The Hold Steady – Blackout Sam lyrics

That winter we were dealing with unrest in the interior
Careful when they mention local legends
He was down there in the trenches she was holding down home office
Still in constant correspondence

Blackout Sam has got credentials
He keeps flashing them his laminate
He keeps scratching at his neck
The general made a gesture of contrition
Law of averages says something’s gotta give
We were stuck up in survival mode
You were twisting on the telephone
Giving blanket denials to that one persistent kid

Blackout Sam don’t have the answer
He keeps waking up in parking ramps
He can never find his keys

Now promise me you won’t forget the nights that haven’t happened yet
Separate the smoke from all the cinders
Put another sticker on the van
Carpet at the party house tear it up and take it out
Somebody should check on Blackout Sam

While we stood there at the service
With her hand up on my shoulder
We could feel like every single thing
Push the pill right through the foil
Check the engine change the oil
Spent the summer wishing it was spring
They sent another man to sing the anthem
But the monitor malfunctioned and he couldn’t find the key

I always try to take it so much further
Spinning like a sparrow through the spire
Ingesting every offering try to make it interesting
Caught up and consumed what we desired

Take a little comfort it’s just thunder
Put another sticker on the van
Now that it’s a haunted house break the lease and empty out
Somebody should check on Blackout Sam
Somebody should check on Blackout Sam

Dropped out of school but still went to church
He was a friend of mine and I hope it didn’t hurt
Cried when he died but tonight it felt worse
Snuff out your smoke and pour your drink in the dirt

Local legends with the faraway eyes
I wanna make you feel protected and high
If you’re in the city while you’re still alive
I wanna make you feel protected and high

Local legends with the faraway eyes
I wanna make you feel protected and high