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EP: "Lost In Pacific Time" (2009)



I'm Yours Tonight - the academy is...

Forever alone until I found you,
and now you’re always there;
voice on the air, scent on my clothes.
Oh, but when the sun exposes all my demons,
will you stay or run away?

I’ll help you find your way
every moment you’re awake.
You know I’ll stay,
even in your dreams
I’ll pull the stars down from the heavens
to fill your empty skies
I’m yours tonight.
I’m yours tonight.

Wherever you go, they say I’m bad news.
When every one agrees,
whispers start sounding like screams.
Oh, but I know what you want
to say before the words escape your teeth.
Will you trust in me?

I’ll help you find your way
every moment you’re awake.
You know I’ll stay,
even in your dreams
I’ll pull the stars down from the heavens
to fill your empty skies
I’m yours tonight.
I’m yours tonight.

My good intentions
can leave the hardest hearts,
the harshest scars you’ve ever seen.
My bad impressions they follow me,
making enemies that I can’t see.
Forever alone, until I found you.
I know that you’ll stay.
You won’t run away.

I’ll help you find your way
every moment you’re awake.
You know I’ll stay,
even in your dreams
I’ll pull the stars down from the heavens
to fill your empty skies
I’m yours tonight.

I’ll help you find your way
every moment you’re awake.
You know I’ll stay,
even in your dreams
I’ll pull the stars down from the heavens
to fill your empty skies
I’m yours tonight.
I’m yours tonight.
I’m yours tonight.

Days Like Masquerades - the academy is...

I said,
“Hey you, this is me.
The idealist inside that holds your love on a string,
wound and tied like kites to all your hopes and dreams.
What a tangled mess that they’ve turned out to be.
Take a breath, and ask yourself what matters.”

Days like masquerades, silent, hiding in the shadows,
Oooh, stripped of their disguise leave you haunted as you scatter.
But you’re always on my mind.
You’re always on my mind.

When you feel lost out at sea,
surrounded by on equal sides the same routine,
Becoming what you swore you’d never be.
Don’t distress, there’s a big bright place if you stay close to me.
Take a breath, and I’ll show you what matters.

Days like masquerades, silent, hiding in the shadows,
Oooh, stripped of their disguise leave you haunted as you scatter.
But you’re always on my mind.
You’re always on my mind.

Oh, oh, oh...

You’re always on my mind.
You’re always on my mind.

Days like masquerades, take a breath and feel what matters.
Days like masquerades, take a breath and feel what matters.
Days like masquerades, take a breath and feel what matters.
Days like masquerades, take a breath and feel it.
Breath and feel it.

Sputter - the academy is...

Wake up, try on your new disguise,
Would they recognize you anyway?
Would they?
Dead leaves lie down beneath your feet
As you step into the street and
Notice the distance between the hearts and homes

But still you know it's alright.
You're not looking back this time.
You know it's alright.
You're stepping on the cracks and you feel fine.

Don't waste your breath.
You wouldn't want this anyway.
And if you did, I think I'd let you,
Talk this to death, or in circles like we're aeroplanes.
But all along I knew that we would sputter out.
We would sputter.

Outside constructions workers pour
A brand new basement floor.
But then the ground starts shaking
fault lines to your own front door.
I looked at this and thought of you,
And all that is and isn't true,
And with the strength left in me,
walked on while the walls came down.

It's alright.
You're not looking back this time.
You know it's alright.
I'm stepping on the cracks and I feel fine.

Don't waste your breath.
You wouldn't want this anyway.
And if you did, I think I'd let you,
Talk this to death, or in circles like we're aeroplanes.
But all along I knew that we would sputter out.
We would sputter.

We would sputter...
We would sputter...
We would sputter out...
We would sputter out.

Don't waste your breath.
You wouldn't want this anyway.
And if you did, I think I'd let you,
Talk this to death, or in circles like we're aeroplanes.
But all along I knew that we would sputter out. (We would sputter)
But all along I knew that we would sputter out. (We would sputter)
But all along I knew that we would sputter out.
We would sputter
We would sputter down.

New York (Saint In The City) - the academy is...

She said "You can't stay a saint that long in the city."
you laugh at the thought on the the elevator down, you're just a phone call away.

You're placing a big blind bet on the underdog
and though its a stretch, you believe
when you're against the odds, and on your feet
with you at your best, and promises kept,
she'd rather stay here with you on the laziest afternoons with you.

Lost in pacific time with the sound of a dial tone
let the memories count the miles and never be forgotten.

You woke to the screech of the wheels on a runway
over an ocean of praise on a stage,
the songs of your love fall to your knees.
with you at your best, this is all you've got left,
she'd rather stay here with you on the laziest afternoons with you.

Lost in pacific time with the sound of a dial tone
let the memories count the miles and never be forgotten.
When hearts hang on the line, and all that you fear has happened
Let the memories count the miles, and never be forgotten.

Was it something that she said, something that she did
to make you leave her here alone?
Was it something that you said, something that you did
to make her leave you here?
Don't leave me here alone.

Lost in pacific time with the sound of a dial tone
let the memories count the miles and never be forgotten.
When hearts hang on the line, and all that you fear has happened
Let the memories count the miles, and never be forgotten.

In The Rearview - the academy is...

So I got your message
And its been a long time
Since we have spoken face to face
I cant help to question your cause of interest
Its just like the dead lay buried in the grave
Right now
and I was feeling just content enough to forget you
I've found skeletons grow stronger when kept from the light

I would rather die than admit that I
Don't know don't know
I would rather die than admit that I
Don't know don't know
You would rather be alone than admit you were wrong
Than admit you were wrong

There's blood on the freeway
Painting a poisoned past
Kissed with a hard rain washed away
You're back to your old ways
Carelessly leaving tracks
The road you have chosen
I refuse to take
Right Now
and I was feeling just content enough to forget you
I've found skeletons grow stronger when kept from the light

I would rather die than admit that I
Don't know don't know
I would rather die than admit that I
Don't know don't know
You would rather be alone than admit you were wrong

I would rather die than admit that I
Don't know don't know
I would rather die than admit that I
Don't know don't know
You would rather be alone

Right now
and I was feeling just content enough to forget you
I've found that skeletons grow stronger when kept in the rearview
[x2]

"Fast Times At Barrington High" (2008)



About A Girl - the academy is...

[Distant:] I'm not in love

One song about a girl
I can't breathe when I'm around her
I'll wait here everyday
In case she'll scratch the surface
She'll never notice

I'm not in love
This is not my heart
I'm not gonna waste these words
About a girl
Whoa!

Last night, I knew what to say
But you weren't there to hear it
These lines, so well rehearsed
Tongue tied and over-loaded
You'll never notice

I'm not in love
This is not my heart
I'm not gonna waste these words
About a girl
I'm not in love
This is not your song
I'm not gonna waste these words
About a girl

To be loved, to be loved
What more could you ask for?
To be loved, to be loved
Everyone wants
To be loved, to be loved
What more could you ask for?
To be loved, to be loved
Everyone...

I'm not in love
This is not my heart
I'm not gonna waste these words

I'm not in love
This is not my heart
I'm not gonna waste these words
About a girl

I'm not in love
(To be loved, to be loved, what more could you ask for?)
This is not your song
(To be loved, to be loved, everyone wants)
I'm not gonna waste these words
(To be loved, to be loved)
About a girl.

Summer Hair = Forever Young - the academy is...

We're crashing cars we used to share
With summer girls
With summer hair
We're driving around chasing the stars
But the party's busted up
Before it ever starts

I'll never let you go
Don't ever forget
Tell me you'll remember
Forever young
I'll never let you fall
It's not over yet
You and me forever
Forever young
We're forever young

Stop making plans, start making sense
Don't you believe any word they said
Sparked up, sparked up like a book of matches
Falling through the night
And rising from the ashes

I'll never let you go
Don't ever forget
Tell me you'll remember
Forever young
I'll never let you fall
It's not over yet
You and me forever
Forever young
We're forever young

Don't come any closer
Don't tell me it's over
Don't kiss me goodbye
Here we are, am i taking this too hard?
Don't say that it's easy
The hardest part is leaving
Don't you wonder why...
Suddenly, we're all running out of time

I'll never let you go
Don't ever forget
Tell me you'll remember
Forever young
I'll never let you fall
It's not over yet
You and me forever
Forever young
We're forever young
We're forever young
We're forever young

His Girl Friday - the academy is...

If he knew, what you do
When no one's in the dark room
But me and you
Our brilliant disguise
It's the taste of the chase
I do confess, it's the mess
That feels so right

Call on a Monday
Come on a Tuesday
They'll never know
Pop off a cork for a Wednesday
Play with me Thursday
But you'll always be his girl
Call on a Monday
Come on a Tuesday
They'll never know
Pop off a cork for a Wednesday
Stay with me Thursday
But you'll always be his girl
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday

Just a kiss, he won't miss
I know you're gonna miss this
As long as you live
When you were mine
Bite your lip, pull me in
It's not the sin, it's the mess
That feels so right

Call on a Monday
Come on a Tuesday
They'll never know
Pop off a cork for a Wednesday
Play with me Thursday
But you'll always be his girl
Call on a Monday
Come on a Tuesday
They'll never know
Pop off a cork for a Wednesday
Stay with me Thursday
But you'll always be his girl
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday

If he knew, what I knew
He'd thank god it's Friday.
He's outta luck, I'm with you.

Call on a Monday
Come on a Tuesday
They'll never know
Pop off a cork for a Wednesday
Play with me Thursday
But you'll always be his girl
Call on a Monday
Come on a Tuesday
They'll never know
Pop off a cork for a Wednesday
Stay with me Thursday
But you'll always be his girl
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday
His girl Friday

The Test - the academy is...

Look like a lush. Talk like a tease.
The way you like it.
In front of your house, alone on the street,
You ask me to come inside.
Asleep through all our classes,
You hang me out to dry.

If this is a test,
I’m losing my shit
Would it kill you to care
As much as I did?
If this is a test,
I’m wasting my breath
You’re a stranger I know well,
And not at all.

Heart on a hook thrown out to the sea,
Your basement busy.
Sitting in the dark, I turn the radio off for a
Phone call you’ll likely miss.
Wake me when it’s over.
The last sound of goodbye.

If this is a test,
I’m losing my shit
Would it kill you to care
As much as I did?
If this is a test,
I’m wasting my breath
You’re a stranger I know well,
And not at all.

“Let’s imagine the end before we even begin,” you said.
“Let’s imagine the end before we even begin,” you said.
You said,

If this is a test,
I’m losing my shit
Would it kill you to care
As much as I did?
If this is a test,
I’m wasting my breath
You’re a stranger I know well -

If this is a test,
I’m losing my shit
Would it kill you to care
As much as I did?
If this is a test,
I’m wasting my breath
You’re a stranger I know well,
And not at all.
And not at all.

You’re a stranger I know well, and not at all.
And not at all.
You're a stranger I know well.

Rumored Nights - the academy is...

I walked you home most days
to beat the traffic after class
with all my best intentions.
But when the weather changed,
like fine print, you were hard to read.
Blind-folded, eyes wide open,
staring through me.

I never heard the words that were spoken,
with the rumored nights, with the rendezvous.
I never thought the whispers were true ‘til now…

I saw things that I shouldn’t have tonight, tonight.
I know now what I couldn’t have,
I’ve gone too far to turn it back
I’ve gone too far to turn it back

Followed you home halfway,
over the fence to your backyard,
with all my best intentions.
And through your window frame,
outstretched and lying on your bed,
Blind-folded, eyes wide open,
staring through me.

I never heard the words that were spoken,
with the rumored nights, with the rendezvous.
I never look at you like I used to now

I saw things that I shouldn’t have tonight, tonight.
I know now what I couldn’t have,
I’ve gone too far to turn it back
I’ve gone too far to turn it back

Uninvited, no one knows
how much I care, how bad you are,
How good we’d be, but you won’t let me in
Goodnight I’m leaving.

I never heard the words that were spoken,
with the rumored nights, with the rendezvous.
I never thought the whispers were true ‘til now…

I saw things that I shouldn’t have tonight, tonight.
I know now what I couldn’t have,
I’ve gone too far to turn it back
I saw things that I shouldn’t have tonight, tonight.
I know now what I couldn’t have,
I’ve gone too far to turn it back

I walked you home most days
I had the best intentions
I walked you home most days
I had the best intentions

I walked you home most day

Automatic Eyes - the academy is...

Staring at the mirror through your hair,
You can’t see everything that you did to me.
With your automatic eyes, five years disappeared.
Five years disappeared that night.

Do you want me to stay,
Do you want me to go?
Do you think I recognize
The look on your face when you think that
I know?
Blinded as the shades draw closed,
Time’s up for us
Would you want me to go,
If you knew what I know?
If you knew what I know.

Staring at the wall above the bed,
I can’t sleep with all the secrets that you keep.
With your automatic eyes,
Five years disappeared.
Five years disappeared that night.

Crowded Room - the academy is...

Excuse me, yeah I'm talking to you.
Look in the mirror, could you tell me
what you see?
Hard hearts are crashing in a crowded room.
You never felt so good, you never felt so free.

Save you from yourself
before you start to deal with everyone else.
You should have kept it to yourself,
now we're looking to fight, this isn't alright.
Alright, you better hold your scripted tongue
if you ever plan to use those words again.
The future doesn't make much sense
with you at the helm with your friends.
This is where that ends.

You've got a problem here.
The tide is turning you inside out.

This won't take long your reign is done.
We are the innocent ones
You can't take back the damage done
This is the last time you will shine.

Spare us your excuse,
cuz this exercise of self-abuse
will swallow everything that you hold dear
the further you are, the closer we get,
the more you need to hold your scripted tongue
If you ever plan to use those words again.
The hallways are filled with silence
and gawking stares that don't care.
This is where that ends.

You've got a problem here.
The tide is turning you inside out.

This won't take long your reign is done.
We are the innocent ones
You can't take back the damage done
This is the last time, last time.

This won't take long your reign is done.
We are the innocent ones
You can't take back the damage done
This is the last time you will shine.

The last time you will shine.
The last time you will shine.
Shine.

This won't take long your reign is done.
We are the innocent ones
You can't take back the damage done
This is the last time you will shine, shine.

This is the last time

Coppertone - the academy is...

Do you think you’re up for this?
Are you ready to get undressed,
undressed in your evening best besides,
every heart is like a house on fire with escape
routes in every room.
These are the trials of our youth.

But this charade is never going to last
so pick the poison and pour yourself a glass
I still feel the same
No one’s to blame

I will be waiting outside if you’re ready to go.
Your sundress reflects in the headlight glow.
Besides, every heart is like a house of cards
when the walls break down on you.
These are the trials of our youth.

But this charade is never going to last
so pick the poison and pour yourself a glass
I still feel the same

These are the fast times
These are the fast times

But this charade is never going to last
so pick the poison and pour yourself a glass
I still feel the same

These mistakes are just a part of the ride
and if we choke on the next tongue that we tie
I still feel the same

These are the fast times [x4]

After The Last Midtown Show - the academy is...

It’s a drunken midnight on the streets,
brightly dusted with a neon light.
We duck behind the corner store,
smoke your smokes while I keep
a watchful eye.
Right here, right now.
I hope before the night is through
one fumbled touch will finally hit the spot.
You’ve got everything going for you,
so I’ll go for you with everything I got.
Right here, the best days of our lives.
Is this coincidence or a sign?

Is there anything I missed?
Is there anything I missed?
Tell me if I’m wrong,
but why would we change a thing?

When the morning light fights through the cracks
cascading across the bed, and you are mine.
When your parents start to wake for work,
between the sheets, I’ll keep a watchful eye.
Right here, the best days of our lives.
Is this coincidence or a sign?

When we met I was on my back.
I swear we spent most afternoons
somewhere in the act.
We were part of something ours,
and ours alone.
Anywhere was home.
We’re almost here again.
We’re almost here again.
We’re almost here again.
Right here, right now.

Beware! Cougar! - the academy is...

When I met you, you were on your back.
We still spend most afternoons like that,
but not for long.
I find myself enjoying you,
but you play these reckless games
you’ll never lose
as long as I’m around.

Do you want to tie me up?
Do you want to tie me down?
Go ahead and do it now.

So far, so good, let it roll, let it ride, ride.
So far, so good, let us fall, let us fight, fight.
It’s no fun on the sidelines.

We both know I’m too young for you,
and when you fake a laugh behind the wheel,
I know where this road is heading to.
With a sunken lie I lay in bed,
but I will live to be twenty-three.
And you’ll see just how clever I can be…

Do you want to tie me up?
Do you want to tie me down?
Go ahead and do it now.

So far, so good, let it roll, let it ride, ride.
So far, so good, let us fall, let us fight, fight.
It’s no fun on the sidelines.

Driving backwards, wasting time.
Young love is ruthless, so learn to fly.
You taught me things I can’t forget.
Positions that I don’t regret.
I can’t walk away, and I can’t shake the taste.

Do you want to tie me up?
Do you want to tie me down?
Go ahead and do it now.

So far, so good, let it roll, let it ride, ride.
So far, so good, let us fall, let us fight, fight.
It’s no fun on the sidelines.
It’s no fun on the sidelines.
(no, no)

Don’t write a word, cuz I won’t reply

Paper Chase - the academy is...

Please stand by, we've come so far
These years, we survived the ride that turned us inside out
Repeat after me, just scream and shout
"It was the best of times from broken homes and battle scars
to where we are."

Graduate, paper chase,
We'll get out of this place
Don't turn around
Hit the highway, pour some liquor out for this town
Now thats all for us,its last call drink up

Roll it out, its over now
We're the cast-outs with messed up friends who never did fit in
Don't care where it ends
It doesn't matter now,
As long as we're as one, we'll take the next bus
Destination: Setting sun

Graduate, paper chase,
We'll get out of this place
Don't turn around
Hit the highway, pour some liquor out for this town
Now thats all for us, its last call drink up

Graduate, paper chase,
We'll get out of this place
Don't turn around
Hit the highway, pour some liquor out for this town
Now thats all for us, its last call drink up

This is an open invite for all to attend
Don't ask too many questions now
Don't tell us how it ends,
Because we're the ones who wrote the end

Graduate, paper chase,
We'll get out of this place
Don't turn around
Hit the highway, pour some liquor out for this town
Now thats all for us, its last call drink up

Graduate, paper chase,
We'll get out of this place
Don't turn around
Hit the highway, pour some liquor out for this town
Now thats all for us, its last call drink up

One More Weekend - the academy is...

Somewhere hiding underneath,
kicking off covers while you sleep.
Soon you're gonna leave, so leave us one
more weekend.
You've got all the friends you need,
bad tattoos and worse IDs. You feel alive,
do you feel alive?

You'll go off, you'll forget,
you'll grow out of hanging from the edges,
breaking off the past.
You'll know when to move on,
you'll know when to take all the right chances,
never looking back.

Somewhere hiding underneath,
running around these empty streets.
Do you think you're better off dead,
better off dead than alive in here?
You've got all the friends you need,
bad tattoos and worse IDs. You feel alive,
do you feel alive?

You'll go off, you'll forget,
you'll grow out of hanging from the edges,
breaking off the past.
You'll know when to move on,
you'll know when to take all the right chances,
never looking back.

How could you think the time we spent
was all wasted
sleepwalking through every morning that
we took for granted?
Maybe the time we spent was not wasted...
Let it go, I'll let you go.

You'll go off, you'll forget,
you'll grow out of hanging from the edges,
breaking off the past.
You'll know when to move on,
you'll know when to take all the right chances,
never looking back.

We are half alone, our hearts are leaving home.
Now that we don't belong to anyone at all.
[x2]

Somewhere hiding underneath,
kicking off covers while you sleep,
you feel alive.

Every Burden Has A Version - the academy is...

She'd rather repair her face with the lights turned off.
The door wide open in an empty house.
The frozen minutes are melting slow
as she watches from the window.
The street light's flickering like a tongue that can't stop licking.
Like the cat that caught the cream,
she's never gonna be.
She's never gonna be quite satisfied.

Just like a hundred dollar bill
folded up and tearing at the crease.
There's not much left inside your chest,
but it's worth much more than what you see.
Every burden has a version in somebody else.

She smokes her smokes outside to avoid the fight.
She'd rather be enjoying the silent stillness of the suburbs.
After midnight, what's the point.
Don't try to hide, don't justify a thing.
She's so naive to think she'd be capable.
Like the cat that got the cream,
she's never gonna be quite satisfied.

Just like a hundred dollar bill
folded up and tearing at the crease.
There's not much left inside your chest,
but it's worth much more than what you see.
Just like a hundred dollar bill
folded up and tearing at the crease.
There's not much left inside your chest,
but it's worth much more than what you see.

And this will be the last time she hides her eyes behind her hair.
And this will be the last time, this will be the last time.
And this will be the last time she hides her eyes behind her hair.
And this will be the last time, this will be the last time.

Just like a hundred dollar bill
folded up and tearing at the crease.
There's not much left inside your chest,
but it's worth much more than what you see.
Just like a hundred dollar bill
folded up and tearing at the crease.
There's not much left inside your chest,
but it's worth much more than what you see.

And this will be the last time she hides her eyes behind her hair.
And this will be the last time, this will be the last time.
And this will be the last time she hides her eyes behind her hair.
And this will be the last time, this one last chance to say goodbye.

Sodium - the academy is...

Don't call, don't write, don't speak my name
Though we've tried this twice
I'm just another face
Even when you're running out of luck
You think we'll get it right this time
Get it right, all right, all right, all right

Run, in another five months you'll be alone
And you'll drive around this empty town
To the places, to the places we used to go
You gotta get used to going out
And you'll drive around this empty town
To the places, to the places we used to go

By now, by now, I'm sure you've heard
So you called me yesterday
But I had nothin' to say
Message said I'm running out of time
So, so much for the honesty
Because after all, you know you've won
Run, in another five months you'll be alone
And you'll drive around this empty town
To the places, to the places we used to go
You gotta get used to going out
And you'll drive around this empty town
To the places, to the places we used to go

I'll write you one more song
Spell it out for you to leave you
Where you're standing now
You're running out of lies
So, so much for the honesty
Because after all, you know you've won

Run, in another five months you'll be alone
And you'll drive around this empty town
To the places, to the places we used to go
You gotta get used to going out
And you'll drive around this empty town
To the places, to the places we used to go
To the places, to the places we used to go
To the places, to the places we used to go

Tokyo Bay - the academy is...

I'm not impressed, the slightest bit,
by anything that you said.
Rinse and repeat your opinion of me,
and all of my off-beat friends.
While we'll be making plans,
you'll be too cool to clash between these lines.

September nights, we've come so far
from broken homes and battle scars.
Tomorrow drops, we'll still remain.
What if I saw you now?
I doubt you'll ever change.

I'm not distressed, the slightest bit,
If you think that you've got me pegged.
You sit, unwrung, like a tired sponge,
soaking up all the piss.
You'll never take a stance,
'cause you're too cool to clash beneath these lights.

September nights, we've come so far
from broken homes and battle scars.
Tomorrow drops, we'll still remain.
What if I saw you now?

September nights, we've come so far
from broken homes and battle scars.
Tomorrow drops, we'll still remain.
What if I saw you now?
Doubt you'll ever change.

I'm seeing clearly now...
With the backseat window down.
From the corner of my eye,
I see you in the rear view mirror.
You feel so good to leave behind,
without your face against the window.

September nights, we've come so far
from broken homes and battle scars.
Tomorrow drops, we'll still remain.
What if I saw you now?

September nights, we've come so far
from broken homes and battle scars.
Tomorrow drops, we'll still remain.
What if I saw you now?
Doubt you'll ever change.

With the backseat window down.
From the corner of my eye,
I see you in the rear view mirror.
It feels so good to leave behind,
without your face against the window.
Doubt you'll ever change.

"Santi" (2007)



Same Blood - the academy is...

Like a cold day in august
I was not prepared for this
You think that nobody noticed
The way that you still care about it...

With all the people we need to love and hate,
Everybody makes the same mistakes
Divided by these walls,
Together we are lost

We are the same blood
all of us. we are. we are
While half of us were lost
The other half forgot

We are the same blood
We are the same blood
We are the same

You remind me of august
The way that I still care about
All the things that you promised
When I was still around
Pick you up and drive you down

We are the same blood
all of us. we are. we are
While half of us were lost
The other half forgot

We are the same blood
We are the same blood
We are the same blood
We are the same...

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh...

We are the same blood
all of us. we are. we are.
We are the same blood
all of us. we are. we are.
We are the same blood

While half of us were lost
(Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah)
The other half forgot

We are the same blood
We are the same blood
We are the same blood
We are the same blood

Hey hey hey

LAX To O'Hare - the academy is...

It was a plane ride from LAX to O'Hare,
and what happened next was a series of unfortunate events.
(Please stay tuned for what happened next...)
The life I breathe for you gives to me new wounds
Well to patch and dress as I reflect on what else I could give you.

Maybe I should blindly throw my faith
into the next thing that comes my way
Standing at the back door with the life that she left behind.
Are we all the same behind the frame
Beneath the glass and fake last names?
I've been waiting far too long to feel the sun on my back.

It was a big bang
and a bright white light from no where.
It turned my coach class window to
A first class seat on the evening news, on NBC.
The life I gave for you is yours
So keep it, you oughtta keep it.
If I had one last chance to take it all back
You know I'd take take take you.

Maybe I should blindly throw my faith
Into the next thing that comes my way.
Standing at the back door with the life that she left behind.
Are we all the same behind the frame
between the glass and fake last names?
I've been waiting far too long to feel the sun on my back.

"Apologies are all we'll ever be," she said.
Standing on the stairs
Looking back, looking hard at me.
"Well, life is long for those who have to wait," I said.
The choice I had to make.
The choice I had to make.
The choice I had to...
(Make)

It was a plane ride. (plane ride)
It was a plane ride. (plane ride)
It was a plane ride.
Just a plane...

Maybe I should blindly throw my faith
Into the next thing that comes my way.
Standing at the back door with the life that I'd left behind.
If we know the way we're gonna die
Through everything else we will survive.
I've been waiting far too long to feel the sun on my back-
Yeah

But one day,
I will stay.

We've Got A Big Mess On Our Hands - the academy is...

(ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah)
(ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah)
I’ve got that lefty curse
Where everything I do is flipped
And awkwardly reversed
You’re seldom known and barely missed
I always put myself
In destructive situations
I need oxygen
To be exposed where no one goes, where no one’s been
When it all comes crashing...

(ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah)
Now we’ve got a big, big
Mess on our hands tonight.
Sing it (ow)
(ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah)
Now we’ve got a big, big
Mess on our hands tonight.

Somebody get my phone
So I can throw it in a public
Pool and watch it float
And as it slowly sinking down,
Become a social ghost
Inside a box, cut at the top
To let some light shine in
To remind me what I’ve done and where I’ve been
When it all comes crashing...

(ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah)
Now we’ve got a big, big
Mess on our hands tonight.
Sing it (ow)
(ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah)
Now we’ve got a big, big, big, big
Mess on our hands, on our hands.

Don’t give in, don’t give up,
I’ll be gone.
You don’t look innocent enough.
We’re too young to be critics
We won’t miss anything at all
Don’t give in, don’t give up
I don’t look innocent with this big, big mess on,
I’ll say something else.

(woah)
(woah)
(woah oh)

We've got a big, big mess
Oh, we've got a big, big mess
Oh, we've got a big, big mess
A big, big mess
Now we've got a big, big mess
A big, big mess
Now kick it!

(ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah)
Now we’ve got a big, big
Mess on our hands tonight.
Sing it (ow)
(ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah)
Now we’ve got a big, big, big, big
Mess on our hands, on our hands,

Don’t give in, don’t give up (we've got a big, big mess)
I’ll be gone. (a big, big mess)
I don’t look innocent enough
We’re too young to be cynics (we've got a big, big mess on our hands)
We won’t wish any harm at all
Don’t give in, don’t give up (we've got a big, big mess)
No one looks innocent with this big big mess on our hands tonight.
(a big, big mess. we've got a big, big mess on our hands)

When it all comes crashing.

Sleeping With Giants (Lifetime) - the academy is...

I've noticed, people, they all have motives.
Different, yet all the same.
I fumble through every word that was spoken,
and I barely knew your name.
I'm tongue-tied, it runs through my blood and my insides;
Some things we can't escape.
But if we try, if we try, we can leave this behind.

It's been a lifetime, a lifetime we waited for.
A simple question, kid, "are you with me or not at all?"

Your eyes wide, always ahead of the curve type,
Quiet, and confident.
Oh, we stood there, awkward and youthful, we tangled;
A piece of my soul escaped.
Oh, we are restless and tired of sleeping with giants,
A modern mankind with their egos of fire and it seems like

It's been a lifetime, a lifetime we've waited for.
A simple question, kid, "are you with me or not at all?"

Are we wasting time or is it wasting us?
It's been a lifetime waiting for now, now.
Well, you've got to find a way,
you've got to find a way,
you've got to find a way,
you've got to find a way,
you've got to find a way before you fold.

It's been a lifetime, a lifetime I've been waiting for.
A simple question, kid, "are you with me or not at all?"

It's been a lifetime, a lifetime we waited for.
I need an answer, kid, you're either with me or not at all, no, no.
Are we wasting time or is it wasting us?
It's been a lifetime, a lifetime, a lifetime, lifetime, yeah.
Well, you've got to find a way,
you've got to find a way,
you've got to find a way,
you've got to find a way.
Son you've got to find a way,
you've got to find a way,
you've got to find a way before you fold.

Everything We Had - the academy is...

You were the only face I'd ever known.
I was the light from the lamp on the floor,
and only as bright as you wanted me to be.
But I am no gentleman, I can be a prick,
and I do regret more than I admit.
You have been followed back to the same place
I sat with you drink for drink.
Take the pain out of love, and then love won't exist.

Everything we had, everything we had,
everything we had, everything we had
Is no longer there.

It was the only place I'd ever known.
Turned off the light on my way out the door.
I will be watching wherever you go,
through the eyes of a fly on the wall.
You have been followed back to the same place
I sat with you drink for drink.
Take the pain out of love and then love won't exist.

Everything we had, everything we had,
everything we had, everything we had
Is no longer there, longer there.

Well, you saw for yourself, the way it played out.
For you, I am blinded.
For you, I am blinded, for you.

I am no gentleman, I can be a prick.
And I do regret more than I admit.
You have been followed back to the same place
I sat with you drink for drink.
Take the pain out of love, and then love won't exist.

Everything we had, everything we had,
(you have been followed, you have been followed.)
everything we had, everything we had.
(you have been followed, you have been followed.)
Everything we had, everything we had,
(you have been followed, you have been followed.)
everything we had...

I'll be with you wherever you go,
through the eyes of a fly on the wall.

Bulls In Brooklyn - the academy is...

Some people have it and other people don't
You been making some threats. Got my name and address
I'm breaking habits you don't want to know
Although I'm wearing my clothes, feeling cold and exposed, yeah

Don't say you miss me, you probably don't
Well I been crossing some lines, that most folks won't yeah

Don't think you're more than this, or above all this
With your "blah blah blah" and all your friends
Don't say you think you know when you know you don't
Because tonight the bulls are in Brooklyn and you're still at home

Some people have it and other people don't
Though the road that we've paved still goes both ways
I'm breaking habits you don't want to know
Well I been crossing some lines that most folks won't

Don't think you're more than this, or above all this
With your "blah blah blah" and all your friends (all your friends)
Don't say you think you know when you know you don't
Because tonight the bulls are in Brooklyn and you're still at home

Don't think you're more than this, or above all this
With your "blah blah blah" and all your friends (all your friends)
Don't say you think you know when you know you don't
Because tonight the bulls in Brooklyn, said

Don't think you're more than this, or above all this
With your "blah blah blah" and all your friends (all your friends)
Don't say you think you know when you know you don't
Because tonight the bulls are in Brooklyn and you're still at home

Some people have it and other people don't

Neighbors - the academy is...

I took a step back as the room was filling up
And I was packed against these people who were tossing up a strong vibe
Now the door's locked
And the shower's on.
And I realize I don't recognize anyone,
But I don't mind
Well the neighbors have complained damn near every night.
The neighbors have complained damn near every night.

You shoulda shown up
Shoulda shown up by now
You shoulda shown up by now
With a knock at the door,
The knock at the door as it goes
Whoa...

Well now everybody's losing control!
Intoxicated circulation...
Just try and sit back, get my palette wet,
Getting mentally prepared for the consequences
And you know why...
Because that knock at the door
Calls the crowd to quiet.
The neighbors have complained damn near every night.

You shoulda shown up
Shoulda shown up by now
You shoulda shown up by now
Give it a rest, give it a rest, give it a rest
You shoulda shown up
Shoulda shown up by now
You shoulda shown up by now
With a knock at the door
The knock at the door as it goes
Whoa... whoa... whoa... whoa...

There's no one left lying on the second story floorboards
And I'm sure they heard next door
But the bottles are hollow now
And there's room at the bottom
And I would take it all back
If I could, but I won't!

Sit back, get my palette wet,
Getting mentally prepared for the consequences
And you know why...
Because the neighbors have complained damn near every night.
The neighbors have complained damn near every night.

You shoulda shown up
Shoulda shown up by now
You shoulda shown up by now
Give it a rest, give it a rest, give it a rest
You shoulda shown up
Shoulda shown up by now
You shoulda shown up by now
With a knock at the door
The knock at the door as it goes
Whoa... whoa... whoa... whoa...

Seed - the academy is...

Subjects are thrown around the room
Looking for the ones that got away
A feeling of soft anticipation
Another confrontation I won't make
But how do we do it
We turned into something else entirely
We fake it
But I wanted it so desperately to be real

Run, run, holding on to some pieces that you left behind
Hope now, as I walk away, you're the one that finds me out
Run from the only thing left that I hold close

While he's letting you in
You've got the feeling you've been followed under your skin
It will be weighing on your shoulder, believe it.
If I could express it in a different dialect or in a delicate way
I'd capture the phrases inside the cage beneath my chest
And keep it locked for days
I wanted you so desperately to believe me

Run, run, why are you running from another conversation?
Someone that I've been planning on, you're the one that finds me out.
There's nowhere, now I found you, that I won't go.

I'm always letting you in.
You've got the feeling you've been followed under your skin.
It will be weighing on your shoulder.
You've got that seed in you.
You've got that scene in you.

Run, run, what are you running from?
Let all your small steps expose your secrets.
You don't have to speak for me to believe it.
But what do you mean? Yeah...ha-ha

Shaken and faint, you've got the feeling you've been followed
under your skin. It will be weighing on your shoulder.
You've got that seed in you.
You've got that scene in...
While letting you in, you got the feeling you've been followed.
Are you listening to anything I said?
Said to anything I said (You've got that seed in you)
Said (You've got that scene in you)

Shaken and faint, it was the hardest thing to swallow.
Pretending you don't miss me.
You've got that seed in you.
You've got that scene in...
While letting you in, I'll be thinking about tomorrow.
And every time we cross those lines.
You've got that seed in you.
You've got that scene in...
Hope now, as I walk away, you're the one that finds me out.

Chop Chop - the academy is...

Chop chop

I've got myself to blame for this
I've tried to compensate for everything I'm not,
and every face forgotten.
You felt the sun warming your bed
you looked so quintessential pressed against that cross,
in the face of what was lost.
Still I'm not asking much of me,
and you're ignoring the matter...

You'll shut me up and bleed me dry.
Cheap champagne and a complicated lifestyle
If nothing else matters, then
I will die trying,
thinking about you and I.

Three years on Friday since we met
you felt that existential kiss upon your neck.
how could we forget that?
Still I'm through acting like this feels right,
and that nothing else matters.

You'll shut me up and bleed me dry.
Cheap champagne and a complicated lifestyle
If nothing else matters, then
I will die trying,
trying not to think about you...
Yeah

It's on yourself and no one else.
It's on yourself and no one else.
but without hindsight
I guess it serves me right.

You'll shut me up and bleed me dry.
Cheap champagne and a disappearing lifeline.
if nothing else matters
then I will die trying
thinking about you and I.

Shut me up and bleed me dry
it's only a matter of time
Cheap champagne and a complicated lifestyle
it's only a matter of time.
Santi.

You Might Have Noticed - the academy is...

If you're under the impression I'm alright.
I guess you never noticed.
I guess you might have known
I've been holding this together for so long.
But I guess you might have noticed.
Well I guess you...

The beast within the burden is all mine
A product of his father, a slave to his pride.
I feel I need to reveal my true stripes,
But the bitch of all this trouble here
Waits behind the wind to find out.

You set me up to leave me,
You wanted to feel,
Shallow love, shallow lives.
With every word, you speak of what you wanted from me.
Wanted from me... Yeah

I'm sinking more and more into my lies.
Now home is just a pinprick in the vastness of my life.
Feel the pressure, feel the pleasure,
Feel the pain, you're not alone.
Feel the pleasure, feel the pain,
Feel the pain.

You set me up to leave me,
You wanted to feel,
Shallow love, shallow lives.
With every word, you speak of what you wanted from me.
Wanted from me... Yeah

Realizations, I am not what you thought I was.
You change directions everytime someone judges us.
In moderation, what was once us now never was.
You change directions everytime someone judges us.

You set me up to leave me,
You wanted to feel,
Shallow love, shallow lives.
With every word, you speak of what you wanted from me.
Wanted from me... Yeah

Realizations, I am not what you thought I was.
In moderation, what was once us now never was.

Unexpected Places - the academy is...

Don't try and tell me you've been looking at me.
Cause I've been looking at you.
And I can read what you think. Yea.
Don't cut no corners when you're talking to me.
Like I don't know how it is,
But I can see it.

You've got no answers but you've got your concerns
About the people we see
And all the secrets we keep
I think about what you're expecting of me
Like you don't know how it is,
But I can see all of it.

We always have to wait
By the choice we had to make
You sold yourself so short,
Is this the way to carry on?
In the most unexpected places...

Don't try and tell me you've been thinking of us,
Cause I will never believe you, now you're shit out of luck, yeah.
Don't cut no corners when you're talking at me.
Like I don't know how it is
But I can see all of it.

So that we always have to wait
By the choice we had to make
You sold yourself so short,
Is this the way to carry on?
In the most unexpected places...
I see...

We always have been caged
By the choices that we make.
You sold yourself so short.
Is that the way to carry on?
In the most unexpected places, I see changes.
In the most unexpected faces, I see changes.

We always have to wait
By the choices that we made.
You sold yourself so short,
Is this the way to carry on?
In the most unexpected places...
I see changes.
We always have been caged
By the choices that we made.
We sold ourselves so short.
Is this the way to carry on?
Is this the way to carry on?
Is this the way to carry on?
Is this the way to carry on?
Is this the way to carry on?
Is this the way to carry on?

EP: "From The Carpet" (2006)



Pour Yourself A Drink (Basement Demo) - the academy is...

Pour yourself a drink girl, then make one for me.
We haven't even met yet, and I'm already sure that we won't.
..and I'm right back where I started.
The air in here is shaking every single nerve.
I'm trying hard to let go, but my heart, it won't let me love you.
..and I'm right back where I started. Right back...
Moving on up. We're walking on the edge.
Everyone here has demons in their past
Now move it on up. You're walking on the edge.
Everyone here has demons in their past now.

The only thing worse for you than you is me.
The only thing worse for you than you is me.
The life that I've chosen to live will take your heart and swallow it
The only thing worse for you than you is to make you wait for me.
And that's why we will never meet.

The Fever (Acoustic) - the academy is...

Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
and I don’t believe you

When the summer is gone
It won’t be long
‘til someone’s got the fever creeping inside

When the city is moving in your eyes
and you’re a moving and you just can’t fight
That feeling, you said its the last time

Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
And I don’t believe you
Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
And I don’t believe you
Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
and lies are lies

I can’t fight it, no I just can’t fight it
Can’t fight it, no I just can’t fight it now
When the summer is gone
It won’t be long till someone’s
Got the fever creeping inside

When the city is moving in your eyes
and you’re a moving and you just can’t stop
You just can’t fight it, ya

This is the last time
Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
And I don’t believe you
Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
And I don’t believe you
lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
lies are lies

Can’t fight it, no I just can’t fight it
Can’t fight it, no I just can’t
Well we all agree that we don’t believe
This is the last time
This is the last time

Well they promised you
Now you see the truth
This is the last time
This is the last time
This is the last time
And everyone’s got the fever
(lies are lies, lies are lies, lies are lies)
Lies are lies
(lies are lies, lies are lies)
Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes

Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
And I don’t believe you
Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
And I don’t believe you
Lies are lies in everybody’s eyes
And lies are lies

Can’t fight it, no I just can’t fight it
Can’t fight it, no I just can’t
Well we all agree that we don’t believe
This is the last time
This is the last time
Well they promised you
Now you see the truth
This is the last time (times five)

When the summer is gone
It won’t be long till someone’s
Got the fever

The Phrase That Pays (Nashville Version) - the academy is...

My eyes can't believe what they have seen.
In the corner of your room you've stockpiled millions of my, my memories oh.
Oh Doctor, Doctor, I must have gotten this sick somehow.
I'm going to ask you a series of questions,
And I want them answered on the spot, right now.
Is it serious?
I'm afraid it is.
Am I gonna die?
Well son, death is gonna catch up to all one day,
But yours is coming quicker than ours, than ours.

Hold your head high heavy heart.
So take a chance and make it big,
Cause it's the last you'll ever get.
If we don't take it, when will we make it?
I make plans to break plans,
And I've been planning something big, planning something big.

I've never tried to make the best of my time,
When I thought that I had plenty of it.
Is this serious?
I don't know what to think.
Is it all a lie?
Well one thing is for sure
I'm taken back to the glory days
When we were kids without a brash or bitter thing to say.

Hold your head high heavy heart
So take a chance and make it big,
Cause it's the last you'll ever get.
If we don't take it, when will we make it?
I make plans to break plans,
And I've been planning something big, planning something big
So take a chance and make it big,
Cause it's the last you'll ever get.
If we don't take it, when will we make it?
I make plans to break plans,
And I've been planning something big, planning something big, planning.
Oh I'm planning, planning, planning
Hold your head high heavy heart
So take a chance and make it big,
Cause it's the last you'll ever get.
If we don't take it, when will we make it?
I make plans to break plans,
And I've been planning something big, planning something big
So take a chance and make it big,
Cause it's the last you'll ever get.
If we don't take it, when will we make it?
I make plans to break plans,
And I've been planning something big, planning something big, planning.
Oh I'm planning.

Working Class Hero - the academy is...

Originally by John Lennon

As soon as you're born they make you feel small
By giving you no time, instead of at all
Till the pain is so big you feel nothing at all

A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be

They hit you at home and they hurt you at school
They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool
Till you're so fucking crazy you can't follow the rules

A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be

They've tortured and scared you for twenty-odd years
Then they expect you to pick a career
Till you can't really function,
You're so full of fear

A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be

Keep you doped with religion, sex and TV
You think you're so clever, and classless and free
But you're still fucking peasants as far as I can see

A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be

There's room at the top
I am telling you still
But first you must learn how to smile while you kill
If you want to be like all the folks on the hill

A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be

Well, if you want to be a hero then just follow me
If you want to be a hero, well just follow me

Down And Out (Piano Rendition) - the academy is...

Out of the box, out of the kitchen.
Out of the world she's grown so fearful of, so fearful of.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again, my friend.
This is the end.

Out of the house, she grabs the keys, runs for the hills and doesn't leave a letter.
That way the impact will be much better.
Away from the man that she's grown so fearful of, so fearful of.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.

Why, oh why, do you wear sunglasses in the home
when the sun went down about an hour ago?
Why, oh why, do you wear sunglasses in the home
when the sun went down about an hour ago?
Life should not be that way.

Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Speak now or forever hold your peace in pieces.

Now that I'm grown I've seen marriages fall to pieces.
Now that I'm grown I've seen friendships fall to pieces.
Weekend warriors, and our best friends.
The writers weren't kidding about how all good things must end.
Then again some things, then again some things are far too good,
Some things are far too good to go ahead and let go.

Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Speak now or forever hold your peace.

We won't forget Tony or Johnny, oh.
No matter how they miss us they still wish us the best on the road.
Garrett took a plane to Paris, France.
Now he's cooking up entrees for the pretty, pretty.
Bookends, Blue and Clarity, to The Wall and Grace.
Darkside, Wish and a toast to the late...

Weekend warriors and our best friends.
The writers weren't kidding, but the good things will live in our hearts.

Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down, down
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down, down
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Speak now or forever hold your peace in pieces.

Black Mamba (Three In The Morning Party Mix) - the academy is...

we've got one chance to break out
and we need it now
cause i'm sick and tired of waiting
sick of this fucking apartment

love me or leave me or rip me apart
this is the voice that i was given and
if you don't like it take a long walk
off of the shortest pier you can find

and i'll be singing it out i'll be singing...
oh, Mr. Magazine i never wrote one single thing for you
or your so-called music scene
you don't mean a thing to me

pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up, and you need it too.
pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up.

when they review the debut
what if the critics hate you
don't worry cause they
might just catch somebody off their feet
well they can love it or leave it or rip it apart
we're living while we're singing
so i guess that's a step in the right direction
clever composition in the honesty, honesty

oh, Mr. Magazine
i never wrote one single thing for you
or your so-called music scene
you both mean shit to me

pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up, and you need it too.
pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up.

so save your breath and the money you spent
go work in retail and spare the suspense
just don't take chances on anything at all
anything at all

so afraid of anything that may not come that easy
too afraid of anything that you may not have seen before
so afraid of anything that may not come that easy
too afraid of anything that may not...

pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up, and you need it too.
pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up. wooo
pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up, and you need it too.
pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up.

so save your breath and the money you spent
go work in retail and spare the suspense
just don't take chances on anything at all
anything at all
go work in retail and spare the suspense
just don't take chances on anything at all
anything at all

"Almost Here" (2005)




Attention - the academy is...

Attention! Attention!
May I have all your eyes and ears to the front of the room,
if only, if only for one second.

This table has taken a turn for the worst.
Rock bottom and over the edge
well it's not like it hurts that much anyway.
Upside down and inside out.
When I leave here I'm going alone.
Well it's not like, it not like it hurts much anyway.

Attention! Attention!
May I have all your eyes and ears to the front of the room,
if only, if only for one second.
Will you hear what I have to say?
Oh, did I mention when I see you it stings like hell?
To the fact that we could have something that'll never happen.
Will you hear what I have to?

This balance has weighed out our heart's desire.
I'm trying to make it alone.
Well it's not like it hurts that much anyway.
Upside down and inside out.
When I leave here I'm going alone.
But I'm dying, I'm dying to touch.
And it's not like, it not like it hurts much anyway.

Attention! Attention!
May I have all your eyes and ears to the front of the room,
if only, if only for one second.
Will you hear what I have to say?
Oh, did I mention when I see you it stings like hell?
To the fact that we could have something, something.

Attention! Attention!
May I have all your eyes and ears to the front of the room,
if only, if only for one second.
Will you hear what I have to say?
Oh, did I mention when I see you it stings like hell?
To the fact that we could have something that'll never happen.
Will you hear what I have to (say)?

Attention! Attention!
Upside down and inside out.
Attention! Attention!
Upside down and inside out.

[Note: there is a (demo?) version of this song where
first stanza is the complete chorus with words
"Will you hear what I have to say?
Oh, did I mention when I see you it stings like hell?
To the fact that we could have something that'll never happen"]

Season - the academy is...

Wake up, think fast, three weeks have passed.
We are changing. No sleep, no gas, no excuses will pass these lips
Cause we're shapin' up to be all you wish you could have been
To write the hits and to turn their heads
And to open eyes (open your eyes) to a brand new season,
A brand new season.

So show me something we haven't heard yet,
But I'm not convinced and your heartless songs won't stick.
But I, I'll sing you something you won't forget
For the first time I know this is now who I am.

Wake up, think fast, three weeks have passed these lips
Cause we're shapin' up to be all you wish you could have been
To write the hits and to turn heads (to turn heads, to turn heads)
And to open eyes (open your eyes) to a brand new season,
A brand new season.

So show me something we haven't heard yet,
But I'm not convinced and your heartless songs won't stick.
But I, I'll sing you something you won't forget
For the first time I know this is now who I am.

You'll see what we mean,
You'll notice when we're gone.

So show me something we haven't heard yet,
But I'm not convinced and your heartless songs won't stick.
But I, I'll sing you something you won't forget
For the first time I know this is now who I am.

So show me something we haven't heard yet,
But I'm not convinced and your heartless songs won't stick.
But I, I'll sing you something you won't forget
For the first time I know this is now who I am.

Slow Down - the academy is...

Close the door and take the stairs.
Up or down? Ups and downs.
Don't pretend you've never been there.
You kiss me like an overdramatic actor who's starving for work,
with one last shot to make it happen.
You've won the role, you've played your part, you've been cordially invited.
But I'm not impressed, and I'm definitely not excited.
'Cause the film runs a shallow budget, and the writer's subject script isn't any deeper.
So dive right in...

Hollywood hills and suburban thrills,
hey you, who are you kidding?
I'm not like them. I won't buy in.
Hollywood hills and suburban thrills,
hey you, who are you kidding?
Don't quit 'til 47.
Then we'll turn it up and we'll play a little faster.

[Chorus:]
Take back everything you ever said.
You never meant a word of it. You never did.
Take back everything you said.
You never meant a word of it. You never did.

She said 'Alright, Alright, slow down!"
Oh no, oh no, we won't.
'Cause I regret every thing that I said
To ever make her feel like she was something special,
Or that she ever really mattered.
Or did she ever really matter?

Hollywood hills and suburban thrills,
hey you, who are you kidding?
I'm not like them. I won't buy in.
Hollywood hills and suburban thrills,
just don't count on this summer.
Don't quit 'til 47.
Then we'll turn it up and we'll play a little faster.

[Chorus]

I'm not saying that I'm not breaking some hearts tonight, girl.
Oh...
I'm not saying that I'm not breaking some hearts tonight, girl.

Alright, alright, slow down...

[Chorus]

Hollywood hills and suburban thrills,
hey you, who are you kidding?
I'm not like them. I won't buy in.
[x3 to fade]

The Phrase That Pays - the academy is...

My eyes can't believe what they have seen.
In the corner of your room you've stockpiled millions of my memories.
Oh Doctor, Doctor, I must have gotten this sick somehow.
I'm going to ask you a series of questions,
And I want them answered on the spot, right now.
Is it serious?
I'm afraid it is.
Am I gonna die?
Well son, death is gonna catch up to all one day,
But yours is coming quicker than ours, than ours.

Some things I may have taken for granted again and again,
well here's what was said then

Hold your head high heavy heart.
So take a chance and make it big,
Cause it’s the last you’ll ever get.
If we don’t take it, when will we make it?
I make plans to break plans,
And I’ve been planning something big, planning something big, planning.

I’ve never tried to make the best of my time,
When I thought that I had plenty of it.
Is this serious?
I don’t know what to think.
Is it all a lie?
Well one thing is for sure
I'm taken back to the glory days
When we were kids without a brash or bitter thing to say.

Now my life is one big make it, or break it.

Hold your head high heavy heart
Save your strength for the morning after.
So take a chance and make it big,
Cause it’s the last you’ll ever get.
If we don’t take it, when will we make it?
I make plans to break plans,
And I’ve been planning something big, planning something big
So take a chance and make it big,
Cause it’s the last you’ll ever get.
If we don’t take it, when will we make it?
I make plans to break plans,
And I’ve been planning something big, planning something big, planning.
[x2]

Black Mamba - the academy is...

we've got one chance to break out
and we need it now
cause i'm sick and tired of waiting
sick of this fucking apartment

love me or leave me or rip me apart
this is the voice that i was given and
if you don't like it take a long walk
off of the shortest pier you can find

and i'll be singing it out i'll be singing...
oh, Mr. Magazine i never wrote one single thing for you
or your so-called music scene
you don't mean a thing to me

pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up, and you need it too.
pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up.

when they review the debut
what if the critics hate you
don't worry cause they
might just catch somebody off their feet
well they can love it or leave it or rip it apart
we're living while we're singing
so i guess that's a step in the right direction
clever composition in the honesty, honesty

oh, Mr. Magazine
i never wrote one single thing for you
or your so-called music scene
you both mean shit to me

pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up, and you need it too.
pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up.

so save your breath and the money you spent
go work in retail and spare the suspense
just don't take chances on anything at all
anything at all

so afraid of anything that may not come that easy
too afraid of anything that you may not have seen before
so afraid of anything that may not come that easy
too afraid of anything that may not...

pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up, and you need it too.
pick it up, pick it up, it's what you wanted.
pick it up, pick it up.

so save your breath and the money you spent
go work in retail and spare the suspense
just don't take chances on anything at all
anything at all

Skeptics And True Believers - the academy is...

Don't be so scared, we will not lead you on like you've been doing for weeks.
So you're selfish, and I'm sorry.
When I'm gone you'll be going nowhere fast
Nowhere fast, nowhere fast.

[Chorus:]
Would you believe me if I said I didn't need you,
'cause I wouldn't believe you if you said the same to me.
And near death, last breath, and barely hanging on.
Would you believe me if I said I didn't need you?

Don't be so scared to take a second for reflection,
to take a leave of absence, see what you're made of.
So I'm selfish, and you're sorry.
When I'm gone you'll be going nowhere fast.
So who's selfish, and who's sorry?

[Chorus]

Someone, somewhere said some things that may have sparked some sympathy, but don't believe.
Don't believe a word you've heard about me.

Don't be so scared. It's harder for me.
Don't be so scared.
Don't be so scared, It's harder for me.
Don't be so scared, It's harder for me.
Don't be so scared, It's harder for me.
Don't be so scared.

[Chorus]

Someone, somewhere said some things that may have sparked some sympathy, but don't believe.
Don't believe a word you've heard.

Would you believe me if I said I didn't need you?
'Cause I wouldn't believe you
Wouldn't believe you now
[x2]

Classifieds - the academy is...

My life reads like the classifieds.
Pages of what's for sale; what's on the auction block.
Attention bidders! It's Lot 45.
He's got a decent voice, he's got that crooked smile.
Hold on, you haven't heard the best yet.
He writes good storylines, he's got those honest eyes.
So take him home for just $9.95.
He'll sing the songs you like, he'll keep you warm at night.

Back down, cash out, that's the city for ya.
Break down and back out, and get what's coming to you.
When you said you were falling apart
I thought you meant that you were falling apart.

I'm not the type to forget about nights like this,
when every single move that I make is documented and scored for style points.
The once ambitious one now holds the smoking gun.
And if I die in my sleep, are you still willing to be everything you promised you would be?

Back down, cash out, that's the city for ya.
Break down and back out, and get what's coming to you.
When you said you were falling apart
I thought you meant that you were falling apart.

Will you be the first one to tell the neighborhood paper
and all my family and friends that still care?
Did you buy what I sold and did you feel what I told you?
I hope that you still do. Will you promise yourself, that this isn't all we've got?

Back down, cash out, that's the city for ya.
Break down and back out, and get what's coming to you.
When you said you were falling apart
I thought you meant that you were falling apart.
[x2]

Checkmarks - the academy is...

So there you are, and here I stand,
As far as I remember you weren't half bad.
Your bedroom behavior was never more than checkmarks on bedposts.
For I remember we never had.

[Pre-Chorus:]
You get me out of the rain, you get me out of my clothes.
You hope I don't make a sound, you hope that nobody knows.
You get me out of the rain, you get me out of my clothes.
You hope I don't make a sound, you hope that no one...

[Chorus:]
So suck your so called pity down.
Hey, that's not so bad, is it?
So take your cold, cold heart and drown
and don't forget to take deep breaths.
So suck your so called pity down.
Hey, that's not so bad, is it?
So take your cold, cold heart and drown
and don't forget to take deep breaths.

So don't explain cause I know exactly what your going to say.
Big words, recycled phrases, and the bittersweet taste of other boys on your lips.
So now just sit here and talk about how you wanted it all.
So now just sit here and talk about how you wanted it all.

[Prechorus]
[Chorus]

Do you miss looking up from the floor at my face on a stage in a crowded room?
Well it's not the same.
I bet you're still a sucker for those famous faces.
Downtown, looking down, down, looking over the crowd, I hope you're out there, look at me now.
Well it's not the same.
Just look at how we've changed.

[Chorus]

Down And Out - the academy is...

Out of the box, out of the kitchen.
Out of the world she's grown so fearful of, so fearful of.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again, my friend.
This is the end.

Out of the house, she grabs the keys, runs for the hills and doesn't leave a letter.
That way the impact will be much better.
Away from the man that she's grown so fearful of, so fearful of.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.
I don't ever want to see you again.

Why, oh why, do you wear sunglasses in the home
when the sun went down about an hour ago?
Why, oh why, do you wear sunglasses in the home
when the sun went down about an hour ago?
Life should not be that way.

Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Speak now or forever hold your peace in pieces.

Now that I'm grown I've seen marriages fall to pieces.
Now that I'm grown I've seen friendships fall to pieces.
Weekend warriors, and our best friends.
The writers weren't kidding about how all good things must end.
Then again some things, then again some things are far too good,
Some things are far too good to go ahead and let go.

Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Speak now or forever hold your peace.

We won't forget Tony or Johnny, oh, oh.
No matter how they miss us they still wish us the best on the road.
Garrett took a plane to Paris, France.
Now he's cooking up entrees for the pretty, pretty French girls.
Bookends, Blue and Clarity, to The Wall and Grace.
Darkside, Wish and a toast to the late Figure 8.

Weekend warriors and our best friends.
The writers weren't kidding, but the good things will live in our hearts.

Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Always up or down, never down and out.
Dream of demons while you sleep that make you stutter when you speak.
Speak now or forever hold your peace in pieces.

Almost Here - the academy is...

So listen up.
I worked in daylight feeding fashion to housewives.
For just this once, I'll take my chances on truck stops and state lines.
Go ahead and tell them again.
Well I think that I know that they won't remember.
Go ahead and tell them twice.
Yeah, twice is nice, but three times is just right.

Hey, hey now we're almost home.
I'm missing you to death, but it's all for the best, I know.
Hey, hey we're not far from home.
I've got my pride, and I'll let you sleep tonight.

So listen up.
My old friends have been dropping like houseflies.
The smoking gun still sits in my pocket and I know how to use it.
Go ahead and tell them again.
Well I think that I know that I won't forgive them
for turning their backs when we started to get busy.
Well, yeah twice is fine, but three times is just right.

Hey, hey now we're almost home.
I'm missing you to death, but to each his own.
Hey, hey we're not far from home.
I've got my pride, and I'll let you sleep tonight.

Hey, hey now we're almost home.
I'm missing you to death, missing you to death.
Hey, hey we're not far from home.
I'll swallow my pride and push back my seat tonight.

I'm on my feet
I'm on my feet
I'm on my feet

I'm on my feet (This isn't like us anyway.)
I'm on my feet (This isn't like us anyway.)
I'm on my feet (This isn't like us anyway.)

I'm running...
Our time is almost... our time is almost here
Our time is almost... our time is almost here
Our time is almost... our time is almost here
Our time is almost... our time is almost here
Our time is almost... our time is almost here
Our time is almost... our time is almost here
Our time is almost... our time is almost here

EP: "The Academy" (2004)




The Proverbial Unrest / Instrumental

The Author - the academy is...

The search has begun, this is page one.
Man, meet your maker, I give you The Author.
He may seem familiar because he looks like your mirror.
You've lied like a lawyer, but don't deny it when you're face to face
with demons dancing off mirror images reflecting all that you wanted.
So far from perfect, onward we will strive.
Take it for what it's worth, this truth that you've realized.
You're not who you thought you were, it's time to see the other side of what you have become.
Nothing but your single serving selfish chapters of sacrificial moral standards.
No stranger to apathy in bold situations, take your time to make it happen.
Leave your mirror, and spare your excuse as a self-serving actor.
So close to perfect.

It's all the same, no face or complexion.
You're not worth what you're spending.
When you're screaming "Danger, Danger!", don't stop, go on alone.
Desperate endeavor, you've got to take it or leave it, if you will.
It's not so convincing that you're the only one here who can be like me.

The search has begun. Leave your letters, but it won't matter.
Take back what is left before your death, but is it really you that they suspect?
You take shots, who's the figure before the flame?
It's not hard to spark, but it's hard to master. So look for the answer.
Single serving selfish chapters on your condition. Lust and liars.
So get out, stop dreaming, if you're one for breathing.
Sacrificial moral standards of two reflections.
Truth and fire, something you'll live for.
So close to perfect.

It's all you've got, one chance for conviction.
Lies fuel fires and your suspect won’t walk.
When you're screaming "Danger, danger!"
Don't, don’t stop, just go on alone.
Desperate endeavor, you’ve got to take it or leave it if you will. (run, run)
It's not so convincing that you're the only one who could be like me.

From this point on.
The way you thought it would all work out...
But we've hit Autumn.
Just follow the story, the fall of The Author.
Just one more year and you'll choose to regret.

One on one to repent, your eyes are fading.
Sleep alone, sleep alone, sleep alone.
Sleep alone.

Judas Kiss - the academy is...

Take, take these words in. Take them like you did that foreign excitement. You bleed lust. Choke. So was it worth it? Did you get what you wanted, the silent type. Did you even come close, did they let you taste it? I can see how the rush, and the heat, and the touch of a stranger gets you going. You're feeling selfish, you've got the urge. Don't bother keeping your heavy breathing down for the one who can't hear you scream.

Never pass of your guilt lines, just wear them like a noose on your neck, I'll help you keep it tied tight. When you feel your close to coming, just think about that perfect subtle demon that you've been dreaming into the light, keep it tied tight.

Unlike the way you've become "city feature", you'd love to let them rip you apart until you feel clean, but when it's over he won't take back what is left. I can see how the speed, and the sting, and the wings of the plane home make you nervous. Oh, Mr. Shoddy Content, swept all your dignity under the covers, she'll be lying, keeping secrets, keeping quiet. Now you understand what it's like to dive. Take it back, taken back, she forgets you. Now she pleads "Forgive me again, it's the last time I will..."

Never pass of your guilt lines, just wear them like a noose on your neck, I'll help you keep it tied tight. You're the worst actor that I've ever seen but if this script called for liars, you'd play the lead. "When you've changed, I'll change" what it's like again. What you don't see while you sleep...3 year deceiver, you're not fooling.

Never pass of your guilt lines, just wear them like a noose on your neck, I'll help you keep it tied tight. You're the worst actor that I've ever seen but if this script called for liars, you'd play the lead.

In Our Defense - the academy is...

Forced to the wall,
the crosshairs shift from this tied down burden: Courage.
What did you expect?
A nightmare of reason and faith alike.
Because you take shots, my back's turned, you're gutless.
You think you're saving face
But I'll tell you what (I‘ll tell you what)

As far as you're concerned the next breath that you take should be underwater.
You're worthless. You've been told once before.
This time you're gonna get back a little more than you paid for.

Forced to the wall the record skips and this satellite sense is detecting.
You run for cover. A nightmare, a vision, a quota, a reason.
You take shots, my back's turned, you're gutless.
You think you're saving face but first things first,
this is a matter of egos and how every single shot you take
Is taken in weakness and vain.
Place your bets, it's a matter of context.

You said it, you mean it, you want it, you've got it.
I've been waiting far too long for this.
You take shots, my back's turned, you're gutless, and you've got no spine at all.
I've been waiting. Take your shot and be on your way.

Spill fiction while my back is turned, when you've got an easy target.
Build stregth, and your heart is gone.
You tell my back that you're more courageous.
We've got our souls held in this dark hotel room.
You're taking chances for the worst and the worst is yet to come.

Place your bets, it's a matter of…
You said it, you mean it, you want it, you've got it.
I've been waiting far too long for…

Show a litte backbone.
In this hole we've dug, you're never crawling out alive.
You won't make it too far, you won't get too far.
In this home we've made, you're never welcome again.
You wont make it too far.
Place your bets son, pay your ransom.
You don't know what it is to regret.

Dear Interceptor - the academy is...

Get out of the city if it hurts. You're too blind, move it over, try to get closer to the lifestyles of gluttons; seem so seamless and perfect. I've been the secret that you've been keeping.

Ears to the wall, eyes on the prize. See that you've made a mistake, and we all know what you've done here. Dear Interceptor, I've been waiting... Show me something. Hold the phone, we've found an answer. Full moons and minot keys to get there faster. Mirror, mirror, see this as clear as crystalline. Second-hand interpreter. The spoken word for change.

Wait for me, I wanted to feel this safe. I can't hear you scream. Hold the phone to make it better, I can't hear you.

Blood to the beat. This thirst of the Lion can't be quenched by cigarette strewn cubicle air. Dear diluted, while you're dreaming... Hold the phone, we've found an answer. Full moons and minot keys to get there faster. Mirror, mirror, see this as clear as crystalline. Second-hand interpreter, deep into the Red we need a change.

Just look at this cardboard cut-out, this puppet that you've become. Let me be the first to acknowledge you've no pride, you've no purpose. It's so typical to think less is more when you're out of the lead. Don't hurt yourself. Settle for less. It's so typical to think less is more when you're out of the lead. Second-hand interpreter, the spoken word for change.

Wait for me. I can't hear you. Hold the phone, we've found an answer.