Mama's Baggage

We stole all Mama's baggage

And stuffed it with Daddy's cologne and Sunday best

And then I sat up in bed in a nervous sweat

Waiting for those creaking warning stairs

As the lights went out, I snuck out my window

And ran down those railroad tracks

There's no turning back

No, I ain't turning back

This city's a crucifix and I have suffered for it

Just feel the scar along my side

And I'm no savior

But I could have saved you from this Bible-beating life

The train leaves half past twelve

You're too afraid to live without

Without a father

With no provider

We're bastards all along

When they dumped you in the lake

Were you held under too long?

My only brother

We swore we'd both escape from the cloth

In Mama's baggage, I found a photo

Of our trip to Colorado Springs

I was young and defiant, but you were compliant

A happy toddler in Daddy's arms

I hung the picture upon the mirror in my dingy motel room

The sirens howl at night, strangers prowl outside

I tremble in bed thinking of you

I tried to call the house

I keep hanging up the phone

When I hear his voice, I remember those Sundays

And I'm glad I finally left home

I'd rather be alone than wrong

You keep nesting away your doubt

But I'm no sinner

Sure, I've made some mistakes

Some I can't forgive

And this might be my hell

But at least I damned myself

No more preachers nailing me to the cross

You're too afraid to live without

He who believes will be saved

He who believes will behave

So I'm condemned, huh?

Some baptism, anointed with piss and spit

How could you leave me behind and join their side?

How long until we all surrender?