16 – Temper
DISLAIMER: I am a songwriter first, and singer a very distant second. This song (like most I write) was not written to fit my own vocal register. Props to Adam Bow for helping with recording, mixing, and making it sound as good as it does. Lyrics, vocals and guitar by me, studio magic by Adam (https://twitter.com/adambowmusic).
Lyrics:
One, two, three
Tell me what is wrong with me
Something went south in my family tree
Soon it will manifest horribly, I believe
Four, five, six
I’ve tried all your tips and tricks
Nothing is proving an easy fix
For routing the vicious villain in the mix reliably
Seven, eight and nine
Somewhere down the line it’s time
On the count of ten I EXPLODE
We’ve been down this road before, honey
I’ve gone from alright to irate
And it doesn’t seem to abate anymore (no, no, no)
Ten, nine, eight
How can I explain this hate?
Got to let go before it’s too late
But telling me so might exacerbate what I got
Seven, six, five
It’s kicking into overdrive
Everyone’s an enemy to survive
Any new remedy you prescribe, I will try
Four, three, two and one
Now it’s done, the time has come
On the zero count I EXPLODE
Yet another episode, honey
I’ve gone from alright to irate
And it doesn’t seem to abate any
You keep telling me to stop and calm down
But I’m telling you I’m up in arms now
What good’s a soldier who can’t control their temper?
What’s semper fi without the semper?
One, five, nine
I think I’ve been losing time
Hard to find reason when there’s no rhyme
Hanging on anger like a lifeline, binding me
Nine to five
Seems an awful great divide
Between this side and the other side
Where do my sisters and brothers hide? Not finding me
You tell me: Count to ten
So I take a breath, and then
On the count of ten I EXPLODE
This must be the end of the road
I’ve gone from alright to irate
Now I’m stranded in that state
On the zero count I EXPLODE
Yet another episode, honey (one of many)
I’ve gone from alright to irate
And it doesn’t seem to abate any
TEN – If it happens again
NINE – Please give me a sign
EIGHT – End the debate on this
SEVENTH circle sin of mine
SIX – I am caught betwixt
FIVE senses overwhelmed
FOR all my efforts
THREE furies still take the helm
TOO many times I have
WONdered
Can NOTHING be done for me?
MINE IS this damned legacy, this cursed family tree