Hey folks! Hope you're all staying safe and managing well. I know I haven't been here in a while, life's been hectic and I haven't been writing much. On that note, I don't usually have a lyric set that isn't already pieced into music, but this one's just words for now. Hopefully I'll have something soon, but who knows? 

Obviously there's nobody basically anywhere who's not in a difficult spot right now, and we're all wrecking our heads and trying to convince ourselves we know things will work out alright, but for all the confidence we're exuding day-by-day I think most of us are fighting and awful bit of doubt and an awful-er yet bit of fear, if not for ourselves for somebody we love. This song represents my internal narrative for the past while, sort of fighting myself on what it means to be an essential worker, and the irony of essential's meaning right now. I hope it comes across as realistic. I tried, as I have been personally, to balance paying due respect to myself and others in similar positions, while not elevating my modest role in society with the true front-line workers and folks I consider heroes, and without belittling the roles of those of us whose best way to help right now is to shelter in place and stay safe. I couldn't mean it more sincerely when I say I hope you're all safe and well, and you're all in my thoughts. I'd say I'm praying for y'all if some sort of faith had worked it's way into me (still hasn't). 😛 Anyway, hear are the lyrics! 

A Pandemic With a Name Like a Punk Rock Band

I don't wanna work

You don't wanna stay home

And I'd offer up a trade

But I won't cuz I don't

Wanna put you in a place

They're calling relatively safe

For somebody my age

And that's just great

But I don't wanna go

All my life I wished I were special

Up until the day

they deemed me essential

I didn't get a mask

hell, I didn't even ask

Cuz I fit gas I'm not special

Not that essential

And I don't wanna work

And you don't wanna stay home

And I'd offer up a trade

but I won't cuz I know

My exposure level's high

Though odds are good I'll be alright

They also say a ten day fever's

Flying my way down the line

All my life I wished I were special

Up until the day

they deemed me essential

I didn't get a mask

hell, I didn't even ask

Cuz I fit gas I'm not special

Not that essential

Tho we both know gas has to flow

To heat food you clothes not explode

And so I know I've gotta go

But when you're sitting there at home

Please note that when they say essential

They don't mean special

No they don't mean special

They really only mean the job I'm in's worth more than me intrinsically

Realistically I know they're right not being mean

So take a minute please to bask in all that irony

And know I honestly believe we're gonna stick to the plan

Beat the pandemic with a name like a punk rock band