For songwriting class we had to take an already existing song and use it as a template for entirely new lyrics, matching perfectly the rhythm, rhyme scheme, syllable count, etc. It was hella hard. This is my attempt. I used John K. Samson's "Left and Leaving". Original is here (with bonus pictures of adorable wolves!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgJ6soX18R8&feature=related
You brought me to meet them to further the plot
for lack of a better idea.
You figured with luck they would like me a lot
give you a reason to.
If you could find a way
to want to fight to stay
this might feel less like lying through your teeth.
My smile is convincing or harmless at least.
You’d thought it might catch in your chest.
It counts as a lie but you’re passing it off.
It’s only a small cough.
Bring flowers to my door,
we’re getting by dirt poor,
and other vague attempts at fantasy
I’ve seen things, distant whisperings.
Lips brush skin and make the ground rumble
Family will tell you to stick this one out.
It’s all good on paper.
The timing, my income, I’m not known to shout.
It’s solid as vapour.
Memories of butterflies
will fade as time goes by.
We’ll think of other things to make us tick.
You’ll look for something new,
half-assed, no follow-through,
eventually forget you had a choice
eventually forget you had a choice
eventually forget you had a choice.
