart

    'Til then find us down on Dave Street

    Banging on our guitars

     

    I'm a pretty damn lucky man that I get to

    Sing my days away

    But a happier place I've never seen

    Than looking out from this stage

    Ten bucks never bothered me

    Cause the hangover comes for free

     

    Just biding our time

    Till the sun goes down

    Shaking off the night before

    For another round

    And someday I will own a piece

    Of this rock that stole my heart

    'Til then find us down on Dave Street

    Banging on our guitars

    13. St. Patrick's Day

     

     

    Planned to go to Portland

    But the day just slipped away

    Truth be told, in the moment

    I've never been good at knowing what to say

    I took the kids to practice

    I knew you would understand

    I woulda called but I didn't want to add any weight to the avalanche

     

    When you're trying to find a place to land without

    Your tethers holding you to the ground

    Leaning in to love

    Is the only way I've ever found

    I'll look for you in the shadows of the things you would have done

    But when winter broke on St. Patrick's Day

    We found you in song, in a song

     

    Ain't much my place to say, I'm just a six string on a stage

    Truth be told, it took two years to get this off the page

    We've shared enough beers and cheers over the years, that tears somehow feel the same

    This is what I'm thinking about when I'm singing, pretty good crowd for a Saturday, Saturday

     

    When you're trying to find a place to land without

    Your tethers holding you to the ground

    Leaning in to love

    Is the only way I've ever found

    I'll look for you in the shadows of the things you would have done

    But when winter broke on St. Patrick's Day

    We found you in song, in a song

     

    These aren't just lyrics on a nursery wall

    Songs are where we keep our love

     

    When you're trying to find a place to land without

    Your tethers holding you to the ground

    Leaning in to love

    Is the only way I've ever found

    I'll look for you in the shadows of the things you would have done

    But when winter broke on St. Patrick's Day

    We found you in song, in a song

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