From the recording Twelve Children (CD-quality WAV)
Long after I reached 30, I realized what carnage could be left in the wake of our twenties (and late teens). This song is a bit out of time chronologically, in terms of its realizations and in terms of getting pen to paper. But, it's definitely first up when documenting the path of our protagonist.
At The Koop Studios, Sam Wagner really dug in and found the right rolling rhythm on this one, and Malcom Gold layered in a perfect bass line (hinting at an original line laid down by Joe Zarate-Sanderlin years ago). Once we added Joe Colgan’s guitar work, the song took on a life of its own, evoking thoughts of the highway, and setting the stage for a narrative journey from Paper Dolls to James Dean.
Lyrics
She said I think I know you, Man I know your name
Been against the wall before, your heart beats the same
You're up against the window, face against the glass
Watching wonder as it goes, longing flying past
Did you think, she said, that I would lie before you?
Giving up my womb, like a door that opens for you?
She said you're mad. I think I'm losing all my mind
Moving through the maze you build, a step ahead time
The clock is running, pushing shadows neath the sun
Moving through my morning to keep you feeling young
Did you think, I said, that anything you gave me
Was there to keep me young? It was only there to save me
And so I'm standing here, my face against the glass
Watching wonder as it goes, longing flying past
And where you are, there's only empty halls to run
Burning like a paper doll, fiery angels come
Did you think, I said, that anything you gave me
Could ever keep me young, it couldn't even really save me