Strays

Several errors in the current version... lyrics below are transcribed directly from the lyric book/sheet that came with the CD

I've been thinking I should write some kind of love song for you. To prove to you I do. It shouldn't be too hard to write. I'll just think of that time I first saw you in Omaha. You were stranded on Jackson with bus fare to who knows where. I took you in right then and there. And life took on a new form; no more staying out all night, no more killing ourselves just to make ourselves feel alright. No more sleeping with strangers and those awkward goodbyes.

I've never had much family, never had too many friends- then you came wandering through. And pompously, I took you for granted; that's why I gotta write this little love song for you. I'll sing about those Denver mornings you'd wake up bawling about a long lost kid. Your maternal instincts were kicking in. As the sun dazzled bright upon the peaks, you brought home a dog you found in the alley. You said, "Can we keep her?" I said, "What kind of man would I be?" So, you bought her a collar and called her family.

Writers are selfish, writers are egotists; I'm afraid I'm as bad as it gets. I keep forgetting to censor the truth, that's why I better write some kind of love song for you.

Driving cross country in a U-Haul, on the hunt for our new home. High atop Eagle Rock, we found a house with a big backyard. So, we picked up yet another mutt from the Crenshaw pound. Sipping coffee on the porch while the dogs wrestle on the lawn... I'm sorry I've had my doubts.

We're a family of strays but together we've been found.

Goddamn, Tim writes amazing lyrics. "no more killing ourselves just to make ourselves feel alright." "We're a family of strays, but together we've been found."

If anyone wants to play Strays on guitar, here is how I do it: Capo on 7th -- Fingerpick: Am, G, C, F, Am, G, C, etc...

The song seems to be about two individuals (I assume Tim and the female he's 'writing some kinda love song for') who both felt lost in the world (both dealing with some sadness, apathy, or general unsatisfaction with life) until they randomly met and found love, meaning, and comfort within the new relationship. Possibly the girl lost a child somehow (wake up bawling about a long lost kid) and by adopting stray dogs, her inner need to give/receive love and feel needed is satiated... which also (in)directly affects Tim in a positive way.. hence the song and final metaphorical lyric: "We're a family of strays but together we've been found" ..just my interpretation. I saw Tim play this live last month in Philly and it just stuck with me. Great song.