Stage of Life

• tempo: 120-140 bps (2):2:2:4
• main chords: Cm, Ab, Eb, Bb (though what's in my head seems to be a step up from that, starting in Dm, sometimes)
• inspiration:
  • Musical: Ace of Base (vocals for verses), "Save Tonight" by Eagle Eye Cherry (chorus vocal/feel)
  • Lyrics: mainly some stuff that happened to Tessa, where family basically rendered them homeless for the sake of someone else's convenience

Lyrics

Verses Some of us look around and don't see why they should care Some of us try to breathe, but can't get any air It's time to re-examine All the things we've stood upon It's time to take an honest look At what's been going on. Look at what's all around you – don't pretend you don't see Listen to what I'm saying – don't pretend you don't agree The rain is falling faster We're caught up in the flow We're underneath the water It might be time to go Chorus 1 Everyone's making my mind up Everyone's taking my time Everyone's given up everything Everyone's out of line I think the time is coming I think it may be ripe To pluck the fruit of anger And throw it at this stage of life

Some of us look at others, and think there's nothing there Some of us talk about it, when we have the breath to spare The rain is falling faster We're underwater now We're sinking in the sediment Convention, take a bow. (instrumental) The rain is falling faster We're underwater now How do you like the sea floor? Will you learn to breathe somehow? Chorus 2 Everyone's chewing bubblegum Everyone's taking names Everyone's just being realistic Everyone's playing games I think the time is coming I think it may be ripe To pluck the fruit of anger And throw it at the stage of life When the truth is hard to swallow, we eat sugar-coated lies. It's no wonder we need direction when the world is in disguise. So finish your balanced breakfast Someone's calling your name I can't believe we're all alone I don't think we're to blame

Mile-Long Chorus Everyone's walking faster Nobody stands their ground Nobody's doing anything Everyone stands around Everyone's making overtures Everyone's playing games Everyone's working overtime Everyone's underpaid Everyone's got clean underwear Everyone's soul is stained Everyone's life is compromised Everyone's heart is strained Everything's so different Everything stays the same There's nothing else on my mind now There's no one else to blame Everything's wrapped in silence Everything's wrapped in shame Everything's trapped in violence Everyone's to blame Everyone's taking pictures Everyone's posting memes Everyone's running on empty Everyone's putting off dreams Now is the gilded moment we can step out of this cage to pluck the fruit of anger and throw it at the stage of life.

• /archive: discarded bits