Track Number 8

[Verse 1] I crossed the highways like I did as a child On my way to the movies, I pet cats and smile I walk the back alleys, their John Steinbeck calm Fake trees, lemon trees, tall shady palms [Verse 2] Big empty churches, old antique stores Peeling Victorians that used to house whores I take the back streets back to my digs And look up at skies like I did as a kid [Verse 3] My bedroom window, I'd look out and dream Of a life close to what I'm living A traveling singer who plays good guitar At outdoor festivals, theatres, and bars [Verse 4] And I got a nice girl, she's beautiful too We're destined to be, this I know to be true Sure, there were others, but nothing this nice She set the bait and I took the bite [Chorus] The streets of Martinez, I love them so I walk around thinking the sun's always low The cats of Martinez, I love them so I feed them at night, they run off and go [Verse 5] Four kitty cats, gave them their names Monster Fluff, Half Fluff, No Fluff and Samhain They're the highlights of my songwriting days They're happy to see me, we sit and we play [Verse 6] These are some words I wrote down last night I've beat 'em to death and I can't get 'em right Songwriting's lonely, songwriting hurts A relentless itch and bedbug curse [Verse 7] Songwriting costs, it doesn't come free Ask Elliot Smith, ask Richie Lee Ask Mark Linkous, ask Shannon Hoon To get up on stage and sing you a tune [Verse 8] This business is troubling, a big nagging cyst You get on this plane and I'll sit at your desk And I'll leave at eight and be home by five Call me from Warsaw if you have time [Verse 9] Ever wonder why there aren't more Then ten songs on most albums? 'Cause it's a chore To write half a dozen, some guys lay back And rest on their laurels like lazy old hacks [Verse 10] Well, I wrote this one and I know it ain't great Will probably sequence it track number eight And pick up some water at 7-11 On my way to a mastering session [Chorus] The streets of Martinez, I love them so I walk out the door and the sun always flow The cats of Martinez, I love them so They help me forget my songwriting woes