After Shelley

(album: Readymades - 2002)

Anybody can press a button and blow up a ship
Anybody can use an atom bomb
Anybody can pick up a big whip and whip you
Anybody can stick a knife into you
Anybody can pull a trigger
But where's the man with the character, as can take a punch on the nose and keep his temper, keep control of himself?

The seed you sow, another reaps
The wealth you find, another keeps
The clothes you weave, another wears
The arms you forge, another bears

The songs you write, another sings
The heart you lose, another wins
The food you bake, another eats
Poison-laced and oh so sweet

Rock and roll
Check your pulse
Art or death
True or false
Can't stay young
Can't grow old
Overpriced
Undersold