Takes place in a city overrun by moral and physical decay, a sort of hell on earth. Brothels, Opium Dens, guillotines, drug dealers and back-alley doctors. It’s about trying in vain to escape this place.
lyrics
The brothel by the river overflows like waste
Apocalyptic city rats a bitter taste
Cheap cologne and perfume cannot hide that smell
Just another afternoon in our own little hell
Summer days aristocrats and opium dens
I know it sounds so nice but go and tell your friends
When the revolution will appear on the scene
We all will be in line for the guillotine
Well if you can’t stay clean oh know what I mean
And every instant pleasure is the prey that you feed
Then this one’s for you cause I understand
I am a poor kid livin in this run down land
If you got no fins but you like to swim
In a river that’s so green will wash away your sins
Then this one’s for you cause I understand
I am a poor kid livin by the river man
The thick and sticky air and undiscovered mold
Shitkickers on the corner slinging useless gold
I peak through stained glass windows that are full of holes
Find the place in tatters littered broken rules
Filthy children break into the closed down stores
They’re setting up a business to compete with the whores
The old chateau it glows temptation moonlit sky
The dog he barks the cat she claws mosquito bites
Call up the back alley doctor to make it go away
He’s not afraid to go and use his rusty needle
So you know I gotta watch what I say
Calm down he says my son we all came here to die
And if you don’t believe a single word I speak go and take a look outside
Well if you can’t stay clean oh you know what I mean
And every instant pleasure is the prey that you feed
Then this one’s for you cause I understand
I am a poor kid livin in this run down land
And if you have no fins but you like to swim
In a river that’s so green will wash away your sins
Then this one’s for you cause I understand
I am a poor kid livin by the river man
Pack all my belongings leave a spinning wheel
Waiting for a taker to come strike up a deal
I wait in vain for hours fall asleep with a gun
And if I die before I wake consider it done
credits
from River Rat,
released July 24, 2015
Marc Martinka-Drums, Percussion, Piano, Backing Vocals
Brian Swed- Guitars, Backing Vocals
Doug Fitzsimmons-Lead Vocals, Organ
Derek White-Bass
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