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Poor Thing

by Sam Steffen

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1.
Just a Little Annoyed Is All 07:06
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I’m not lazy—I just like to rest I’m not dirty—just not too clean, I guess I’m not happy—but I’m doin my best To play the hand that I been dealt I ain’t quitting—I’m just on a break I’m not guilty—I just made a small mistake It’s not a setback, really—just a slight headache It ain’t nothing that time won’t help But you know I haven’t come to tell you What by now you must already know There’s so little that has any value— There’s only a few ways it could possibly go— I feel like my engine’s gone and lost a piston Like I built a kingdom just to let it fall You can’t resist once you’re inside the system— And I’m just a little annoyed is all I’m not a cheapskate—I’m just moneywise I’m not dishonest—I just prefer my old disguise I’m not startled–I’m just kind of surprised I didn’t know you were that kind of girl— I ain’t cryin—it’s just raining out I’m not hopeless—I’m just full of doubt I don’t need you—I’d just prefer not to be without Lord, it is a lonely world! but don’t let it go gettin your feathers ruffled there’s really nothing else you could’ve done the announcer’s voice coming through the mic was muffled it could’ve happened to you, me or anyone— I swear the lengths they’ve gone to to see I’d be deprived— Would almost make you think that my life weren’t small But no one makes it out of this world alive And I’m just a little annoyed is all— I’m not depressed—I just prefer the blues I’m not indecisive—I just don’t wanna haveta choose I’m not complaining—I’m just looking to improve This antiquated old machine I ain’t weak—I’m just not that strong We’re not incompatible—we just don’t really get along It ain’t alright—don’t you get me wrong I ain’t sayin it’s peachy-keen Sometimes I wish it would all go backwards You’d begin at grief and move headlong into loss You’d heal up as soon as you removed the daggers you regain everything when you refund the cost— But without an ending, there ain’t no story No happily ever after after all The case is closed with the hanging jury And I’m just a little annoyed is all— I’m not sick—I just don’t feel all that well It’s not a secret—I just don’t really care to tell I’m not withholdin—I just don’t have anything good to sell or anything more to subtract— I’m not crazy—I just haven’t found my groove I’m not vindictive—I just don’t really like to lose I’m not unjustified—I just don’t got no good excuse Is there anything wrong with that? Won’t somebody give me some instruction On whatever a man’s supposed to do? I can’t seem to make any logical deduction I can’t have my cake and eat it, too I feel like a powder keg what’s about to burst Soon they’ll be scrapin me off the wall— I’m surrounded by water and I’m dyin of thirst And I’m just a little annoyed is all I’m not a hard case—I’m just difficult I don’t intend it—you know that much yourself I’m not in trouble—I just need a little bit of help At some point, hell, don’t we all? I’m not wrongheaded—I’m just incorrect I’m not crazy—I’m just a little out of step I’m not angry—I’m not even that upset I’m just a little annoyed is all
2.
Close To You 03:57
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I’d give up my ticket to travel first-class Step out of my place in a long line, and be last Tip my hat to the VIPs, and bid them aideu As long as it meant that I could be— Close to you I’d compromise anything I claim to believe in Religion, politics, humanity, even I’d welcome the chance for a new point of view As long as it meant that I could be— Close to you I’d cast to the wayside any superficial differences travel extreme geographical distances I’d forget about whatever I was planning to do As long as it meant that I could be— Close to you If you were travelling upon one of the oceans and you left me behind in some bedroom to stay I’d sleep gainst the wall to which the sea was the closest just to be that much less far away I’d give up my dayjob tho it pays well and is easy I’d come down off the mountain to live in the city I’d share a crowded apartment on a loud avenue— As long as it meant that I could be— Close to you I’d pass up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity disobey the wishes of my entire community all kinds of trouble I’d get myself into As long as it meant that I could be— Close to you If you were sick, I would risk the infection If I knew you were wrong, I wouldn’t make no correction I can’t think of one thing that I wouldn’t do As long as it meant that I could be— Close to you
3.
Blow, Whistleblower, Blow! 04:48
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'Corruption in the Whitehouse' the headline ran in ‘72 When Nixon’s men broke in to the DNC HQ If Deepthroat hadn’t telephoned his buddies, Carl and Bob Nixon probably never would have turned over his job—so Blow the whistle!—whistleblower, blow! Let’s see you got a conscience that you ain’t afraid to show! Put your self-interest behind you, tell your bosses where to go!— the people have got the right to know! Chelsea Manning was a soldier sent to Iraq on intel Where civilians and soldiers were bein indiscriminately killed She had access to top secret files that were under lock-and-key She put em on a website for all the world to see chorus Well, all our data’s now the property of the US government the NSA’s been getting it for years without consent A man named Edward Snowden said “I’ve had enough of this!” Sent what he knew discreetly to the international press chorus Today we got old Donald Trump to keep us entertained “Will you look into Joe Biden?” he asked the president of Ukraine He would’ve been impeached when someone brought the news to light— If a few Senate Republicans had the nerve to do what’s right! chorus Now some will say a whistleblower’s nothin but a liar A stoolie turned a turncoat who knew he’d be getting fired If you were in the same boat—tell me, what would you do? And if you knew and kept it secret—well, what would that make you? chorus I thank you, Mr. Snowden for all the risk you took— And you, Ms. Chelsea Manning, you’re no traitor in my book You face the blacklist, exile, prison, and you were slandered in the news But I thank you for the sacrifice you’ve made to tell the truth chorus technology today is more advanced than it’s alleged but it’s a tool that can be weaponized, a blade that’s double edged the government says they spy on us to keep us all Red, White and Blue But if you’re gonna keep your eyes on us, we’ll keep our eyes on you! chorus
4.
How Long (I'll Love You For) 05:07
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Seasons change, climate, too and people change—Lord knows I do If impermanence is all that holds true then what else can I hold onto? I’m sometimes right; I’m often wrong We’ll know better further along Your love is mighty, but how strong You say you love me—yes—but for how long? Long as the seas meet land at shore And earth pursues Her solar tour long as this old heart endures— That’s how long That’s how long That’s how long—I’m gonna love you for When I’m tired; when I’m wakeful tho unworthy, not ungrateful; year after year, may through april long as you’re willing, I will be able long as there’s still room to grow sky above and sea below long as there’s time left to explore that’s how long that’s how long that’s how long I’m gonna love you for Pick a number any one Better yet, make it the highest one Multiply it by ten billion Throw in a few more—and then some As far as you can comprehend And even further, after the end— As long as there’s something still left in store That’s how long That’s how long That’s how long I’m gonna love you for The day may come, I’ll be leavin A few who knew me might hang round grieving There’s a time for laughter and a time for weeping And long as I’m standing, Long as I’m breathing As long as time withstands the clock If it speeds up or if it stops— Til kingdom’s come or come no more— that’s how long I’m gonna love you for pick your poison, choose your pleasure step by step, measure for measure life is short, love’s forever long as you’ll have me, then we’ll be together now and later, then, meanwhile apart, together, single file both and and and either or that’s how long I’m gonna love you for love prefers the present tense it receives more, the more it sends its road goes on, around both bend a lifelong journey that never ends (Repeat first chorus)
5.
The Gambler (Deal Me Again) 06:50
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a gambler’s a man / who knows that a plan’s / just a story that’s spun out of dreams it can act as a prop / to get you to stop / but temporary is all that it means sooner than not / you’ll get what you’ve bought / whether you lose or you win I’ve lost my share / but look, I’m still here / so, dealer, won’t you deal me again? I seen all kinds / from the ones who read minds / to them who can’t spot a tell from a bluff To the burn-outs, retired / hard-lucks, hardwired / who can’t say when they’ve had enough I’ve heard the advice / of them who say to think twice / what do they know about where I been? If you had these blues / I’ll wager you, too / ‘d be sayin: Dealer, deal me again I had me a girl / she was out of this world / she was a once-in-a-lifetime affair I asked her to stay / she told me o.k. / then she high-tailed it right out of there I heard through the mill / she’s been up to it still / making fools out of dangerous men Still causin a stir / Ain’t that good for her? / Dealer, won’t you deal me again? Some play for the thrill / for the hunt or the kill / for the chance to be something they’re not Some play cause they know / just how it will go / so long as they never get caught Me, I’m the sort / who lives for the sport / I play for sheer love of the game Don’t matter what / poker straight, draw or stud / Dealer, just deal me again When it was you / I did what I could do / to let you know I was your friend I held you aside / to defend you, I lied / and if I had to, I’d do it again But now it’s reversed / and I come to you first / you act like you don’t know who I am— If I’m still in the game / and the rules haven’t changed / well dealer, won’t you deal me again? You tried to live straight / as something you hate / and you know that it won’t ever fit It’s a gamble as soon / as you’re torn from the womb / til you finally cash in your chips To live is to bet / in a game against Death / and you know the house wins in the end But if it’s all gone to hell / spose I might as well… / Dealer, won’t you deal me again? I’m friends with the bar / doorman’s got a car / there’d be more than enough to go round a few guns, for show / and a place to lay low / where we could wait for the heat to die down maybe it’s how you feel / or it’s there in the deal / or it’s some kind of wheel you just spin you won’t know til it lands / or you’ve played out your hand / Dealer, won’t you deal me again?
6.
Work Harder (Get Paid the Same) 07:35
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The factory whistle sounded at dawn, so we all gathered out on the floor Foreman says, “You’re all doin so well, we thought you could do a little bit more— He gave us our orders, said “Now I don’t want to hear anybody complain—” You’ll be workin harder and harder, but you’re getting paid the same” The economy’s gone belly-up, business is following suit Boss is keepin his salary, but he’s givin his workers the boot Said, “Some’ll haveta be let go, for the rest of ya, all that’ll change Is you’ll be working a little bit harder, but you’re gettin paid the same” Work harder—get paid the same! It’s the company slogan—the name of the game! It’s better than nothin! Don’t whine and complain! You work harder—and you get paid the same! The cost of livin is on the rise and the landlord’s been raising the rent Soon all the money you’ve set aside has gone the way the rest of it went Tomorrow’s another workin day, a chance for to make and to gain You’ll work a little bit harder, but you’ll be getting paid the same Society says do your best and there’s nothin you can’t achieve You want to get rich quick in these times of ours—all you’ve got to do is believe! I waited in line, put in my time, kept my head down, stayed in my lane I worked harder and harder, but I just got paid the same Uncle Sam’s building an army, recruiting anyone he can find He’ll tell you he’ll pay for your college if you just sign on the old dotted line He’ll train you to hunt down and kill a man like he ain’t got a face or a name You’ll work for him, harder and harder, and he’ll repay you just the same When I’s up I counted my blessings, when I’s down I looked to the Lord I followed the rules to the letter—and I still ain’t received no reward I’m no saint, by no means, Lord, to be humble, I’ve never claimed But I’m workin harder and harder—and I’m getting paid the same History seems like a broken machine that spits out whatever’s put in Despite how you’ve fought, your efforts have brought you to someplace you’ve already been You can try a new course or keep beatin the dead horse as you pray for something to change Feels like workin harder and harder just to keep getting paid the same I tried to break free of the eternity of running around on my wheel I bought a guitar and I got in my car and went out to find something more real I followed along and practiced the songs and by now I’ve learned the refrain: It’s: work harder and harder and get paid the same Now the man upstairs is good and old, he’s been in charge for a while To him it makes no difference if you owe him an inch or a mile Whether your life’s been filled with privilege or if it’s been filled with pain Righteous or wreckless, you get paid the same When I’m called I’ll rise and go—I won’t make any to-do I prayed for things I needed bad, but my prayers just never got through Naked and crying I’ll leave the world as naked and crying I came I kept workin harder and harder—and kept getting paid the same
7.
Didn't Even Stand a Chance 07:04
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The ferris-wheel’s been crammed with likely suspects the boardwalk’s lit up like it’s Christmas in July there comes a time when a man must stand and face his prospects with a keen, discerning and judicious eye I came prepared, my equipment all was with me I knew the odds would be against me in advance But by the time I even knew what had gone and hit me— It was too late—I didn’t even stand a chance I’ve tried to keep my eye out for any sign of danger I didn’t want to be the victim of love’s charm I’ve learned to be suspicious of every stranger And I’ve been known to greet unexpected kindness with alarm I hope that you don’t think I went and planned this If there’s one thing I’d rather skip, well, it’s romance But when I met you, I was already disadvantaged It was too late—I didn’t even stand a chance— I’m well-practiced in the art of getting nowhere I’ve rehearsed this scene a hundred thousand times I know just what to say if you decide to go there You’ll be on your way, and I’ll keep on mine— But it would seem that habit’s failed me in this instance I heard the music and got caught up in the dance— I intended to give nothing but resistance But it was too late—I didn’t even stand a chance You stood there looking far out at the ocean Where the sky and water fused in a streak of blue I’ve seen beauty that’s stirred my heart into commotion— None of it could hold a candle up to you I could feel the stealing-in of love’s intruders My guard was let down, you had me drifting in a trance Cupid must have raised an army of sharpshooters outnumbered—I didn’t even stand a chance this must be what the bards and poets tell of when they retire to their rooms to play and sing and write their ballads all about their true-loves what good’s it all—when sorrow’s all it brings? I tried to put the feeling into language My “Love at first sight” she destroyed with just a glance Now the rapture and the joy’s turned into anguish I should’ve known—I didn’t even stand a chance
8.
Could've Sure Fooled Me 03:17
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Every place you go there’s folks there aiming to please— The way you spend your money, it’s like it was growin on the trees And even though you tell me that you didn’t come from royalty Well, babe, you could’ve shore fooled me I’m not one to fall for that old vanishing act I know just when the magician’s pullin a rabbit from his hat I can usually sense when someone’s got something up her sleeve But babe, you could’ve shore fooled me You got me where you want me, I’m too slow to dodge— Just say the word and I’ll stay I’m useful as a busted-up, broken down watch Even a broken watch is still right—two times a day I ain’t one to believe every single thing I see I don’t believe a word of what they tell me on TV I ain’t one who’s known for his gullibility But babe you could’ve shore fooled me They asked you for your effort, so you gave it your best try When you folded from the pressure, they caught you in a lie you couldn’t outfox the moral majority But babe you could’ve shore fooled me I ain’t the sharpest knife in the set— Is that how the expression even goes? Feel like I’m looking for something I ain’t found yet But every time I’m near you feels like I’m getting close— My mama warned me about women of your kind She said don’t be chasing no one whose gonna make you wait your turn in line Just goin by your looks, I could’ve swore you was heavenly babe, you could’ve shore fooled me You know I’m getting older, I got water on the knee You know that my eyes ain’t what they used to be— You think you’re nothing special for anyone to see— Well, babe, you could’ve shore fooled me
9.
There Just Ain't Enough To Go Round 05:38
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They say by next year this land’ll be buried neath 35 feet of the sea Those that can’t get out by liner or ferry will be sunk as sure as can be Pharaoh traded his army for a fleet of sleek vessels, if the seas part he’ll just run aground Tell Moses we’re sorry: salvation’s backordered—there just ain’t enough to go round Ma quit her job the day she delivered tho she took all six weeks of her leave The breadcrumb of income in the end hardly differed, daycare costs more than you’d believe And dad’s been out lookin for a job that’ll get him off the trail of them debt-collector hounds Wherever he goes the employers all tell em, there just ain’t enough to go round Man on the sidewalk’s been asking for quarters from people who pretend he ain’t there His cardboard sign reads: "I’ll Have What You’re Having—Anything That You Can Spare" He says, “I been all through the towns of this country, small kindness is all that I’ve found Love's all you need to get by in this life, and there just ain’t enough to go round You’d better wear waders if you’re headed to Washington, I hear the bullshit there’s pretty deep Power is one thing that people in power usually do their darndest to keep They’re redrawing districts, makin maps into mazes so that when voting day rolls around The hopes’ll wear thin til the votes are all in and there just ain’t enough to go round The army recruiters are lookin for heroes to wave their American flag They’ll send you abroad like they need you to be there til you get sent back home in a bag A six-gun salute, an immaculate coffin, a white cross they’ll stake in the ground The letter to mom says “your son was a patriot—wish there were more like him to go round.” They ask for our patience in the questing for justice, that holy of holymost grails They ask us to trust their defunct machinery that history shows usually fails The judge in his throne hasn’t even been listening—you’ll know when the gavel comes down They’re doling out justice like there’ll be no tomorrow—and there just ain’t enough to go round We’ve dug ourselves into a fine mess of trouble spending money that we never had To buy things that wore out and made us unhappy which they told us would make us more glad The poor get some—yes, but the rich get a tax-cut: and do you know why it’s called ‘trickledown’? a trickle’s what happens before it shuts off completely leaving what ain’t enough to go round Time is a bastard and a thieving deceptor, a current you fight the whole way Tomorrow eludes you while yesterday woos you meanwhile it’s always today And life is a tale told by an idiot full up of fury and sound You look for the meaning with the hourglass bleeding—there just ain’t enough to go round
10.
With Liberty and Justice for Some 06:25
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Dear country, I’m writing to tell you I’m fighting to come up with some single thing To ignite or inspire the old poet’s desire, in me, of thee, to sing— But no praise can I utter with my pride in the gutter as the national anthem gets sung To a flag that looks dignified that always has signified: liberty and justice for some I’ve poured through the mystery of American history that was told from the conqueror’s view That corrupted a heritage to respin a narrative about what white colonizers went through Who committed genocide, vanquished a countryside, which through outrageous violence was won Executing hypocrisy in the name of democracy, with liberty and justice for some I’ve been stumbling and reeling as I grope for the feeling of freedom spelled out in the pomes But what of the Apache, the Blackfoot, Comanche, the Africans, torn from their homes? Your freedom’s to subjugate, enslave, kill, appropriate—when will we be free from The powers that perpetrate, promote and perpetuate liberty and justice for some? they say here you’re free to do whatever you want to do—it’s true, long as you got the means without any middle, most have less than little, while a few hoard an amount that’s obscene and I don’t see an end to it when sixty percent of it will remain in the hands of just one a condition arisen from capitalism, which lends liberty and justice to some At the borders they’ve ordered soldiers to bolster the walls they put up as defense To stop immigration to an immigrant nation that’s composed of what it’s now against Inventing solutions citing The Constitution to further qualify the word: “Everyone” Giving no heeding to words or their meanings where there’s liberty and justice for some I turn on the TV most evenings all I see are tragedies broadcast as news A white officer shooting a black man refusing to admit to what he didn’t do in the grief and excitement the cries for indictment to the highest authority’s brung which forgives law enforcement and displays the endorsement that there’s liberty and justice for some The acts of our president are now without precedent, he’s made crimes that the Senate won’t try— Proving by the hour that for people in power the rules just don’t seem to apply Acting outrageously, speaking insensibly in tired corruptible tongues Outlawing innocence to celebrate ignorance, with liberty and justice for some I stood in my vacuum at the back of the classroom, taking History over again With the teacher insistin that everyone listen and kindly repeat after him: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the U—” hang on a minute—how come? One nation, miserable, neath God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for some—

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released July 24, 2022

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Sam Steffen Boise, Idaho

Sam Steffen is a Pennsylvania-bred, Boise-based singer-songwriter whose songs are the torch-wood for a new generation of folk music that has learned from the best stuff in the tradition and aims in spite of everything to keep the human spirit alive and kicking. A versatile musician and skilled finger-picker, Sam is at heart a story-teller, and a prolific one. ... more

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