Safe Code
Summer nights to Centennial Park
It's really not that far, just be patient
Scale the sledding hill and roll back down in the grass
We were so young and naive but now all, all that’s past
When your eyes won't meet mine in the County Market checkout line

I always knew there was something
You couldn't seem to say
And I still wonder every single goddamn day
Were you ever okay

Blow off school, you say it’s not your flavor
You're rolling blunts with the essay you wrote on looseleaf paper
Your masterpiеce, cultured critique
Cautеrized and obsolete
Reduced to ashes in a heap

Some say it's a phase
But you're all business
You're all serious
You're not bluffing, not today
I always knew there was something
Hidden inside your brain
A tendency, an inkling to go astray
You were never okay
I tried to pry but that only added distance
Pushed to the side just for trying to be a friend
But then they caught you with something in your hand

The day you told me to stay home
Heard it described over the phone
Within an inch of your life
Wielding the weapon, a kitchen knife
Passed out, body slumping to the right

Visiting hours restricted to family
Recite the safe code but you don't wanna speak to me
And I still wonder every single goddamn day
Was I to blame
And I still wonder every single goddamn day