My Alcoholic Friends

The Dresden Dolls

I'm counting back
The number of the steps
It took for me to get
Back on the wagon of the weekend

I'll use the autotimer to prove that
I got home with my imagination
If they find the body in the basement
"In the very house that she was raised in!"

I'm taking down
The number of the Times
So when we get the sign
From god I'll be the first to call them

I'm taking back the number of the beast
Cause 6 is not a pretty number
8 or 3 are definitely better
A is for the address on the letter
To my alcoholic friends

I'm trying hard
Not to be ashamed
Not to know the name
Of who is waking up beside me
Or the date, the season or the city
But at least the ceilings very pretty
And if you are holding it against me

I'll be on my best behavior
Taking shots for mother nature
Once my fist is in the cupboard
Love is never falling over

Should I choose a noble occupation
If I did I'd only show up late and
Sick and they would stare at me with hatred
Plus my only natural talent's wasted on my alcoholic friends
My alcoholic friends


Lyrics submitted by Airyca

My Alcoholic Friends Lyrics as written by Amanda Palmer

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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My Alcoholic Friends song meanings
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48 Comments

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  • +2
    General CommentThe ceiling's very pretty part I think is Amanda's terribly eloquent expression of denial. Oscar Wilde said "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars". As a stereotypical drunk, the character would spend a lot of time in the gutter, but is looking up at the "pretty ceiling", or the stars, and thinking they can do better, and it isn't a problem. Alternatively she spends lots of time in bed and gets to look at a nice blank ceiling rather than the mess that is her life.
    lizawithazon November 26, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General CommentThe lyrics are now on the website. Last word first line is "steps". The 3rd line is "I'll use the autotimer to prove that i'll get on with my imagination." The last word of the second line in the last verse is sick (missing).
    drewenon March 05, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General CommentHorlick's is a kind of hot meaty, relaxing, nostalgic Bovril-style drink we folks have in the uk...
    I think she should write that song ^ :D
    espionageon April 10, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Commentgah!!...bah!! i cannot believe that nobody commented on this ammmmaaaaazing songg!! i luuuurv it sooo bad!! hehe but for the lyrical meaning...hehe i will leave that up to a less hiper me in le future :P tah!
    angelundergravity11on February 10, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Commentmy friend actually had a good conversation with amanda after one of the shows at the iron horse before she wrote this song. they were talking and she just looked up at went "But at least the ceiling's pretty!"
    he thinks that she put it in the song because of that. who knows :P

    love this song.
    tiltingheadon March 01, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI can't describe how much i love these guys, this song just sums up so many thoughts...and ppl.
    awesome :p
    anthraxMonkeyon March 07, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Commentwhat does this song MEAAAN. the stanza about not knowing the name of who is waking up beside me is amazing, especially with the way she sings it. genius.

    body in the basement? any thoughts?
    sarcasticSmithon April 01, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment... under the inflluence of alcohol??..
    Firewitchon April 13, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThis song is immensely catchy. Especially "Should I choose a noble occupation/If I did I'd only show up late and/They would stare at me with hatred."
    mockingsmileon April 16, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment"what does this song MEAAAN. the stanza about not knowing the name of who is waking up beside me is amazing, especially with the way she sings it. genius.

    body in the basement? any thoughts?"

    Sweet god almighty, I hope that was a sarcastic remark. Boy in the basement? Probably drunk and fainted from too much beer.
    and the comradeon April 19, 2006   Link

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