A lot of my original songs sit around half-finished for decades before something motivates me to finish them. According to my notes, I started this one way back in 1985. I always heard it in my head with a ska beat, so last week's ska theme in the Seasons of the Ukulele made me want to work on it. But last week I was busy getting my daughter shipped off to college, so I just finished it today.
Lyrics:
It's an oppressive town
I'm feeling pulled down by the weight of every stranger's frown
The people here can't smile
They haven't done it in a while
Those talents get lost, just to try becomes too much a trial
It's an oppressive place
I'm burdened by the disapproval in each passing face
These people, they don't care
All they do is stare
I've got the shivers from getting caught in their icy glare
My father always talked to strangers
He said "Nice people are nice everywhere"
But anytime I say "Hi" to a stranger
They either jump a foot or they swear
It's an oppressive town
I'm feeling pulled down by the weight of every stranger's frown
The people here can't smile
They haven't done it in a while
Those talents get lost, just to try becomes too much a trial
It's an oppressive place
I'm burdened by the disapproval in each passing face
Look at their heads just shake
They won't give me a break
They can't accept what's freely given 'cause they'd rather take
I've got to move away from this city
Where people radiate dislike
They'd walk a mile just to stand in your way
Because nothing motivates like spite
