Return to lyrics

The Ballad of D.I.Y

Here’s what modern day punk rock’s done to me. 

I’ve grown up in front of a computer screen and know everything about every scene. 

And it’s all the same if you know what I mean. 

I’ve seen a million faces and a few hundred fans.

I spent my early twenties in a beat-up van, 

Now I’m working on my punk rock retirement plan 

‘Cause the rhythm I rode is comin’ to an end. 

I bought myself a Fender and I sold my soul. 

A bassist and a drummer and a common goal. 

Set to conquer the world playing rock and roll 

But the road gets old, and it takes its toll. 

And when I wasn’t lookin’ time went by too fast, 

I guess that nothing positive is meant to last. 

Now I’m reminiscing, missing, over photographs 

Of a time I had hope, but that’s a time long past. 

So, I’m giving out the flyers to promote my shows 

While I follow the direction that my heroes go. 

From the Kurt Cobain to the Billy Jo’s, from the Tom DeLong’s to the Joey Ramone's. 

I wrote a song or two about not growin’ up 

About getting’ fucked up and not givin’ a fuck 

And I’ll always be your poser ‘cause my band is too pop 

And it’s just another drug that I can’t seem to stop. 

Played with hardcore, ska, straight edge, grind and thrash 

And screemo, metal, Indie, hipster, math rock crap 

But I never cared much for any of that I just did my thing, tried to stay on track.

I kissed a lot of women when I went on tour 

Sometimes I fumbled, sometimes I scored.

Now they’re tearing down my picture from their bedroom door 

‘Cause my music once ruled, but it ain’t cool no more. 

Made a bargain with fate thinking’ I’d go far 

Because they always told me I would be a star. 

From the social halls to the empty bars 

But I’m doin’ 9 to 5 ‘cause I followed my heart. 

I’ve seen the high’s and I’ve seen the lows 

As the trends will come and the fads will go 

But I’ll never give it up because it’s all that I know 

And I’m sure you won’t go but see you at the show.

And in the end, I guess I’ll still be spinning wheels 

While the bands I grew up playing with get record deals 

And I’ll be rockin’ out like I don’t give a fuck. 

I should go back to college and just give it up. 

But I was born ambitious, baby, ain’t it just my luck.