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The Best Defense (Is to Be Offensive) Lyrics
Oh, they're gonna love me
When I look them in the eye and say,
"I'm damaged, but I'm hopeful!
I'm gonna keep on trying
Because love is really all we need!
Love't the snake oil tonic
That will cure our every evil!"
(and I'll sell it like I mean it
from the stage)
I'm vulnerable, approachable
Your folks would probably love me
And your imaginary conversations
Probably sound like this:
"They've got some very valid questions
about my songs and my intentions
and the fact I've never settled down;
Isn't anybody wondering where you are?"
This is home:
The stage, the States
All I own in one suitcase
All the people that I've loved
Left back in places
I've called home
Let's play truth and consequences
First the truth: I'm not that interested
I've been burned a couple of times
So now I'm the one who starts the fires
And I probably still believe in love
The problem is, I just can't trust
So where does that leave us?
How about those consequences?
I've got this moat around my heart
Chock full of mud and monsters
And my archers never sleep
So use your powers of observation
This stage is more than just the lights
And all the adulation:
It's the only place where I can alone
Without being alone
This is home:
The stage, the States
All I own in one suitcase
All the people that I've loved
Left back in places
I've called home
Someday, I'll stop this war
Someday, I'll fall in love,
And know what love is for
But for tonight,
I'll sell the box
And keep the contents
Under lock and key
And by the time you realize
You've lost the game
I'll be another several
Homes away,
Up on some solitary stage
Alone again
When I look them in the eye and say,
"I'm damaged, but I'm hopeful!
I'm gonna keep on trying
Because love is really all we need!
Love't the snake oil tonic
That will cure our every evil!"
(and I'll sell it like I mean it
from the stage)
Your folks would probably love me
And your imaginary conversations
Probably sound like this:
"They've got some very valid questions
about my songs and my intentions
and the fact I've never settled down;
Isn't anybody wondering where you are?"
The stage, the States
All I own in one suitcase
All the people that I've loved
Left back in places
I've called home
First the truth: I'm not that interested
I've been burned a couple of times
So now I'm the one who starts the fires
The problem is, I just can't trust
So where does that leave us?
How about those consequences?
Chock full of mud and monsters
And my archers never sleep
So use your powers of observation
This stage is more than just the lights
And all the adulation:
It's the only place where I can alone
Without being alone
The stage, the States
All I own in one suitcase
All the people that I've loved
Left back in places
I've called home
Someday, I'll fall in love,
And know what love is for
But for tonight,
I'll sell the box
And keep the contents
Under lock and key
And by the time you realize
You've lost the game
I'll be another several
Homes away,
Up on some solitary stage
Alone again
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I added this song because I find this incredibly easy to relate to as an a musician. The meaning of it is pretty obvious (living out of a suitcase and how the transitory life impacts relationships), but it's a beautiful piece that manages to tug at an array of emotions.