The Boys We Were

I stare at old pictures
Think about the boys we were
When I could still quote scripture
And he'd partake of the earth

We weren't pathetic Po' Folks
Just a faded six of spades
Society was the cold spokes
That smacked us in the face

I said: Stay in place

In cobwebs of my abused brain
It was North Caroline
The last time that I saw his face
'Fore he pissed away his prime

No matter how I try tô fight
He drops into my dreams
The nightmare veers towards violence
And I'm awakened by the scenes

And tô think

It was almost a good day
I almost didn't feel pain
I almost didn't hear a train
I almost didn't let it rain
I almost thought that I was sane
I almost thought that this could change
I almost thought it was a dream
God, it was a good day

He was balanced on a bar stool
Slammin' Xanax down with beer
Struggling not tô argue
With the demon in his ear

That friend told him with a crooked grin
I need your help tonight
You just give me a hand you'll make eight grand
But my brother just declined

For a time

Só like a rattlesnake life bends and shakes
And fate ain't always kind
When your mouth is filled with fatal fangs
And there's poison in your mind

Só they slithered inside and SOS were fired
In the roof and in the floor
They got the loot and moved their boots
Straight through a jailhouse door

And what's more

God, it was a good day
He almost didn't feel pain
He almost didn't hear a train
He almost didn't let it rain
He almost thought that he was sane
He almost thought that he could change
He almost thought it was a dream
John it was a good day

Now it ain't

Só I stare at old pictures
Think about the men we'll be
I bust open these blisters
And pray for his release