Empire Falls
Enigmatic Yearning in Heartland Realities
Lyrics
I envy the quiet lives that for all
I wish for the serene lives that, as far as I'm aware, only exist in fictional stories.
I know don't exist outside of a lazy book
These lives are ones that seem unreal outside the pages of a leisurely written book.
That won a Pulitzer Prize
Referencing a book that received high recognition (Pulitzer Prize).
I picked up 'cause you said it opened up your eyes
I read it because you mentioned it broadened your perspective.
I'm wired now
I'm feeling highly stimulated.
And will be 'till I find a person who can eat at the Empire Grill
Until I encounter someone who's dined at Empire Grill.
Who's seen a black Mercedes at the textile mill
Someone who witnessed a luxury car at the textile mill.
And spreads the word to all the folks depression hasn't killed
And spreads this information among those who haven't succumbed to depression.
I'll follow that car down to Boston
I'll pursue that car to Boston.
And ask what it wanted in Maine
And inquire why it ventured into Maine.
Coffee at least for my trouble
Expecting at least a cup of coffee for my efforts.
And I'll be a hero if I came back with something to say
If I return with substantial information, I'll be regarded as a hero.
Too late
But it's too late.
They wouldn't like me there
They wouldn't appreciate my presence there.
And though they might not mind my inquisitive stare
Even if they don't mind my curious gaze,
Every single one of them is too polite to care why
They're too polite to question why I'm captivated by a deteriorating way of life.
I'm enchanted by a way of life in disrepair
I'm fascinated by a lifestyle that's falling apart, but not the clichéd American dream.
But I'm not talking apple pie eating
This isn't about typical patriotic imagery of Americana.
Jack and Coke drinking
It's not the stereotype of enjoying popular American activities.
Hopeful lie telling
Or telling optimistic lies.
Anywhere, America
Anywhere across America.
Through camera eyes
Viewed through a cinematic lens.
On a Hollywood body that could make you all cry
Referring to an idealized Hollywood physique that evokes emotions.
Maybe I'll go to the movies
Perhaps I'll go to the movies instead.
A comedy would be ideal
A comedy would be preferable.
Something that probably won't happen
Something unlikely to happen in reality.
'Cause this made up town is much too real
Because this fictional town feels incredibly real.
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