Story Behind The Song

I was sitting around watching Carrie Newcomer on TV, along with some other local folk musicians. I'd recently lost my job, shortly after buying my first house, and that thought combined with the folkie feel of the music I was listening to produce the hook "Now here I am, I've made it to the top, and fallen down once again." Of course, I'd never really been to the real top, although I'd been doing pretty well, but my rockstar dreams served to ratchet up the hyperbole.

Song Description

A song about the frustration of losing it all just when you thought you had everything.

Lyrics

Used to be a wise young man
I'm a foolish old one now
Not sure what happened
But I'd like to find out how
All this ambition
Got the best of me
Guess I never had the strength
To follow the right dream
Oh no...

Chorus:
Now hear I am, I've made it to the top
And fallen down once again
I'm much too tired to climb these rocks again
Feels like I'm crawlin into the wind

Bendin' into every gust of wind
Changin' my direction with every passin' trend
Pretendin' I was searchin' for myself
When I knew damn well I was right here all the time
Oh no...

Repeat chorus.

Hopin' to find a way out
Of this great big rat race maze
But I'm startin' to doubt
That I'll ever see the light
Or kiss your face again
I keep a spinnin' round and round
How's a rat supposed to win?

Repeat chorus.

Bridge (same chords as chorus):
I'll build a fire and I'll lay me down to sleep
And dream of walkin' in the forest so deep
When I awaken, may the sun shine down on me
But if the rain comes and sends me to my knees
I'll still be free, I'll still be free, I will be free

Repeat chorus.