whiskey breathe, whiskey plates
michigan nights turn to michigan days
they brought the love
we built the stage
got together and everyone came

this is a first gig head trip
i'm not come'n down 'til the kids beat me with sticks
or cut off my lips to kill this grin
your thick threaded frowns couldn't stop me from splitting a stitch
if you ain't gotta smile, you must be a slave
so shake of those shackles so seriously mistaken
for escape routes out of your mess
i'll take no part of it, i already made my bed
done in an instant
the moment i lifted my head
stretched out into the morning
i left no trace, i gave no warning
beating the sun to steal it's glory
giving me the opportunity to be the brightest thing burning
maybe you saw me on your way to work

i tied my shoes, i packed my bags
see ya in a second turned to, "just another minute i swear"
i never have to leave but i can't stay here
you were concerned
i eased your fears
we filled my heart before i disappeared

got told to get some rest
i laughed and said "i'd take a crack at it"
my eyes can't close 'til i take it all in
so don't hold your breathe
'cause last time i checked this place is big
i've gotten this far, you know i can't stop
to the edge of the earth
there's life after dirt
so put down your shovels
and see what the world is worth
witness all the reasons my jaw unhinges
some say they've seen everything
it's hard to believe as they yawn down their sleeves
and i'm left breathless by every little piece

we brainstorm, not convinced we're brain dead
all this day dreaming turns to nightly success
hypocrites pray, while we are blessed
you shared your doubts
i shared my confidence
everything came together without a hitch

nothing but love could make something like this
i'd ditch all the cash offers and architects
for friends with faith and a magicians assistant
she'll tell you my secrets
like where i hide the fragile things
they're up a sleeve past bracelets and ink
just within reach beats my trick heart
skippin' steps to slip down my wrist
pumpin' out more pride than the wizard could give
we laid the gold bricks
but used fake names in the credits

...remember; this is life, come take part in it...