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Bandages and Scars Lyrics

Can't taste holy water.
Can't find it in a well.
Been doing a lot of thinking;
Thinking about hell.

Thinking about the ozone.
Thinking about lead.
Thinking about the future,
and what to do then.

The words of Woody Guthrie ringing in my head.

Blame it on the system,
those that came before.
Updated consciousness.
Knocking on doors.

Piecemeal solutions will only leave scars,
bandages for nosebleeds,
in this city of artificial stars.
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Cover art for Bandages and Scars lyrics by Son Volt

This is by far the best song Jay has written. It seems to be a personal reflection for him but "Blame it on the system, those who came before" leads me to think it has political undertones. "Can't taste holy water, can't find it in the well" - reflecting possibly on how we are searching to be content in this life. Trying to make peace with our problems can sometimes leave us more hurt (piecemeal solutions will only leave scars) and we're stuck in the same place - "a city of artificial stars" a place where it's tough to find truth and happiness with ourselves and those around us. Powerful great song - awesome live in concert.

 
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