Long Grove

Because you've got
You're the only one that can take control of your mind
And so, it is up to you
To know it, to own it, and say
"Mm-kay, this is what it is, and I'm stronger than that"

6 in the morning, awake again in this body
23, dropout, live at home, making coffee
Rub my eyes until that fact really comes into focus again

Bike to work along the backroad to McHenry
Play indie folk and pour the day's first cup for Kenny
Then, scribble down some notes for that song
I just can't finish yet

Then

All day small talk on sleep and weather
When the business in town will get better and
Drink too much drip, stain my jeans and sweatshirt
Avoid questions on plans for the future

Until afternoon and the closed cafe
Sweep the floors, dance to music from high school days
Not the movie I wanted, but what's on in Long Grove tonight?

Pass the kids playing outside the old bar
Cheer on the dad strumming Springsteen on guitar
Not the movie I'd hoped for, but cheap seats in Long Grove tonight

Messy room, take half a nap, maybe a workout
Then hours pass at my piano trying to work out
Some lyrics that I think could make the best of my circumstances

Give up when I finally realize that I'm starving
Late night dinner, watch the news beside my mom and
Try not to choke up when she says she's proud of how hard I'm trying

'Cause

These days hard to fend off all the memories
Of that boy and the lost opportunities
So, step out to the yard, take a deep breath

Summer crickets hum like an orchestra
Sing a solo along to their accompaniment
Not the movie I wanted, but not bad for Long Grove tonight

Fingers crossed, one day I'll un-cross my stars
For now watch them alone twinkling on my lawn
Thought I'd join them by now, but far from it in Long Grove tonight

So, maybe I won't ever amount to much
But I still got these songs, despite all my luck
Not the movie I planned, but my best score for Long Grove tonight

(Ooh)

You have been taught what's important
It's your integrity
You don't lie
You don't lie
You are kind
Okay?
You like people
You work hard
That makes for a tremendous human being