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Why Lie, I Want A Beer

from Protest Songs (Are Dead) by GioSafari

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lyrics

Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen,
I'm very sorry for the interruption.
I know you're on your way somewhere important,
but I just have a few things to say.
Please don't just write me off as insane.
If you'll let me be honest, I can explain
the reason I'm begging here on this train
for nothing but your time of day.

Careful not to glance in my direction,
lest you be tempted to make a donation,
to fish through your pockets, make differentiation
between all the various coin sizes.
Perhaps generosity's not your true aim,
but to silence your conscience, to cover your shame
for gripping onto your wealth just the same
as the gold calves this world idolizes.

Though I ask, I'm not in need
of your food or your money.
Just smile and acknowledge me,
learn my name and how I'm doing.
I don't need your quarters in my cup,
I don't need your apathetic love.
Just give me a handshake, give me a hug,
treat me like a human being.
Yes, treat me like a human being.

Some say I'm smelly, dirty, lazy,
with a look in my eyes a little crazy.
The PTSD makes everything hazy,
explains why they look glazed over.
Not to mention my use of narcotics,
whatever it takes to get my fix
for a broken world, tired, hungry, and sick,
til I wake disillusioned and hung over.

What else can I do to cope with my plight?
How else can I manage to sleep at nights?
It helps me keep warm and equips me to fight
the demons rank and file on my shoulder.
An army of one decorated hero,
Forgotten by country, I stand all alone
on the field against my formidable foe;
with a bottle alone I feel bolder.

Still instead of your pocket change for a beer,
perhaps you can lend me a listening ear;
let me know that you care with a smile sincere,
let me know that we're in this together.
For my burden is heavy, a staggering load.
I've carried it for years down this yellow brick road,
tapping my heels, "there's no place like home."
But if you help, they'lll feel light as a feather.
Yes they will, they'll feel light as a feather.

credits

from Protest Songs (Are Dead), released August 17, 2011

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GioSafari New York, New York

GioSafari was the pseudonym for singer-songwriter and peace activator Gio Andollo. He lives in NYC, where he has committed to music - songwriting, recording, busking, performing, promoting - and activism. He speaks truth to power in the heart of Empire, recalling the subversive musical traditions of American folk & punk, singing for peace & justice, and advocating the use of bicycle helmets. ... more

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