Aug
Like I Do
by Jennifer Hughes
You don’t know me like I do
my mind doesn’t belong in your universe
You’d like me to leave
but I got here first
Did ya think I was just using borrowed words?
Bound by desire
deconstruction of the past
the falling away of the mask
Places I thought I had to go
How I got here from there
I don’t know
I wanted that pretty, pretty picture show
Something to hold onto, you know?
While the reality of the masses melted
inside the glasses of ice with rum
No reflection shows what I’ve become
Nothing shows you what I’ve done
Too tired to come back
I tried to come back
From the echo in the void
So I could mirror you
While no one could hear you
Tried to make things clear for you
Once again
Propaganda dupes the third eye
makes you feel you’re mortal
that you’ll die
It was my experience of you that made me high
you didn’t even have to participate while
I spun out of control
into the vortex of your shadow show
I finally reap what I sow
I finally reaped what I sowed
You don’t know you like I do
Your mind only seems to run in loops
I’ve seen them all–there’s nothing new
I know you’re programmed to screw it up
You don’t know you like I do
You whisper every shout
Reality burned you out
Guess you’re stuck here now
I tried to help you end your doubt
All my pain turns into art
it’s the process that exacts and crushes my heart
a little more every time
though I was born to shine
so were you
Why should I be mad?
I’m hardwired to be taken for granted
Yeah now you know the truth
I’m programmed to screw (it up)
You don’t know me like I do
You never saw things through
just left them in the queue
I’m better here without you
alone outside the zoo
Jennifer Hughes Lyrics © April 16, 2015
Kristi-Leahy Bradley Music © July 6, 2015
Performance Art (You Don’t Know) 7_6-1.mp3
Can’t seem to hook up with the link (nothin happens when i push the button). If the music is anything like her lyrics, man i’m hearing magic.
Oh, I love the rhythm that flows through your poetry. Yes, Michael, music would make this even more magical than it already is <3
Wonderful, powerful piece.
Link didn’t work for me either and the music flows through the lyrics. Well done.
Music and poetry are entirely synonymous, so without listening to it I can appreciate the lyrics. That used to be my favorite part about buying cassettes. They usually came with the lyrics to all the songs inside. Thank you.
All my pain turns into art
it’s the process that exacts and crushes my heart…
BAM!
🙂
I adored the last four lines as a poem unto themselves, but the rest was too scattered, bitter, angry, set in unstructured accusation for me. It was difficult for me to stay focused on the absent target person and the ranting speaker. Yes, “Like I Do” brings emotional tirades up from beneath the surface, but it will appeal best to young women who feel that both a lover and themselves have let them down. I’m just not that person or audience, but perhaps others are.
Stupid link. I thought of reality shows, American culture, consumerism, human nature… good drumming up of images and mixed meter. I dig it! (Snaps fingers and tilts beret)
What is interesting about this set of lyrics is that you can read it backward (from last stanza to first) and it still makes great sense. It flows so well and the dialog sets the scene for two people to show the flaws in each. Would have loved to have heard the music that goes with the lyrics. Nice.