Wild Sage

[Verse 1: John Darnielle]

I leave the house as soon as it gets light outside

Like a prisoner breaking out of jail

And I steal down to Business 15-501

Like I had a bounty hunter on my tail

And somebody stops to pick me up

But he drops me off just down the block

And along the highway where the empty spirits breathe

Wild sage growing in the weeds

[Verse 2]

Walked down the soft shoulder and I count my steps

Heading vaguely eastward, sun in my eyes

And I lose my footing and I skin my hands, breaking my fall

And I laugh to myself and look up at the skies

And then I think I hear angels in my ears

Like marbles being thrown against a mirror

And along the highway, where unlucky stray dogs bleed

Wild sage growing in the weeds

[Bridge]

And some days I don't miss my family

And some days I do

And some days I think I'd feel better if I tried harder

Most days I know it's not true

[Verse 3]

I lay down right where I fell, cold grass in my face

And I hear the traffic like the rhythm of the tides

And I stare at the scrape on the heel of my hand

'Til it doesn't sting so much

And until the blood's dried

And when somebody asks if I'm ok, I don't know what to say

And along the highway, from cast-off, innumerable seeds

Wild sage growing in the weeds