Back when I was old,
I could not say what was on my mind from day to day.
Oh, my blood ran thick, my skin turned grey.
All the doors were locked, keys tossed away.
I will be watchful of your lips. That crafty smile you crack.
I will keep watching mirrors. I don’t want a bullet in the back.
I will not break the hand of Fate. I will not build a wall of hate.
I will not speak. I will not breathe. You have my word...
Back when I was old,
I could not say what was on my mind from day to day.
Oh, my blood ran thick, my skin turned grey.
All the doors were locked, keys tossed away.
I will be pure in thought and deed. I would not dream of money.
I will be Jesus if I bleed. The red flows out like honey.
I will not ever change my name. I will not play a sucker’s game.
I will not rip. I will not tear. I’m perfect just like you.
On the edge of appetite. I’m frozen to the spot.
My mind plays funny tricks on you. I’m running cold and hot. Yeah.
Back when I was old,
I could not say what was on my mind from day to day.
Oh, my blood ran thick, my skin turned grey.
All the doors were locked, keys tossed away.
Back when I was old.
credits
from JVA - JEROAN VAN AICHEN: Today Was Different,
released May 21, 1997
Michael Braun - Drums
Eric Hill - Accordion
Peter Connor / Jason Owens - Clarinets
(Horns arranged by Dave Cooper)
JVA - Guitars, Bass, Keys, Vocals, BG Vocals
The Oakland singer's latest album imagines the power struggle between man and nature as a slow, steady tempest of dark folk. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 20, 2019