The Mermaid

I've done everything in my power

To file down my claws

White picket fence, cold showers

Cheap tricks get cheap applause

I used to swim out with the mermaid

But now I got a schedule to keep

Yeah, I could chase the mermaid

But what if I got too deep?

I didn't come to get hurt

I came to get clean

Tried to go it alone

I got bored with the scene

What's a poor boy to do

But share in the wealth?

I wanna lasso the moon

Like Bathsheba saying

"Treat yourself"

(Ain't gonna treat you like it)

(Ain't gonna treat you like you)

"Treat yourself"

(Ain't gonna treat you like it)

(Ain't gonna treat you like you)

Bathsheba saying

Let's kiss your daddy on his mouth

And then we'll total his car

I wanna go see Eric Bachmann play

And then float towards the bar

I wanna swim out with the mermaid

What's the difference? I can't sleep

I'm gonna chase the mermaid

And let her take me to the deep

I didn't come to get hurt

I came to get clean

I tried to sing on my own

I get bored with the scene

What's a white boy to do

Except to share in the guilt?

I wanna lasso the moon

Like Bathsheba saying

"Treat yourself"

(Ain't gonna treat you like it)

(Ain't gonna treat you like you)

Bathsheba saying

"Treat yourself"

(Ain't gonna treat you like it)

(Ain't gonna treat you like you)

Bathsheba saying

Let's not begin at the beginning

It's a boring place to start

Don't wanna sing no flannel whiskey songs

And try to make 'em art

I don't need Bob Dylan's place

Don't need Jeff Tweedy's hat

Ain't after pussy or cash

Baby, I'm trimming the fat