Housebroken

(album: Home, Like NoPlace Is There - 2014)

We called off your guard as we entered the yard to convince you to redirect some of that rage.
Because who fed you rocks while they ate their Thanksgiving
And who left you out all alone in their cage?

And when you were a pup,
Well I watched you so close.
You ran straight to the distance allowed by his post.
You got kicked. You got choked.
Phrases crept up your spine when he said "we must keep our bitches in line".
And on his poker nights, he says the same of his wife.
He's the top-dog, pack leader, a true alpha-male.
So, make no sudden moves.
Keep your nose from the border.
You move fast, you eat last this side of pecking order.

So, why don't you come with me?
We've got acres with streams.
We won't keep you in cages
Or make you beg for your treats.
We won't tell you to heel though you might need some time
To dig up those old bones your young self left behind.
You said "your offer is nice but here should suffice.
Yeah, my younger years were something but that isn't my life.
Master's all that I've got.
He keeps me having a purpose.
Gives me bed, keeps me fed.
And I'm just slightly nervous of what I might do
If I were let loose,
If I caught that mail car,
Or ate garbage for food.
So, as I bare all my teeth, I will ask of you please to just leave.

Well your heart has spoken.
I feel you're already house broken.

Well, I made you the hood ornament for an oncoming car
Because your bark might seem bad but I'll show you the scars
From when the state sent you over to deliver your teeth
To the heels of your kindred breaking chains from their feet.
And then you wipe your hands clean.
Splash of water. Paper napkin.
While the parrots sing headlines,
We wear the leash like a fashion.
Try to take out my claws
Expect a visceral reaction.
Try to muzzle me up
I'll lash out and bite back
And keep my options open
For fear of becoming house―