Collabtunes · Memorabilia
POEMS IN THE 34 ALBUMS - PAGE 1 OF 12
29 pieces on this page · every one an original · every photograph, nothing hidden · dashed lines are yours to fill
FULL
Item 16
THE WHOLE WORLD'S A FIGHT
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten lyric 'The Whole World's A Fight' on a torn spiral-notebook strip in five colors of ink, marked 9/30, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten lyric THE WHOLE WORLD'S A FIGHT on a torn spiral-notebook strip in five colors of ink (black, orange, red, purple and green), dated 9/30, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten lyric THE WHOLE WORLD'S A FIGHT in five colors of ink, dated 9/30, a poem in his 34 Albums first published in Poems By Tom (2007) and later in Only The Best (2018).draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: THE WHOLE WORLD'S A FIGHT ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Society ; Internal Struggledraft - not yet proved
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 20 · track 10 · as the song PERFECT WORLD
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line A1) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- Same words
- also written out as numbers 442, 1985, 1987matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 20 (track 10) · Set List 20: The Cost Of Light, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
The whole world's a fight
I can't get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when it's at ease
Watching the sun rise is a long forgotten art
Feet so busy walking seperate from the heart
When was the last time you noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten so soon
I can't get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when it's at ease
Watching the sun rise is a long forgotten art
Feet so busy walking seperate from the heart
When was the last time you noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten so soon
Item 34
GETTING JUICED
In one sentence: Tom's cursive handwritten poem 'Getting Juiced', about power and getting away with things, on a loose-leaf sheet listed at G1 in his early yellow binder, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten cursive poem GETTING JUICED ("Smashed is the equality, livin' in this world of sin"), about power and getting away with things, on a loose-leaf sheet - listed at G1 in his early yellow binder and the words of GETTIN' JUICED (set list 13, track 2).
- Why it matters
- Tom's cursive poem GETTING JUICED, listed at G1 in his early yellow binder - the words of GETTIN' JUICED (list 13, track 2 of his 34 Albums), published in Poems By Tom (2007).draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Song list 13 (track 2) - GETTIN' JUICED ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Society ; Heartbreakdraft - not yet provedthe old category list says: HEARTBREAK ; LOVE NOT MEANT TO BE (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 13 · track 2 · as the song GETTIN' JUICED
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line G1, 'Gettin' Juiced' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 13 (track 2) · Set List 13: Power Shields, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
Smashed is the equality, livin' in this world of sin
As long as you got power there's no trouble you're getting in.
An old football star he ain't gonna do no time,
Money, power and connections they all cover up the Crime
Killing death row inmates, I haven't seen the use,
The machine is all plugged in but it doesn't have the juice.
But when its time for you, your average American Joe,
They'll put you in your padded cell with no place else to go.
When they come and lock me up there's gonna be a parade,
They'll say they seen my writings and heared everyword I've said,
When I make parole they'll be snipers on the roof,
Hope they have an extra round because I'm bullet proof,
Well actually I'm not, I got no fortune or fame,
That's why when things go wrong they place on me the blame,
I tell them that they're wrong I only hurt myself.
As long as you got power there's no trouble you're getting in.
An old football star he ain't gonna do no time,
Money, power and connections they all cover up the Crime
Killing death row inmates, I haven't seen the use,
The machine is all plugged in but it doesn't have the juice.
But when its time for you, your average American Joe,
They'll put you in your padded cell with no place else to go.
When they come and lock me up there's gonna be a parade,
They'll say they seen my writings and heared everyword I've said,
When I make parole they'll be snipers on the roof,
Hope they have an extra round because I'm bullet proof,
Well actually I'm not, I got no fortune or fame,
That's why when things go wrong they place on me the blame,
I tell them that they're wrong I only hurt myself.
SHORT
Item 63
Well the doctor's in and he'll take your money
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'Well the doctor's in and he'll take your money,' a sharp take on doctors and nurses, listed at R1 in his early yellow binder, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten poem "Well the doctor's in and he'll take your money," a sharp take on doctors and nurses, on a lined loose-leaf sheet marked 21 at the top - listed at R1 in his early yellow binder (age 18 to 23).
- Why it matters
- Tom's poem "Well the doctor's in and he'll take your money," listed at R1 in his early yellow binder - in his 34 Albums, Poems By Tom (2007) and Only The Best (2018).draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums (song list not given) ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Society ; Money ; Funnydraft - not yet proved
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line R1, 'Rehab, Rehab, Rehab' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 4 (track 6) · Set List 4: Partner To The Crime, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
21
Well the doctor's in and he'll take your money
Then when you're not lookin' he'll call you funny
names behind your back
The nurses are in on it I got a hunch
See their crooked smiles while they're serving lunch
white gowns painted black
You gotta pay the bills that pay for all the pills
they say will cure your ills while they're raking in the mils
Well the doctor's in and he'll take your money
Then when you're not lookin' he'll call you funny
names behind your back
The nurses are in on it I got a hunch
See their crooked smiles while they're serving lunch
white gowns painted black
You gotta pay the bills that pay for all the pills
they say will cure your ills while they're raking in the mils
FULL
Item 67
When I was a boy daddy dressed me in white
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten poem 'When I was a boy daddy dressed me in white,' a childhood memory of Sunday clothes, on two loose-leaf sheets from his early yellow binder, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten poem "When I was a boy daddy dressed me in white," a childhood memory of Sunday clothes and a mother who kept them clean, on two loose-leaf sheets - from his early yellow binder (age 18 to 23).
- Why it matters
- Tom's poem "When I was a boy daddy dressed me in white," a childhood memory of Sunday clothes, from his early yellow binder - in his 34 Albums, Poems By Tom (2007) and Only The Best (2018).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums (song list not given) ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; Family ; Real Life ; Childhoodthe old category list says: REAL LIFE (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
The November 2012 Anthology (2012)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line D1, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 7 (track 2) · Set List 7: Train Off The Tracks, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
When I was a boy daddy dressed me in white
We'd find our way through the darkness by lighting a light
Momma would wash my clothes nearly every day
For I'd get them dirty whenever I'd play
She told me if it wasn't white it wasn't good
If the weather got chilly she'd pull up my hood
Life was so fun when we'd march in parades
Then we'd set fire to the crosses we made
The holidays, especially, would bring me good cheer
We liked Halloween so much we had it 20 times a year
But church was much different than I ever thought it would be
We'd have mass outside as we lit the big T
Yes momma raised me right, she says that's why we wear pure white
She made me believe my future looked bright
Because I stayed clean and kept my face white
---
For Sundays and picnics mom would wash my
And then I'd get them dirty wherever {struck: we'd go} {struck: i'd go} go
[read/page 2 - shot 223]
TITLE : [NONE]
PAPER : loose sheet
LINES : 2
TEXT :
For Sundays and picnics mom would wash my
And then I'd get them dirty wherever {struck: we'd go} {struck: I'd} go
We'd find our way through the darkness by lighting a light
Momma would wash my clothes nearly every day
For I'd get them dirty whenever I'd play
She told me if it wasn't white it wasn't good
If the weather got chilly she'd pull up my hood
Life was so fun when we'd march in parades
Then we'd set fire to the crosses we made
The holidays, especially, would bring me good cheer
We liked Halloween so much we had it 20 times a year
But church was much different than I ever thought it would be
We'd have mass outside as we lit the big T
Yes momma raised me right, she says that's why we wear pure white
She made me believe my future looked bright
Because I stayed clean and kept my face white
---
For Sundays and picnics mom would wash my
And then I'd get them dirty wherever {struck: we'd go} {struck: i'd go} go
[read/page 2 - shot 223]
TITLE : [NONE]
PAPER : loose sheet
LINES : 2
TEXT :
For Sundays and picnics mom would wash my
And then I'd get them dirty wherever {struck: we'd go} {struck: I'd} go
Item 70
A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car?
In one sentence: Tom's blue-ink cursive poem 'A cop asked the witnesses,' the story of a girl on the run told in twenty numbered lines across two loose-leaf sheets, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten blue-ink cursive poem "A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car?", a story of a girl on the run told in twenty numbered lines across two loose-leaf sheets - the words of COP ASKED THE WITNESSES (set list 7, track 10).
- Why it matters
- Tom's blue cursive story-poem "A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car?", twenty numbered lines about a girl on the run, from his early yellow binder - list 7, track 10 of his 34 Albums, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 7 (track 10) - COP ASKED THE WITNESSES ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; Real Life ; Society
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 7 · track 10 · as the song COP ASKED THE WITNESSES
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line A3, '(A) Cop Asked the Witnesses' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- Same words
- also written out as number 1977matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 7 (track 10) · Set List 7: Train Off The Tracks, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
1 A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car?
2 Another cop responded she couldn'tve gone that far.
3 It's amazing where fate'll bring you, all the way to a cell,
4 It's amazing where fate'll bring you, down to the depths of hell.
5 The night was dark and dreary, the rain was pourin' down,
6 The faces of the happy were quickly turned to frowns
7 November twenty-sixth and there's not much thanks to give.
8 It's hard to be rejoiceful when daddy didn't live.
9 A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car,
10 Another cop responded she couldn'tve gone that far.
11 Mommy ran into a restaurant, someone hurt my love,
12 Mommy showed to the owner the broken wings of a dove.
two lives were
13 [crossed out text] as soon as it begun
14 A two year old child and a young driver on the run.
---
V
15 People dressed in black now put flowers
on his grave,
16 He died a great hero and his little girl
he did save.
17 A father's life is over and a family
torn apart,
18 With a mother's constant weeping and a
child's bleeding heart.
A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver
of the car?
Another cop responded she couldn't ve gone
that far.
19 There's blood on the sidewalk and tears
to the ground,
20 Flowers on the gravestone and a deeply
saddened Town.
To the girl on the run, are you sorry for
your sin?
your only chance at heaven is turning
yourself in.
2 Another cop responded she couldn'tve gone that far.
3 It's amazing where fate'll bring you, all the way to a cell,
4 It's amazing where fate'll bring you, down to the depths of hell.
5 The night was dark and dreary, the rain was pourin' down,
6 The faces of the happy were quickly turned to frowns
7 November twenty-sixth and there's not much thanks to give.
8 It's hard to be rejoiceful when daddy didn't live.
9 A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car,
10 Another cop responded she couldn'tve gone that far.
11 Mommy ran into a restaurant, someone hurt my love,
12 Mommy showed to the owner the broken wings of a dove.
two lives were
13 [crossed out text] as soon as it begun
14 A two year old child and a young driver on the run.
---
V
15 People dressed in black now put flowers
on his grave,
16 He died a great hero and his little girl
he did save.
17 A father's life is over and a family
torn apart,
18 With a mother's constant weeping and a
child's bleeding heart.
A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver
of the car?
Another cop responded she couldn't ve gone
that far.
19 There's blood on the sidewalk and tears
to the ground,
20 Flowers on the gravestone and a deeply
saddened Town.
To the girl on the run, are you sorry for
your sin?
your only chance at heaven is turning
yourself in.
Item 72
She finds a bottle of pills and she holds them in her hand
In one sentence: Tom's cursive poem 'She finds a bottle of pills,' a two-voice piece for a troubled girl and her parents, on two aged loose-leaf sheets with an alphabet header, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL POEM
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten cursive poem "She finds a bottle of pills and she holds them in her hand," a two-voice piece for a troubled girl and her parents, on two aged loose-leaf sheets with an alphabet header and the parts labeled in the margin, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's cursive two-voice poem "She finds a bottle of pills and she holds them in her hand," for a troubled girl and her parents, from his early yellow binder, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- Poems By Tom (2007) ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Family ; Depression ; Death
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 12 · track 12 · as the song CLINICAL DEPRESSION
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
The November 2012 Anthology (2012)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line C3, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 12 (track 12) · Set List 12: Wounded Masculinity, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
B C D F G H J K L M N P R S T V W Y Z
She finds a bottle of pills and she holds them in her hand,
My whole world is falling down and noone understands.
There's only one way to solve my problems thats for me to go away,
When I'm in my grave I can't hear everyone say:
"She had the whole world in her hand but she only let us down,
Now she's gone too far away and it's only six feet under ground [crossed out: feet down]"
What could make her think that we didn't love her so,
What could make her think there was no place left to go?
I'm sorry mom - I'm sorry dad,
I hoped that this would make you glad.
I couldn't bare to see your face,
When you thought your love's a waste.
I didn't want to hurt you nor give you any pain,
I just imagined my loss would be your gain.
What you did in the past is nothing compared to this, / That would pass just like the moon with just a hug and kiss.
This is your one mistake that'll never be undone,
We used to have two children we're left with just a son
Everybody stumbles when they learn to walk,
And everybody mumbles when they learn to talk,
One thing that we've learned is to give it our best shot,
We prayed that you'd be strong but you never really fought.
Did you ever listen to anything you'd been taught?
When you swim against the tide you give it all you got
With your expectations so high you nailed me
You placed me on a pedestal so I was bound
I ended up laying down when I tried to stand
whenever I shift to a higher gear I cant always
---
When I needed you the most I was too afraid to call,
Oh how could we have missed this with the writing on
the wall?
We wish that you had told us for we can be so blind,
Why did you say nothing? We should have known it all,
If you would've said something we would have been more kind.
Oh what have I done? This shouldn't be my fate,
I've only made one mistake and now it's far too late.
Now it's getting dark I guess it's time to sleep,
I'll be here for eternity and all I'll do is weep,
Always remember you're daddy's little girl,
The world could've been your oyster and you it's pearl,
I'd trade my soul for one more dance,
I would do anything to give you a second chance,
You were my daughter, you were my friend,
If only you had known it didn't have to end.
parents
girl
parents
She finds a bottle of pills and she holds them in her hand,
My whole world is falling down and noone understands.
There's only one way to solve my problems thats for me to go away,
When I'm in my grave I can't hear everyone say:
"She had the whole world in her hand but she only let us down,
Now she's gone too far away and it's only six feet under ground [crossed out: feet down]"
What could make her think that we didn't love her so,
What could make her think there was no place left to go?
I'm sorry mom - I'm sorry dad,
I hoped that this would make you glad.
I couldn't bare to see your face,
When you thought your love's a waste.
I didn't want to hurt you nor give you any pain,
I just imagined my loss would be your gain.
What you did in the past is nothing compared to this, / That would pass just like the moon with just a hug and kiss.
This is your one mistake that'll never be undone,
We used to have two children we're left with just a son
Everybody stumbles when they learn to walk,
And everybody mumbles when they learn to talk,
One thing that we've learned is to give it our best shot,
We prayed that you'd be strong but you never really fought.
Did you ever listen to anything you'd been taught?
When you swim against the tide you give it all you got
With your expectations so high you nailed me
You placed me on a pedestal so I was bound
I ended up laying down when I tried to stand
whenever I shift to a higher gear I cant always
---
When I needed you the most I was too afraid to call,
Oh how could we have missed this with the writing on
the wall?
We wish that you had told us for we can be so blind,
Why did you say nothing? We should have known it all,
If you would've said something we would have been more kind.
Oh what have I done? This shouldn't be my fate,
I've only made one mistake and now it's far too late.
Now it's getting dark I guess it's time to sleep,
I'll be here for eternity and all I'll do is weep,
Always remember you're daddy's little girl,
The world could've been your oyster and you it's pearl,
I'd trade my soul for one more dance,
I would do anything to give you a second chance,
You were my daughter, you were my friend,
If only you had known it didn't have to end.
parents
girl
parents
Item 160
They locked him in the closet and then they lost the key
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten lyric 'They locked him in the closet and then they lost the key,' for the song 'Rehab', on a clean loose-leaf sheet, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten lyric for the song REHAB (set list 4, track 6 of the 34 albums), beginning 'They locked him in the closet and then they lost the key', on a clean loose-leaf sheet, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten lyric for the song REHAB (set list 4, track 6 of the 34 albums), beginning 'They locked him in the closet and then they lost the key', first published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: REHAB (set list 4, track 6) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Tom's Anthology 2011 and 2012 ; Addiction ; Society
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 4 · track 6 · as the song REHAB
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
Tom's Anthology, February 19, 2011 (128 pages)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line R1, 'Rehab, Rehab, Rehab' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23; printed under that title in Poems By Tom (2007) - so by age 29 at the latest
- Same words
- also written out as number 391matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 4 (track 6) · Set List 4: Partner To The Crime, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
They locked him in the closet and then they lost
the key
Twenty years later when they found it they
finally set him free
Though he looked much older, he looked ok to me
Though he acted much colder, like we all expected
him to be
Rehab - You never come out {struck: they} way you came
in
Rehab - Get drunk off words when they take
your g in
Rehab - You'll never be the same
Rehab - You'll never go there again
When he gets home he has a drink
Passes out on the kitchen sink
Though his liver's fine his mind is bloated
Just one drink and his head exploded
the key
Twenty years later when they found it they
finally set him free
Though he looked much older, he looked ok to me
Though he acted much colder, like we all expected
him to be
Rehab - You never come out {struck: they} way you came
in
Rehab - Get drunk off words when they take
your g in
Rehab - You'll never be the same
Rehab - You'll never go there again
When he gets home he has a drink
Passes out on the kitchen sink
Though his liver's fine his mind is bloated
Just one drink and his head exploded
SHORT
Item 162
Would it really matter one slip of the knife?
In one sentence: A short cursive lyric, 'Would it really matter one slip of the knife?', about a girl left alone, on loose-leaf with the rhyme notes 'Lilt / Guilt' below, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten short lyric 'Would it really matter one slip of the knife?', about a girl left alone with no one around, in cursive on loose-leaf with the rhyme notes 'Lilt / Guilt' below, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten short lyric 'Would it really matter one slip of the knife?', with his rhyme notes below, from the 34 albums and first published in Poems By Tom (2007).draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: shorter lyrics (possibly ONE SLIP OF THE KNIFE, song list 4, track 5) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Finished Song Lyrics (2011) ; Brian Rainstorm Song Lyric Book (2014) ; The November 2012 Anthology (2012) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Tom's Anthology 2011 and 2012 ; Death ; Depressing ; Temptation ; Lonelinessdraft - not yet provedthe old category list says: DEATH ; DEPRESSING ; TEMPTATION (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Brian Rainstorm Song Lyric Book (2014)
The November 2012 Anthology (2012)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line O4, 'One Slip of the Knife' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Song List 4 (track 5) · Song List 4: A Traveler In The Distance, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
Would it really matter one slip of the knife?
Would anyone notice a worthless life.
Her innervoice has let her down
Left alone with no one around
All the pain built up inside
Has been discovered nowhere left to hide
She's left alone with a twelve inch blade
As night creeps in as black as spades
Lilt
Guilt
Would anyone notice a worthless life.
Her innervoice has let her down
Left alone with no one around
All the pain built up inside
Has been discovered nowhere left to hide
She's left alone with a twelve inch blade
As night creeps in as black as spades
Lilt
Guilt
FULL
Item 182
Chameleon
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten lyric 'Chameleon', about a woman who changes the color of her eyes, in blue ink on a full loose-leaf sheet, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten lyric Chameleon, about a woman who changes the color of her eyes, in blue ink on a full loose-leaf sheet, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten lyric CHAMELEON, about a woman who changes the color of her eyes, from the 34 albums and first published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: full lyrics ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Finished Song Lyrics (2011) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Tom's Anthology 2011 and 2012 ; Love ; Love not meant to be ; Womenthe old category list says: LOVE ; LOVE NOT MEANT TO BE (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line I2, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
Chameleon
She changes the color of her eyes every once
and awhile
But that's all night with me
Strangers take her by surprise so she's quick
to flash a smile
But that's not a bad way to be
She hates it when I preech and she
Knows she's born to teach
And baby, Dreams are free
Any thing you seek is achievable
Once you make it believable
And I can't wait for you to see
I think I found it
And I can't wait for you to see
I think I found it
Any locked door I have the key
Will you take my hand and follow me?
She changes the color of her eyes every once
and awhile
But that's all night with me
Strangers take her by surprise so she's quick
to flash a smile
But that's not a bad way to be
She hates it when I preech and she
Knows she's born to teach
And baby, Dreams are free
Any thing you seek is achievable
Once you make it believable
And I can't wait for you to see
I think I found it
And I can't wait for you to see
I think I found it
Any locked door I have the key
Will you take my hand and follow me?
Item 191
All it takes is a fool like you
In one sentence: Tom's lyric 'All it takes is a fool like you to push the button,' on a torn-top lined sheet, with a second sheet, 'Only for not Lonely for', about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten lyric for the song PUSHING THE BUTTON (set list 10, track 2 of the 34 albums), beginning 'All it takes is a fool like you / To push the button', on a torn-top lined sheet, together with a spiral-torn sheet titled Only for not Lonely for.
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten lyric for the song PUSHING THE BUTTON (set list 10, track 2 of the 34 albums), beginning 'All it takes is a fool like you', with a second sheet titled Only for not Lonely for, first published in Poems By Tom (2007).draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: PUSHING THE BUTTON (set list 10, track 2) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Tom's Anthology 2011 and 2012 ; Love ; Temptationdraft - not yet proved
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 10 · track 2 · as the song PUSHING THE BUTTON
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- The first piece, All it takes is a fool like you: written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line P3, 'Pushing the Button' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23. This binder line dates the first piece only; the other pieces on this card: Only for not lonely for (its own card 195: written at age 18 to 23, binder line L9)
- On the site
- Set List 10 (track 2) · Set List 10: Go Ask Gramm, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
All it takes is a fool like you
To push the button and we're all
through
The whole world's future and the
whole world's past
One slip of the finger and its gone
in a flash
With this in mind I start my day
Knowing that we could get blown away
You can hide under desks and you can
hide under chairs
But there's nowhere to run when
the siren blares
---
Only for not Lonely for
I went someplace I'd been a million times before
Of course I'd know this time was different
But I had no idea what was in store
As the band played I closed my eyes
And I danced my dance and I kept looking at the floor
Soon someone grabbed me
Whom I'd met a couple of months back
I said hello as I drank my drink
And when she grabbed my hand
I had no choice but to pull it back
Why is it that women know
That the man they want is taken
I see the look in their eye
But when the light hits my face
They see my eyes are vacant
Soon they know the only one I see
Is someone different from themselves
My heart tells me to let them be
That they're only out to ring their own bells
Several months earlier they may have taken their fill
But since I've known where my love lies
I would never bend to their wills
Finally I have learned myself
And have given my heart away
So I leave them by themselves
Only for [blacked out text] one would I stay
To push the button and we're all
through
The whole world's future and the
whole world's past
One slip of the finger and its gone
in a flash
With this in mind I start my day
Knowing that we could get blown away
You can hide under desks and you can
hide under chairs
But there's nowhere to run when
the siren blares
---
Only for not Lonely for
I went someplace I'd been a million times before
Of course I'd know this time was different
But I had no idea what was in store
As the band played I closed my eyes
And I danced my dance and I kept looking at the floor
Soon someone grabbed me
Whom I'd met a couple of months back
I said hello as I drank my drink
And when she grabbed my hand
I had no choice but to pull it back
Why is it that women know
That the man they want is taken
I see the look in their eye
But when the light hits my face
They see my eyes are vacant
Soon they know the only one I see
Is someone different from themselves
My heart tells me to let them be
That they're only out to ring their own bells
Several months earlier they may have taken their fill
But since I've known where my love lies
I would never bend to their wills
Finally I have learned myself
And have given my heart away
So I leave them by themselves
Only for [blacked out text] one would I stay
Item 199
I know you're thinking
In one sentence: Tom's handwritten lyric 'I know you're thinking,' about finally quitting drinking and putting down the bottle, on a spiral-torn lined sheet, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten lyric 'I know you're thinking', about finally quitting drinking and putting down the bottle, on a spiral-torn lined sheet, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten lyric 'I know you're thinking', about finally quitting drinking and putting down the bottle, from the 34 albums and first published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: full lyrics ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Finished Song Lyrics (2011) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Tom's Anthology 2011 and 2012 ; Drinking ; Addiction ; Recovery
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23best guess - not yet proved: binder line W3 'Which way to the Bridge' looks like Tom's early title for this poem (HAVE A DRINK / EMPTY BOTTLE). Proved: by age 29 at the latest - its words are in Poems By Tom (December 2007)
- On the site
- Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
I know you're thinking
Pondering tommoron
I finally quit drinking
Drowning in my sorrow
Saved myself from sinking
I put down the bottle
When it started leaking
Somethings you only borrow
So I know what you're seeking
Just who do you lead or follow?
We both know of what I'm speaking
What do you need and what is hollow?
---
Well, you've been climbing the ladder
You've caught sight of the top wrong
Heard seen scowling faces and tongues that flatter
Not sure where one ends and the other's begun
On the very tip of your toes
Starting to lose all feeling
Ever wonder where it goes?
Figured it wasn't even worth stealing
But you find your guess incorrect
Looking around and everyone you suspect
Just who would have the will to mame?
To take something lost with out even a gain
A desperate act with no motivation
like taking food from a sufferer of stawation
---
COVERINGS
I have many hats
A fisher man's hat yet I don't fish
Even a birthday hat
Yet I have yet to make a wish
I own a base ball cap
And upon it my favorite team
As well as a straw hat
Reminding me of a pretty nature scene
A stocking hat upon my ears
Though strange not upon my feet
Of course I own a narrow blue visor
Which exposes my scalp to warm summer's heat
But since meeting you I have traded all my coverings
Varying in all shapes and sizes
I now wear always an invisible crown of happiness
And each coming day its height rises
Pondering tommoron
I finally quit drinking
Drowning in my sorrow
Saved myself from sinking
I put down the bottle
When it started leaking
Somethings you only borrow
So I know what you're seeking
Just who do you lead or follow?
We both know of what I'm speaking
What do you need and what is hollow?
---
Well, you've been climbing the ladder
You've caught sight of the top wrong
Heard seen scowling faces and tongues that flatter
Not sure where one ends and the other's begun
On the very tip of your toes
Starting to lose all feeling
Ever wonder where it goes?
Figured it wasn't even worth stealing
But you find your guess incorrect
Looking around and everyone you suspect
Just who would have the will to mame?
To take something lost with out even a gain
A desperate act with no motivation
like taking food from a sufferer of stawation
---
COVERINGS
I have many hats
A fisher man's hat yet I don't fish
Even a birthday hat
Yet I have yet to make a wish
I own a base ball cap
And upon it my favorite team
As well as a straw hat
Reminding me of a pretty nature scene
A stocking hat upon my ears
Though strange not upon my feet
Of course I own a narrow blue visor
Which exposes my scalp to warm summer's heat
But since meeting you I have traded all my coverings
Varying in all shapes and sizes
I now wear always an invisible crown of happiness
And each coming day its height rises
Item 200
Some day I'll be famous, and everyone'll know my name
In one sentence: Tom's political poem 'Some day I'll be famous,' a full cursive page written on the back of a Salem State College argumentation lecture handout, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten political poem 'Some day I'll be famous, and everyone'll know my name', a full page in cursive written on the back of a printed Salem State College argumentation lecture handout, published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- Tom wrote this political poem 'Some day I'll be famous, and everyone'll know my name' on the back of a Salem State College argumentation lecture handout - a poem written in the middle of his college classes, later published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Ephemera (flyer, card, clipping)
- Collection
- College writings ; 34 Albums: full lyrics ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Tom's Anthology 2011 and 2012 ; Political ; Fame ; Society
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line P1, 'Politician Blues' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
Some day I'll be famous, and everyone'll know my name,
Someday I'll be a star, surrounded with fortune and fame.
It all starts now, and it all starts here,
{struck: I speak} sing real loud, and my message is clean
Be yourself, do what you gotta do,
Life is tough, But I know you'll make it through.
The path is unpaved so it's up to you,
We all follow the leader and so don't you.
It can't be that way any more,
Time for us to settle the score.
Push the old values aside,
No more will we run and hide.
The government that rules us, everyone is a liar,
word is catchin on, spreadin like a fire.
They're talked enough, nothin more they can say,
Follow me and I'll show you the way.
Goin to Washington D.C.
Time to find the true enemy.
Thier twisting Tongues will tell you it's me,
Don't listen to them if you want to be free
Join us, every color and race,
speed up, we gotta quicken the pace.
Million Man march, huh, multiply it by ten,
History, we're goin through it again.
Do it for the homeless on the street,
Do it for the poor children you meet,
Think about the hungry, the ill and the sick,
We'll dismantle the system brick by brick.
I tell it straight, don't beat around the bush,
We tried to pull, now it's time to push.
---
Professor E. Hart
Lecture Notes, SPC-101D
ARGUMENTATION: some basic terms and concepts
I. A proposition is a debatable claim; there are three basic types of propositions.
A. Proposition of fact is a debatable claim about the existence or occurrence of something.
Examples:
"Life forms exist on Mars."
"John Doe is guilty of murder in the first degree."
*Courtrooms debate propositions of fact.
B. Proposition of value is a debatable claim about the worth or value of a person, object, event, or idea.
Example:
"__________ is a great movie."
C. Proposition of policy is a debatable claim about a proposal for civil change.
Examples:
"All Massachusetts State employees should take a 1% pay cut for this fiscal year."
"An additional penny tax earmarked for education should be levied in Massachusetts."
*Propositions of policy contain propositions of fact and value, because in order to decide what to do (policy), you must decide what the facts are (fact) and what they mean (value).
II. An issue is any potential point of conflict (or argument) specifically contained in a given proposition. These issues are phrased as questions. There are some standard or "stock" issues contained in all propositions.
A. Issues of definition are all conflicts or arguments that center around the meaning of the words or phrases in the proposition.
Example:
Proposition: "John Doe is guilty of murder in the first degree."
Issues of definition: What is "murder in the first degree"?
a. What is sanity?
b. What is motive?
c. What is premeditation?
d. What is certified death by unnatural causes?
*Issues of definition are contained in all propositions.
Someday I'll be a star, surrounded with fortune and fame.
It all starts now, and it all starts here,
{struck: I speak} sing real loud, and my message is clean
Be yourself, do what you gotta do,
Life is tough, But I know you'll make it through.
The path is unpaved so it's up to you,
We all follow the leader and so don't you.
It can't be that way any more,
Time for us to settle the score.
Push the old values aside,
No more will we run and hide.
The government that rules us, everyone is a liar,
word is catchin on, spreadin like a fire.
They're talked enough, nothin more they can say,
Follow me and I'll show you the way.
Goin to Washington D.C.
Time to find the true enemy.
Thier twisting Tongues will tell you it's me,
Don't listen to them if you want to be free
Join us, every color and race,
speed up, we gotta quicken the pace.
Million Man march, huh, multiply it by ten,
History, we're goin through it again.
Do it for the homeless on the street,
Do it for the poor children you meet,
Think about the hungry, the ill and the sick,
We'll dismantle the system brick by brick.
I tell it straight, don't beat around the bush,
We tried to pull, now it's time to push.
---
Professor E. Hart
Lecture Notes, SPC-101D
ARGUMENTATION: some basic terms and concepts
I. A proposition is a debatable claim; there are three basic types of propositions.
A. Proposition of fact is a debatable claim about the existence or occurrence of something.
Examples:
"Life forms exist on Mars."
"John Doe is guilty of murder in the first degree."
*Courtrooms debate propositions of fact.
B. Proposition of value is a debatable claim about the worth or value of a person, object, event, or idea.
Example:
"__________ is a great movie."
C. Proposition of policy is a debatable claim about a proposal for civil change.
Examples:
"All Massachusetts State employees should take a 1% pay cut for this fiscal year."
"An additional penny tax earmarked for education should be levied in Massachusetts."
*Propositions of policy contain propositions of fact and value, because in order to decide what to do (policy), you must decide what the facts are (fact) and what they mean (value).
II. An issue is any potential point of conflict (or argument) specifically contained in a given proposition. These issues are phrased as questions. There are some standard or "stock" issues contained in all propositions.
A. Issues of definition are all conflicts or arguments that center around the meaning of the words or phrases in the proposition.
Example:
Proposition: "John Doe is guilty of murder in the first degree."
Issues of definition: What is "murder in the first degree"?
a. What is sanity?
b. What is motive?
c. What is premeditation?
d. What is certified death by unnatural causes?
*Issues of definition are contained in all propositions.
Item 220
HERESY SPEAK NO EVIL
In one sentence: A printed page of Tom's lyric 'Heresy Speak No Evil', opening with a definition of heresy and continued in his handwriting, published in Poems By Tom, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
A printed page of Tom's lyric HERESY SPEAK NO EVIL, opening with a definition of heresy, continued in his handwriting with 'Yet so many are more concerned with the theft of identity', published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- A printed page of Tom's lyric HERESY SPEAK NO EVIL, opening with a definition of heresy and continued in his handwriting - the song HERESY SPEAKS NO EVIL (set list 10, track 3 of the 34 albums), first published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Printed page
- Collection
- 34 Albums: HERESY SPEAKS NO EVIL (set list 10, track 3) ; Printed pages with handwriting ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Finished Song Lyrics (2011) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Tom's Anthology 2011 and 2012 ; Political ; Society ; Faith
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 10 · track 3 · as the song HERESY SPEAKS NO EVIL
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- The first piece, HERESY SPEAK NO EVIL: written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line R2, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23. This binder line dates the first piece only; the other pieces on this card: The race remains the same. (its own card 958: written by age 33 at the latest); I once knew this girl who was more than a friend (its own card 957: written by age 33 at the latest)
- Same words
- also written out as number 242
- On the site
- Set List 10 (track 3) · Set List 10: Go Ask Gramm, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
.jpg)
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
HERESY SPEAK NO EVIL
Heresy is a dislocation of some complete and self-supporting system of belief, especially a religion, by the introduction of a novel denial of some essential part therein.
Government sponsored torture is kind of hard to ignore
Especially when you're a prisoner of a misguided war
Lobbyists sit with wads full of cash within their fists
For any politicians who find it too hard to resist
Seems that tax cuts for corporations and also the rich
Is the only way to build true bipartisanship
Yet our federal banking system is backed by worthless paper
Paper that is so very easy to tear
When you're afraid of not being afraid enough
[Domestic] [crossed out] terrorists win relying solely on ignorance and fear
We're losing our civil liberties so fast
Soon we won't be able to breathe, speak, see or hear
Yet so many are more concerned with the theft of identity
Than the absolute total loss of humanity
They lack any great substance
Yet they're filled with vanity sure it's pure insanity
This mis information generation eats up whatever they feed ya
Be it Mickey D's, MTV, shows based on "Reality"
you become spoonfed by controlled Media
Hey, now you can rent a purse every month
From Some famous designer
As you become one with your that was
made somewhere in china
Infatuated by celebrities and American idols
South Park, Dow Jones,
Natural disasters and the [crossed out] suicidal
---
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
I guess I knew it would come to this
Its time to roll up the sleeves
I guess I knew it would come to this
Only one of us is gonna leave
You know I ain't just talking
Only one of us will be walking
The other carried out the door
'Cause after you're stabbed in the back
There's only one left standing you know its a fact
The other left bleeding lying on the floor
Drinking too much is no excuse for what you tried to do
I used to call you friend I used to put my trust in you
You put your hands on my girl when you knew she is true
I used to see you as a friend but now I'm coming looking for you
---
I GIVE ... They take
They Live ... I DIE TRYING TO SAVE
a drowning doggy in a lake
I give ... And they take some more
Both me and the doggy never
paddle [?] back to shore
Yeah the boat floats
But I ain't on it
Not named the minow - its the escargot
And no ≠ don't want it
Yeah, Gilligan's got it
But it's Mrs. Howell who flaunts it
You Know its Ginger who gives it
But Marianne who really wants it
Gilligan's got to be more responsive
---
The race remains the same...
There's just more competition
I tried to guide the dumb and blind
But they wouldn't listen, No
---
I once knew this girl who was more than a friend
Who's love for me was once so strong
we never believed it could ever ~~never~~ end
I bought her a pet once our love was born
Gave her a jacket to keep her warm
Feelings so strong would never bend
Heresy is a dislocation of some complete and self-supporting system of belief, especially a religion, by the introduction of a novel denial of some essential part therein.
Government sponsored torture is kind of hard to ignore
Especially when you're a prisoner of a misguided war
Lobbyists sit with wads full of cash within their fists
For any politicians who find it too hard to resist
Seems that tax cuts for corporations and also the rich
Is the only way to build true bipartisanship
Yet our federal banking system is backed by worthless paper
Paper that is so very easy to tear
When you're afraid of not being afraid enough
[Domestic] [crossed out] terrorists win relying solely on ignorance and fear
We're losing our civil liberties so fast
Soon we won't be able to breathe, speak, see or hear
Yet so many are more concerned with the theft of identity
Than the absolute total loss of humanity
They lack any great substance
Yet they're filled with vanity sure it's pure insanity
This mis information generation eats up whatever they feed ya
Be it Mickey D's, MTV, shows based on "Reality"
you become spoonfed by controlled Media
Hey, now you can rent a purse every month
From Some famous designer
As you become one with your that was
made somewhere in china
Infatuated by celebrities and American idols
South Park, Dow Jones,
Natural disasters and the [crossed out] suicidal
---
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
I guess I knew it would come to this
Its time to roll up the sleeves
I guess I knew it would come to this
Only one of us is gonna leave
You know I ain't just talking
Only one of us will be walking
The other carried out the door
'Cause after you're stabbed in the back
There's only one left standing you know its a fact
The other left bleeding lying on the floor
Drinking too much is no excuse for what you tried to do
I used to call you friend I used to put my trust in you
You put your hands on my girl when you knew she is true
I used to see you as a friend but now I'm coming looking for you
---
I GIVE ... They take
They Live ... I DIE TRYING TO SAVE
a drowning doggy in a lake
I give ... And they take some more
Both me and the doggy never
paddle [?] back to shore
Yeah the boat floats
But I ain't on it
Not named the minow - its the escargot
And no ≠ don't want it
Yeah, Gilligan's got it
But it's Mrs. Howell who flaunts it
You Know its Ginger who gives it
But Marianne who really wants it
Gilligan's got to be more responsive
---
The race remains the same...
There's just more competition
I tried to guide the dumb and blind
But they wouldn't listen, No
---
I once knew this girl who was more than a friend
Who's love for me was once so strong
we never believed it could ever ~~never~~ end
I bought her a pet once our love was born
Gave her a jacket to keep her warm
Feelings so strong would never bend
SHORT
Item 227
MY WILL
In one sentence: Tom's eight-line lyric 'My Will' ('You only live once') on a lined notebook sheet, which became the song 'Have Not' (set list 1, track 5), about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten short lyric MY WILL, which became the song HAVE NOT (set list 1, track 5 of the 34 albums), eight lines beginning 'You only live once', on a lined notebook sheet.
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten short lyric MY WILL, beginning 'You only live once', which became the song HAVE NOT (set list 1, track 5 of the 34 albums), first published in Poems By Tom (2007), as the opening lines of PATCHING THE HOLE.
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: HAVE NOT (set list 1, track 5) ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Tom's Anthology 2011 and 2012 ; Inspiring ; Death
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 1 · track 5 · as the song HAVE NOT
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
Tom's Anthology, February 19, 2011 (128 pages)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line P4, 'Patching the hole' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 1 (track 5) · Set List 1: Glass Half Something, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
MY WILL
You only live once...
yeah, at least I've got my name
You tried to give once...
Got burnt and you were never the same
Stay away from this one...
He went from healing to being on of the lame
Thy will be done...
only thing he's learned is how to point the blame
You only live once...
yeah, at least I've got my name
You tried to give once...
Got burnt and you were never the same
Stay away from this one...
He went from healing to being on of the lame
Thy will be done...
only thing he's learned is how to point the blame
Item 264
Theres no parking spaces
In one sentence: Tom's nine-line black-ink lyric 'There's no parking spaces, only unhappy faces,' handwritten on a loose-leaf sheet, part of his 34 Albums, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten short lyric 'Theres no parking spaces / Only unhappy faces', nine lines in black ink on a loose-leaf sheet.
- Why it matters
- Tom's handwritten short lyric 'Theres no parking spaces / Only unhappy faces', nine lines, from the 34 albums shorter lyrics.draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: shorter lyrics ; Society ; City lifedraft - not yet proved
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 18 · track 8 · as the song PATCHING THE HOLE
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line P4, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 18 (track 8) · Set List 18: Corrugation Row, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
Theres no parking spaces
Only unhappy faces
Untied shoelaces
Now I've covered all the base
Days are like Q-tips
you never noticed how many you've used up
until they're gone
Fuckin' A is what I say
I stopped caring about gettin' blown away
Only unhappy faces
Untied shoelaces
Now I've covered all the base
Days are like Q-tips
you never noticed how many you've used up
until they're gone
Fuckin' A is what I say
I stopped caring about gettin' blown away
Item 344
As If You Were My Children I Sacrifice for You
In one sentence: Tom's lyric 'As If You Were My Children I Sacrifice For You' ('my soul crawls across the paper'), on a hole-punched lined sheet, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · SHORTER LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · SHORT
Tom's handwritten lyric As If You Were My Children I Sacrifice for You (my soul crawls across the paper), on a hole-punched lined sheet, published in the 34 albums.
- Why it matters
- Tom's early lyric As If You Were My Children I Sacrifice for You (my soul crawls across the paper), from his yellow binder - a poem about his own poems - which went into his 34 Albums.draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: As If You Were My Children I Sacrifice for You ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 ; Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012 ; Writing ; Inspiringdraft - not yet proved
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 11 · track 12 · as the song FANCY WORDS (in part)
IN A BOOKTom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line F1, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 11 (track 12) · Set List 11: Noise Lies And Longing, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
My soul crawls across the paper / Falling dead upon the lines / My heart lives in a goldfish bowl / Thoughts escape my head through all the holes
FULL
Item 357
The Hard Stuff's in the Freezer
In one sentence: Tom's blue-ink poem 'The hard stuff's in the freezer (the 30 packs are in the fridge),' on a stained lined sheet, later printed in Poems By Tom, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL POEM
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten blue-ink poem The hard stuff's in the freezer (the 30 packs are in the fridge), on a stained lined sheet, published in Poems By Tom.
- Why it matters
- Tom's early blue-ink poem The hard stuff's in the freezer (the 30 packs are in the fridge), from his yellow binder, published in Poems By Tom.
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- Poems By Tom (2007) ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Drinking ; Humor
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 4 · track 9 · as the song EMPTY BOTTLE (in part: its freezer / bridge stanza)
- Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line W3, 'Which way to the Bridge' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 4 (track 9) · Set List 4: Partner To The Crime, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
THE hard stuff's in the freezer
The 30 packs are in the fridge
The troubles of the world are building
Which way to the bridge?
I've chosen some wrong selections
So don't ask me for any directions
I can only tell you where not to go
I can't explain the ways of the world
I can't show you where to dives for pearls
I guess there are just somethings you have to know
With the devil in disguise no telling what will arise
While turning many corners I've seen many faces and been taken by suprise
So now I keep my eyes peeled for angels while surrounded by sin
I can't tell you where I'm going I can only tell you where I've been
The 30 packs are in the fridge
The troubles of the world are building
Which way to the bridge?
I've chosen some wrong selections
So don't ask me for any directions
I can only tell you where not to go
I can't explain the ways of the world
I can't show you where to dives for pearls
I guess there are just somethings you have to know
With the devil in disguise no telling what will arise
While turning many corners I've seen many faces and been taken by suprise
So now I keep my eyes peeled for angels while surrounded by sin
I can't tell you where I'm going I can only tell you where I've been
Item 381
This woman I'd been dating for nearly a year
In one sentence: Tom's ten-line lyric about a woman telling him to get out 'with words so clear,' on a torn-edge lined sheet, later titled 'Kicking The Can', about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten ten-line lyric This woman I'd been dating for nearly a year (told me to get out with words so clear), on a lined sheet with a torn spiral edge, published as KICKING THE CAN in Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 and the 34 albums.
- Why it matters
- Tom's early ten-line lyric This woman I'd been dating for nearly a year (told me to get out with words so clear), listed at K2 in his yellow binder, first published as KICKING THE CAN in Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011, and later in his 34 Albums (set list 11, track 9) and Only The Best (2018).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 11 (track 9) KICKING THE CAN ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Heartbreak ; Humor ; Relationships
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 11 · track 9 · as the song KICKING THE CAN
IN A BOOKThe November 2024 Collection (2024)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
The November 2012 Anthology (2012)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line K2, 'Kicking the Can' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 11 (track 9) · Set List 11: Noise Lies And Longing, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
This woman I'd been dating for nearly a year
Told me to get out with words so clear
Said her chains had been broken and {she's} no longer bound
To me, former lover, getting outta town
Like seasons a' changing love once so dear
I grab my magic hat as I disappear
Crawling down the street dragging my big black bag
In it is everything that I've ever had
Looking up to heaven trying to understand
Why I'm walking down the street just kickin my can
MARGIN:
21
Told me to get out with words so clear
Said her chains had been broken and {she's} no longer bound
To me, former lover, getting outta town
Like seasons a' changing love once so dear
I grab my magic hat as I disappear
Crawling down the street dragging my big black bag
In it is everything that I've ever had
Looking up to heaven trying to understand
Why I'm walking down the street just kickin my can
MARGIN:
21
Item 391
Rehab
In one sentence: Tom's dark-comic poem 'Rehab' ('they locked him in the closet and then they lost the key'), handwritten on a lined sheet, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten dark-comic poem Rehab (they locked him in the closet and then they lost the key), on a lined sheet, published in Poems By Tom (2007), 200 Poems Waiting For Music and the 34 albums.
- Why it matters
- Tom's early dark-comic poem Rehab (they locked him in the closet and then they lost the key), listed at R1 in his yellow binder, first published in Poems By Tom (2007) and later in his 34 Albums and Only The Best (2018).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Rehab ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Only The Best (2018) ; Drugs & Alcohol ; Humor
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 4 · track 6 · as the song REHAB
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- The first piece, Rehab: written at age 18 to 23in Tom's yellow binder index (line R1, 'Rehab, Rehab, Rehab' - a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23. This binder line dates the first piece only; the other pieces on this card: Money lines the pocket (its own card 876: written at about age 18 to 32 - an estimate)
- Same words
- also written out as number 160
- On the site
- Set List 4 (track 6) · Set List 4: Partner To The Crime, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
They locked him in the closet and then they
lost the key
Twenty years later when they found it
they finally set him free
Though he looked much older he looked ok
to me
Though he acted much colder like we all
expected him to be
Rehab - You never come out the way you
came in
Rehab - Get drunk of words when they take
your gin
Rehab - You'll never be the same
Rehab - You'll never go there again
When he gets home he has a drink
Passes out in front of the kitchen sink
Though his liver's fine his mind is bloated
Just one sip and his head exploded
lost the key
Twenty years later when they found it
they finally set him free
Though he looked much older he looked ok
to me
Though he acted much colder like we all
expected him to be
Rehab - You never come out the way you
came in
Rehab - Get drunk of words when they take
your gin
Rehab - You'll never be the same
Rehab - You'll never go there again
When he gets home he has a drink
Passes out in front of the kitchen sink
Though his liver's fine his mind is bloated
Just one sip and his head exploded
Item 395
The whole worlds a fight
In one sentence: Two lined sheets of 'The whole world's a fight, I can't get no peace,' a short and a longer version, which went into the song 'Perfect World', about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten lyric The whole worlds a fight / I can't get no peace, on two lined sheets in pencil and blue ink (a short version and a longer torn one), which went into the song PERFECT WORLD (set list 20, track 10).
- Why it matters
- Tom's lyric The whole worlds a fight / I can't get no peace, in a short version and a longer torn version, the first line (A1) of his yellow binder index, first published in Poems By Tom (2007) and later part of the song PERFECT WORLD (set list 20, track 10).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 20, track 10 - Perfect World ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Yellow binder (early poems) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; Only The Best (2018) ; Drugs & Alcohol ; Societythe old category list says: DRUGS & ALCOHOL (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 20 · track 10 · as the song PERFECT WORLD
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23ranked first in letter A of Tom's yellow binder index (line A1) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 20 (track 10) · Set List 20: The Cost Of Light, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
The whole worlds a fight
I can't get no peace
I've spent my whole life
Looking for what I can't see
for what will never be
The only thing to set me free
Is An unknown memory
Somehow, somewhere lives inside of me
A locked door to which there is no key
---
The whole world's a fight I can't
get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when its
at ease
An uphill battle right from the
start
Feet so busy walking seperate from
the heart
When was the last time you
noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten
so soon
So concearned about the future that the
present is gone
Never time to stand still we just keep
moving on
Take a break before you break
We're all judged by the choices we
make
I can't get no peace
I've spent my whole life
Looking for what I can't see
for what will never be
The only thing to set me free
Is An unknown memory
Somehow, somewhere lives inside of me
A locked door to which there is no key
---
The whole world's a fight I can't
get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when its
at ease
An uphill battle right from the
start
Feet so busy walking seperate from
the heart
When was the last time you
noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten
so soon
So concearned about the future that the
present is gone
Never time to stand still we just keep
moving on
Take a break before you break
We're all judged by the choices we
make
HALF
Item 400
They Say That Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
In one sentence: Tom's verse 'They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder (but honey, I wasn't waiting around much longer),' on a torn lined strip, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · HALF POEM
PUBLISHED · POEM · HALF
Tom's handwritten verse They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder (but honey, I wasn't waiting around much longer), on a torn strip of lined paper with two scribbled-out lines, published in his poem anthologies.
- Why it matters
- Tom's early verse They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder (but honey, I wasn't waiting around much longer), from his yellow binder, published in his poem anthologies.draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- Yellow binder (early poems) ; Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Heartbreak ; Humor ; Relationshipsdraft - not yet provedthe old category list says: RELIGIOUS (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSsong list 5 · track 2 · as the song WORTH THE WAIT (its chorus)
IN A BOOKTom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line Y2, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Song List 5 (track 2) · Song List 5: Love Without A Doubt, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder
But honey, I wasn't waiting around much longer
what I will now say I will not hesitate
Honey, you were well worth the wait
[The second] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
I [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
st
d
f
h
l
m
r
str
But honey, I wasn't waiting around much longer
what I will now say I will not hesitate
Honey, you were well worth the wait
[The second] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
I [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
st
d
f
h
l
m
r
str
FULL
Item 442
A Perfect World
In one sentence: Tom's poem 'A Perfect World' ('The whole world's a fight, I can't get no peace'), written across two sheets with his own note on what inspired it, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
Tom's handwritten poem A Perfect World (The whole world's a fight I can't get no peace), written across two sheets, with his own note that it was inspired on an acid trip a year earlier, published in Poems By Tom and 200 Poems Waiting For Music.
- Why it matters
- Tom's original handwritten poem A Perfect World ('The whole world's a fight I can't get no peace'), across two sheets with his own note on how it was inspired, ranked first in letter A of his binder index (line A1), part of his 34 Albums and published in Poems By Tom (2007) and 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013).
- Type
- Handwritten sheet
- Collection
- 34 Albums ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; The November 2024 Collection (2024) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012 ; Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011 ; 34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Be Different ; Chomskian ; Inspiring ; Motivational ; Societythe old category list says: BE DIFFERENT ; CHOMSKIAN ; INSPIRING ; MOTIVATIONAL (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMS
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- The first piece, A Perfect World: written at age 18 to 23ranked first in letter A of Tom's yellow binder index (line A1) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23. This binder line dates the first piece only; the other pieces on this card: And if I was a color (its own card 921: written at about age 18 to 32 - an estimate); The Big Day Is Coming (its own card 683: written at age 18 to 23, binder line B28)
- Same words
- also written out as number 16, 1985, 1987matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 3
Picture 2 of 3
Picture 3 of 3
The words on this page
A Perfect World
Indent Right
10/1 20/21
The whole world's a fight I can't get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when its at ease
Watching the sunrise is a long forgotten art
Feet so busy walking seperate from the heart
When was the last time you noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten so soon
There's so more to life than what you've been told
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
The set pattern you follow is just one of their lies
A world lacking communion, only me's and I's
Through competition our brotherhood has been broken
As noone's acknowledged these words I've spoken
Everything, even people, filed by order and rank
Number one built the Titanic yet down it sank
There's still time left to return these ideas you wore sold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
Some say if winning isn't everything then why keep score?
Those same people send other mother's sons to war
I could be like you or maybe someone else
One step towards them, one step away from myself
As they look upon me they ask how I feel
I respond "a hampster on a hampster's wheel"
Do you feel trapped like a rat in this world so cold
Then rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
I'll keep on fighting until I open the door
But at least I know what I'm fighting for
My own little peace and quiet in this world so vast
This present world makes dizzy cause its moving too fast
Round and round they go as they spin on their wheels
Trying so hard to keep their poker face on when the dealer deals
Stop going for broke when you'll win if you hold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
fold
gold
hold
mold
old
---
The brokers in their suits and ties walking down Wall Street
The ones with the diamond watches and hair so neat
They get so stressed out playing their Wall Street games
When they get home they yell at their wives and forget their own kids' names
All for the love of money and nothing more
If they call that rich then you can call me poor
If they tell you the lie that all that glitters is gold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
As I climb on the mountains or float on the sea
I find my self alone
So alive and free
No need to look at a watch or punch a clock
And I notice my feet when I go for a walk
It could be like this if enough people believe
As the wind blows aflower I plant my seed
The time has come for us to break the mold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
Inspired on an acid trip
about a year ago. Only got first
6 lines. I worked on it for
study guide. In my anti-
what they tell me mode.
Indent Right
10/1 20/21
The whole world's a fight I can't get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when its at ease
Watching the sunrise is a long forgotten art
Feet so busy walking seperate from the heart
When was the last time you noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten so soon
There's so more to life than what you've been told
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
The set pattern you follow is just one of their lies
A world lacking communion, only me's and I's
Through competition our brotherhood has been broken
As noone's acknowledged these words I've spoken
Everything, even people, filed by order and rank
Number one built the Titanic yet down it sank
There's still time left to return these ideas you wore sold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
Some say if winning isn't everything then why keep score?
Those same people send other mother's sons to war
I could be like you or maybe someone else
One step towards them, one step away from myself
As they look upon me they ask how I feel
I respond "a hampster on a hampster's wheel"
Do you feel trapped like a rat in this world so cold
Then rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
I'll keep on fighting until I open the door
But at least I know what I'm fighting for
My own little peace and quiet in this world so vast
This present world makes dizzy cause its moving too fast
Round and round they go as they spin on their wheels
Trying so hard to keep their poker face on when the dealer deals
Stop going for broke when you'll win if you hold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
fold
gold
hold
mold
old
---
The brokers in their suits and ties walking down Wall Street
The ones with the diamond watches and hair so neat
They get so stressed out playing their Wall Street games
When they get home they yell at their wives and forget their own kids' names
All for the love of money and nothing more
If they call that rich then you can call me poor
If they tell you the lie that all that glitters is gold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
As I climb on the mountains or float on the sea
I find my self alone
So alive and free
No need to look at a watch or punch a clock
And I notice my feet when I go for a walk
It could be like this if enough people believe
As the wind blows aflower I plant my seed
The time has come for us to break the mold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
Inspired on an acid trip
about a year ago. Only got first
6 lines. I worked on it for
study guide. In my anti-
what they tell me mode.
Item 1970
Politician Blues
In one sentence: A printed two-page copy of Tom's poem 'Politician Blues', one of the first in his early binder, which became the song 'Pardon Me' in the 34 Albums, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
A printed copy, two pages, of Tom's poem Politician Blues - someday I'll be famous and everyone'll know my name - from his early binder, sung as PARDON ME (set list 10, track 8) and first published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Why it matters
- A printed copy of Tom's poem Politician Blues, one of the first in his early binder, which became the song PARDON ME (set list 10, track 8 on the 34 albums) and was first published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Printed page
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 10 - PARDON ME ; Set list 10 ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; State of the world ; Politics ; Societythe old category list says: STATE OF THE WORLD (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 10 · track 8 · as the song PARDON ME
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line P1, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Set List 10 (track 8) · Set List 10: Go Ask Gramm, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
Politician Blues
Someday I'll be famous and everyone'll know my name
(of course I'll change it first though)
Someday I'll be a star with all this fortune and fame
(I probably won't like that much though)
It all starts now and it all starts here
I sing real loud so my message is clear
Be yourself, do what you gotta do
Life is tough but somehow I know you'll make it through
If you don't like me then this don't apply to you
There's a new path unpaved so its up to you
We all follow the leader- you do it too
It can't be that way anymore
Time for us to settle the score
Start pushing the old values aside
No more can we go run and hide
The government that rules us, everyone is a liar
Word's catching on and now its spreading like a fire
They've talked enough nothin' more they can say
Follow me and I'll show you the way
Goin' to Washington D.C.
Time to meet the true enemy
Their twisting toungues will tell you its me
Don't listen to them if you want to be free
Join us- every color and race
Speed up! We've got to quicken the pace!
Million man march (HUH!) multiply that by ten
History, we're goin' through it again
Do it for the homeless you meet
Do it for the children on the street
Think about the hungry, the ill and the sick
We'll dismantle the system brick by brick
I tell it straight and don't beat around the bush
We tried to pull now its time to push
It's nine for them and one for us
It's their time to sit in the back of the bus
The politicians look us right in the eyes
While their words are full of lies
---
So it should come to no surprise
What happens to them after they die
They care not for us only "I"
They tell me because when I ask why
They learned it from their peers
That honesty has disapeared
There's no one left who really cares
I'm going to give each one a mirror
So they can see what we see
I'm going to run for president
So I can show what's so evident
I will answer questions truthfully
And they can think what they want of me
I'll hide behind no mask at all
Not forced to sit I will stand tall
I'll be myself, I won't wear no vail
I smoked pot and I INHALED
I don't hide what I don't understand
What do you expect? I'm a simple man
I don't mean to bring you all the bad news
Only the story of the politician blues
Someday I'll be famous and everyone'll know my name
(of course I'll change it first though)
Someday I'll be a star with all this fortune and fame
(I probably won't like that much though)
It all starts now and it all starts here
I sing real loud so my message is clear
Be yourself, do what you gotta do
Life is tough but somehow I know you'll make it through
If you don't like me then this don't apply to you
There's a new path unpaved so its up to you
We all follow the leader- you do it too
It can't be that way anymore
Time for us to settle the score
Start pushing the old values aside
No more can we go run and hide
The government that rules us, everyone is a liar
Word's catching on and now its spreading like a fire
They've talked enough nothin' more they can say
Follow me and I'll show you the way
Goin' to Washington D.C.
Time to meet the true enemy
Their twisting toungues will tell you its me
Don't listen to them if you want to be free
Join us- every color and race
Speed up! We've got to quicken the pace!
Million man march (HUH!) multiply that by ten
History, we're goin' through it again
Do it for the homeless you meet
Do it for the children on the street
Think about the hungry, the ill and the sick
We'll dismantle the system brick by brick
I tell it straight and don't beat around the bush
We tried to pull now its time to push
It's nine for them and one for us
It's their time to sit in the back of the bus
The politicians look us right in the eyes
While their words are full of lies
---
So it should come to no surprise
What happens to them after they die
They care not for us only "I"
They tell me because when I ask why
They learned it from their peers
That honesty has disapeared
There's no one left who really cares
I'm going to give each one a mirror
So they can see what we see
I'm going to run for president
So I can show what's so evident
I will answer questions truthfully
And they can think what they want of me
I'll hide behind no mask at all
Not forced to sit I will stand tall
I'll be myself, I won't wear no vail
I smoked pot and I INHALED
I don't hide what I don't understand
What do you expect? I'm a simple man
I don't mean to bring you all the bad news
Only the story of the politician blues
Item 1971
CLINICAL DEPRESSION
In one sentence: A printed two-page copy of Tom's poem 'Clinical Depression', a dialogue between grieving parents and the daughter they lost, from his early binder, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
A printed copy, two pages, of Tom's poem CLINICAL DEPRESSION, written as a dialogue between grieving parents and the daughter they lost to suicide, from his early binder and sung as CLINICAL DEPRESSION (set list 12, track 12).
- Why it matters
- A printed copy of Tom's poem CLINICAL DEPRESSION, a dialogue between grieving parents and the daughter they lost to suicide, one of the first in his early binder - sung as CLINICAL DEPRESSION (set list 12, track 12 on the 34 albums) and published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Printed page
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 12 - CLINICAL DEPRESSION ; Set list 12 ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Death ; Internal struggle ; Family ; Heartbreakthe old category list says: DEATH ; INTERNAL STRUGGLE ; TEMPTATION (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 12 · track 12 · as the song CLINICAL DEPRESSION
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line C3, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- Same words
- also written out as number 1982matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 12 (track 12) · Set List 12: Wounded Masculinity, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
CLINICAL DEPRESSION
Parents: She finds a bottle of pills and she holds them in her hand
Daughter: My whole world is falling down and noone understands
There's one way to solve my problems-thats for me to go away
After I'm placed down in my grave I can't hear anyone say:
Parents: She had the whole world in her hand but she only let us down
Now she's gone too far away and she's only six feet under ground
What could make her think that we didn't love her so?
What could make her think that there was no place left to go?
Daughter: I'm sorry mom, I'm sorry dad
I hoped that this would make you glad
I couldn't bare to see your face
When you thought your love's a waste
I didn't want to hurt you nor cause you any pain
I guess I imagined my loss would be your gain
Parents: Whatever you did in the past is nothing compared to this
That would pass just like the moon with just a hug and kiss
This is your one mistake that'll never be undone
We used to have two children, now we're left with one
Everybody stumbles when they learn to walk
Everbody mumbles when they learn to talk
One thing we've learned with wisdom is you give it your best sho
We prayed you'd be strong but you barely even faught
Did you ever listen to anything we'd taught?
When you swim against the tide you give it all you got
Daughter: With your expectations oh so high you nailed me to the wall
You placed me on a pedistal so I was bound to fall
I ended up laying down when I tried to stand too tall
Whenever I try to shift to a higher gear I always seem to stall
When I needed you the most I was too afraid to call
Parents: Oh how did we miss the truth with the writing on the wall?
Why did you say nothing? We should have known it all
If only you had told us for we can be so blind
If only we had known we would have been more kind
Daughter: What have I done? This shouldn't have been my fate
I realize I've only made one mistake and now its far too late
Now its so dark I guess its time to sleep
I'll be here for an eternity and all I'll do is weep
Parents: Always remember that you're daddy's little girl
---
The world would've been your oyester and you its pearl
I would do anything to give you a second chance
I'd trade my soul to let you have just one last dance
You were my daughter and you were my friend
If only you had known that it didn't have to end
Parents: She finds a bottle of pills and she holds them in her hand
Daughter: My whole world is falling down and noone understands
There's one way to solve my problems-thats for me to go away
After I'm placed down in my grave I can't hear anyone say:
Parents: She had the whole world in her hand but she only let us down
Now she's gone too far away and she's only six feet under ground
What could make her think that we didn't love her so?
What could make her think that there was no place left to go?
Daughter: I'm sorry mom, I'm sorry dad
I hoped that this would make you glad
I couldn't bare to see your face
When you thought your love's a waste
I didn't want to hurt you nor cause you any pain
I guess I imagined my loss would be your gain
Parents: Whatever you did in the past is nothing compared to this
That would pass just like the moon with just a hug and kiss
This is your one mistake that'll never be undone
We used to have two children, now we're left with one
Everybody stumbles when they learn to walk
Everbody mumbles when they learn to talk
One thing we've learned with wisdom is you give it your best sho
We prayed you'd be strong but you barely even faught
Did you ever listen to anything we'd taught?
When you swim against the tide you give it all you got
Daughter: With your expectations oh so high you nailed me to the wall
You placed me on a pedistal so I was bound to fall
I ended up laying down when I tried to stand too tall
Whenever I try to shift to a higher gear I always seem to stall
When I needed you the most I was too afraid to call
Parents: Oh how did we miss the truth with the writing on the wall?
Why did you say nothing? We should have known it all
If only you had told us for we can be so blind
If only we had known we would have been more kind
Daughter: What have I done? This shouldn't have been my fate
I realize I've only made one mistake and now its far too late
Now its so dark I guess its time to sleep
I'll be here for an eternity and all I'll do is weep
Parents: Always remember that you're daddy's little girl
---
The world would've been your oyester and you its pearl
I would do anything to give you a second chance
I'd trade my soul to let you have just one last dance
You were my daughter and you were my friend
If only you had known that it didn't have to end
Item 1977
A COP ASKED THE WITNESSES
In one sentence: A printed copy of Tom's early poem 'A Cop Asked The Witnesses', a rainy November night and a hit-and-run, from his early binder, later a song, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
A printed copy of Tom's early poem A COP ASKED THE WITNESSES, about a rainy November night, a hit-and-run and a child whose father did not live, from his early binder and sung as COP ASKED THE WITNESSES (set list 7, track 10).
- Why it matters
- A printed copy of Tom's early poem A COP ASKED THE WITNESSES - a rainy November night, a hit-and-run and a child whose father did not live - one of the first in his early binder, sung as COP ASKED THE WITNESSES (set list 7, track 10 on the 34 albums) and published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Printed page
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 7 - COP ASKED THE WITNESSES ; Set list 7 ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Heartbreak ; Real life ; Death ; Familythe old category list says: DEPRESSING ; HEARTBREAK ; REAL LIFE (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 7 · track 10 · as the song COP ASKED THE WITNESSES
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line A3, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- Same words
- also written out as number 70matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 7 (track 10) · Set List 7: Train Off The Tracks, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
A COP ASKED THE WITNESSES
A cop asked the witness did you see the driver of the car?
Another cop responded she couldn't have gone that far
It's amazing where fate'll bring you - all the way to a cell
It's amazing where fate'll bring you - down to the depths of hell
The night was dark and dreary and the rain was pouring down
The faces of the happy were quickly turned to frowns
November twenty-sixth and there's not much thanks to give
It's hard to be rejoiceful when daddy didn't live
A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car?
Another cop responded she couldn't have gone that far
Mommy ran into a restaurant screaming someone hurt my love
Mommy showed the owner the broken wings her dove
Two lives were almost taken as soon as they begun
A two year old child and a young driver on the run
People dressed in black now put flowers on his grave
Daddy died a great hero and his little girl he did save
A father's life is over and his family torn apart
A mother's constant weeping and a child's bleeding heart
A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car?
Another cop responded she couldn't have gone that far
There's blood on the sidewalk and tears fallen to the ground
Flowers on the gravestone and a deeply saddened town
About the girl on the run are you sorry for your sin?
Your only chance at heaven is turning yourself in
A cop asked the witness did you see the driver of the car?
Another cop responded she couldn't have gone that far
It's amazing where fate'll bring you - all the way to a cell
It's amazing where fate'll bring you - down to the depths of hell
The night was dark and dreary and the rain was pouring down
The faces of the happy were quickly turned to frowns
November twenty-sixth and there's not much thanks to give
It's hard to be rejoiceful when daddy didn't live
A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car?
Another cop responded she couldn't have gone that far
Mommy ran into a restaurant screaming someone hurt my love
Mommy showed the owner the broken wings her dove
Two lives were almost taken as soon as they begun
A two year old child and a young driver on the run
People dressed in black now put flowers on his grave
Daddy died a great hero and his little girl he did save
A father's life is over and his family torn apart
A mother's constant weeping and a child's bleeding heart
A cop asked the witnesses did you see the driver of the car?
Another cop responded she couldn't have gone that far
There's blood on the sidewalk and tears fallen to the ground
Flowers on the gravestone and a deeply saddened town
About the girl on the run are you sorry for your sin?
Your only chance at heaven is turning yourself in
Item 1982
CLINICAL DEPRESSION
In one sentence: A printed copy of Tom's poem 'Clinical Depression', a grieving family's dialogue, with one letter corrected by hand, from his early binder, later a song, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
A printed copy of Tom's poem CLINICAL DEPRESSION, a dialogue between grieving parents and the daughter they lost to suicide, with one letter corrected by hand; from his early binder, sung as CLINICAL DEPRESSION (set list 12, track 12).
- Why it matters
- A printed copy of Tom's poem CLINICAL DEPRESSION, a dialogue between grieving parents and the daughter they lost to suicide, with one letter corrected in his hand - sung as CLINICAL DEPRESSION (set list 12, track 12 on the 34 albums), published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Printed page
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 12 - CLINICAL DEPRESSION ; Set list 12 ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) ; Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014) ; Death ; Internal struggle ; Family ; Heartbreakthe old category list says: DEATH ; INTERNAL STRUGGLE ; TEMPTATION (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 12 · track 12 · as the song CLINICAL DEPRESSION
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line C3, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- Same words
- also written out as number 1971matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 12 (track 12) · Set List 12: Wounded Masculinity, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
Moved here from item 1986 - the number blocks in this photo read 1982
Moved here from item 1986 - the number blocks in this photo read 1982
The words on this page
CLINICAL DEPRESSION
Parents: She finds a bottle of pills and she holds them in her hand
Daughter: My whole world is falling down and noone understands
There's one way to solve my problems-thats for me to go away
After I'm placed down in my grave I can't hear anyone say:
Parents: She had the whole world in her hand but she only let us down
Now she's gone too far away and she's only six feet under ground
What could make her think that we didn't love her so?
What could make her think that there was no place left to go?
Daughter: I'm sorry mom, I'm sorry dad
I hoped that this would make you glad
I couldn't bare to see your face
When you thought your love's a waste
I didn't want to hurt you nor cause any pain
I guess I imagined my loss would be your gain
Parents: Whatever you did in the past is nothing compared to this
That would pass just like the moon with just a hug and kiss
This is your one mistake that'll never be undone
We used to have two children, now we're left with one
Everybody stumbles when they learn to walk
Everybody mumbles when they learn to talk
One thing we've learned with wisdom is you give it your best shot
We prayed you'd be strong but you barely even fought
Did you ever listen to anything we'd taught?
When you swim against the tide you give it all you got
Daughter: With your expectations oh so high you nailed me to the wall
You placed me on a pedistal so I was bound to fall
I ended up laying down when I tried to stand too tall
Whenever I try to shift to a higher gear I always seem to stall
When I needed you the most I was too afraid to call
Parents: Oh how did we miss the truth with the writing on the wall?
Why did you say nothing? We should have known it all
If only you had told us for we can be so blind
If only we had known we would have been more kind
Daughter: What have I done? This shouldn't have been my fate
I realize I've only made one mistake and now its far too late
Now its so dark I guess its time to sleep
I'll be here for an eternity and all I'll do is weep
Parents: Always remember that you're daddy's little girl
---
The world would've been your oyester and you its pearl
I would do anything to give you a second chance
I'd trade my soul to let you have just one last dance
You were my daughter and you were my friend
If only you had known that it didn't have to end
Parents: She finds a bottle of pills and she holds them in her hand
Daughter: My whole world is falling down and noone understands
There's one way to solve my problems-thats for me to go away
After I'm placed down in my grave I can't hear anyone say:
Parents: She had the whole world in her hand but she only let us down
Now she's gone too far away and she's only six feet under ground
What could make her think that we didn't love her so?
What could make her think that there was no place left to go?
Daughter: I'm sorry mom, I'm sorry dad
I hoped that this would make you glad
I couldn't bare to see your face
When you thought your love's a waste
I didn't want to hurt you nor cause any pain
I guess I imagined my loss would be your gain
Parents: Whatever you did in the past is nothing compared to this
That would pass just like the moon with just a hug and kiss
This is your one mistake that'll never be undone
We used to have two children, now we're left with one
Everybody stumbles when they learn to walk
Everybody mumbles when they learn to talk
One thing we've learned with wisdom is you give it your best shot
We prayed you'd be strong but you barely even fought
Did you ever listen to anything we'd taught?
When you swim against the tide you give it all you got
Daughter: With your expectations oh so high you nailed me to the wall
You placed me on a pedistal so I was bound to fall
I ended up laying down when I tried to stand too tall
Whenever I try to shift to a higher gear I always seem to stall
When I needed you the most I was too afraid to call
Parents: Oh how did we miss the truth with the writing on the wall?
Why did you say nothing? We should have known it all
If only you had told us for we can be so blind
If only we had known we would have been more kind
Daughter: What have I done? This shouldn't have been my fate
I realize I've only made one mistake and now its far too late
Now its so dark I guess its time to sleep
I'll be here for an eternity and all I'll do is weep
Parents: Always remember that you're daddy's little girl
---
The world would've been your oyester and you its pearl
I would do anything to give you a second chance
I'd trade my soul to let you have just one last dance
You were my daughter and you were my friend
If only you had known that it didn't have to end
Item 1985
A PERFECT WORLD
In one sentence: A printed copy of Tom's poem 'A Perfect World', signed by Tom in his own hand, with a page explaining each stanza, from his early binder, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
A printed copy of Tom's poem A PERFECT WORLD - the whole world's a fight, I can't get no peace - signed by Tom in his own hand, with a printed page explaining the title and each stanza; from his early binder, sung as PERFECT WORLD (set list 20, track 10).
- Why it matters
- A printed copy of Tom's poem A PERFECT WORLD - the whole world's a fight, I can't get no peace - signed in his own hand, with his printed notes on the title and each stanza; sung as PERFECT WORLD (set list 20, track 10 on the 34 albums), first published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Printed page
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 20 - PERFECT WORLD ; Set list 20 ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Finished Song Lyrics (2011) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Inspiring ; Be different ; Societythe old category list says: INSPIRING ; MOTIVATIONAL ; BE DIFFERENT (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 20 · track 10 · as the song PERFECT WORLD
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line A1, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- Same words
- also written out as number 16, 442, 1987matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 20 (track 10) · Set List 20: The Cost Of Light, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
by Tom Jensen
A PERFECT WORLD
The whole world's a fight I can't get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when it's at ease
Watching the sunrise is a long forgotten art
Feet so busy walking separate from the heart
When was the last time you noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten so soon
There's so much more than what you've been told
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
This set pattern you follow is just one of their lies
A world lacking communion, only me's and I's
Through competition our brotherhood has been broken
As no one's acknowledged these words that I've spoken
Everything, even people, filed by order and rank
Number one built the Titanic yet down it sank
There's still time left to return these ideas you've been sold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
Some say if winning isn't everything than why keep score?
Those same people send other mother's sons to war
I could be like you or maybe someone else
One step towards them and one away from myself
Sometimes they see me and ask me "How I feel?"
I respond "A hamster on a hamster's wheel"
If you feel trapped like a rat in this world so cold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
I'll keep on fighting no matter what's in store
But at least I'll know what I'm fighting for
My own little peace and quiet in this world so vast
This world makes me dizzy because it's moving to fast
Round and round they go as they spin their wheels
Trying hard to keep their poker face on when the dealer deals
Stop going for broke when you'll win if you hold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
The brokers in the suits and ties walking down Wall Street
The ones with the diamond watches and their hair so neat
They get so stressed out playing all their Wall Street games
They get home and yell at their wives and forget their own kid's names
All for the love of money and nothing more
If they call that rich then you can call me poor
If they tell you the lie 'all that glitters is gold'
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
As I climb up the mountains or float over the sea
I find myself alone and contented and alive and free
No need to look at my watch or punch a clock
And I notice my feet when I go for a walk
It could be like this if enough people believe
Just as the wind blows a flower, I'm planting my seed
The time has come for us to break the mold
Rise up in rebellion, could we be so bold?
---
A PERFECT WORLD
Title: contradictory
Stanza 1: people are so busy they never take the time to appreciate being alive or the little things in life that are so beautiful like nature or something as simple as a sunrise or the moon. We're all taught to go, go, go when sometimes its better to just sit and observe. We need to change the way we live our daily lives. But it does take a lot to change.
Stanza 2: Everything is one big competition: school, job, driving (everybody is in a hurry) everyone compares everyone else by how much money they make. The constant competition breaks down society and social relations. Yet we're taught this through and through - be it deliberately or not. We always have to be better than the next guy. The best ship builder built the Titanic so being number one isn't a guaranteed success.
Stanza 3: Some are so bent out of shape over numbers (grades or money) that they think that's why you do something for a 100 or an A but you do it for yourself. The author (me) isn't like that (let's pretend) and wants others to see the error of their ways. He doesn't want to give in to their way, that's why he tells the audience to rebel. The reference to the hamster wheel means that everyone's going around and around at a million miles an hour but for what purpose? Stop and relax and enjoy life - you only live once.
Stanza 4: The author won't give in. The world isn't what he wants it to be but he'll keep remembering and searching for his perfect ideals. The poker face reference shows that they know the error of their ways but since everyone else does it they do it too. They don't have to go for broke or be so extreme in working 40 - 50 - 60 - 70 hours a week. They work so much they lose sight of what's important like family, love and happiness. A happy medium of less work and more play and more appreciation is much better yet it is not the general way of thinking - it is extreme.
Stanza 5: The stock brokers represent the rich people who work so much and care for money the most. They represent the worst case of the problem; anti-author. They get so wrapped up in work that they forget about everything else. People think that it's a great life but if you have a ton of money yet no happiness is it really wonderful. The rest is self explanatory.
Stanza 6: Nature's good - no people to mess it up. The feet reference refers to stanza 1, line 4. People should think this way of nature and happiness first. I planted this seed of wisdom for everyone to know what happens in advance. I've told them the reprecussioof their actions.
A PERFECT WORLD
The whole world's a fight I can't get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when it's at ease
Watching the sunrise is a long forgotten art
Feet so busy walking separate from the heart
When was the last time you noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten so soon
There's so much more than what you've been told
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
This set pattern you follow is just one of their lies
A world lacking communion, only me's and I's
Through competition our brotherhood has been broken
As no one's acknowledged these words that I've spoken
Everything, even people, filed by order and rank
Number one built the Titanic yet down it sank
There's still time left to return these ideas you've been sold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
Some say if winning isn't everything than why keep score?
Those same people send other mother's sons to war
I could be like you or maybe someone else
One step towards them and one away from myself
Sometimes they see me and ask me "How I feel?"
I respond "A hamster on a hamster's wheel"
If you feel trapped like a rat in this world so cold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
I'll keep on fighting no matter what's in store
But at least I'll know what I'm fighting for
My own little peace and quiet in this world so vast
This world makes me dizzy because it's moving to fast
Round and round they go as they spin their wheels
Trying hard to keep their poker face on when the dealer deals
Stop going for broke when you'll win if you hold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
The brokers in the suits and ties walking down Wall Street
The ones with the diamond watches and their hair so neat
They get so stressed out playing all their Wall Street games
They get home and yell at their wives and forget their own kid's names
All for the love of money and nothing more
If they call that rich then you can call me poor
If they tell you the lie 'all that glitters is gold'
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
As I climb up the mountains or float over the sea
I find myself alone and contented and alive and free
No need to look at my watch or punch a clock
And I notice my feet when I go for a walk
It could be like this if enough people believe
Just as the wind blows a flower, I'm planting my seed
The time has come for us to break the mold
Rise up in rebellion, could we be so bold?
---
A PERFECT WORLD
Title: contradictory
Stanza 1: people are so busy they never take the time to appreciate being alive or the little things in life that are so beautiful like nature or something as simple as a sunrise or the moon. We're all taught to go, go, go when sometimes its better to just sit and observe. We need to change the way we live our daily lives. But it does take a lot to change.
Stanza 2: Everything is one big competition: school, job, driving (everybody is in a hurry) everyone compares everyone else by how much money they make. The constant competition breaks down society and social relations. Yet we're taught this through and through - be it deliberately or not. We always have to be better than the next guy. The best ship builder built the Titanic so being number one isn't a guaranteed success.
Stanza 3: Some are so bent out of shape over numbers (grades or money) that they think that's why you do something for a 100 or an A but you do it for yourself. The author (me) isn't like that (let's pretend) and wants others to see the error of their ways. He doesn't want to give in to their way, that's why he tells the audience to rebel. The reference to the hamster wheel means that everyone's going around and around at a million miles an hour but for what purpose? Stop and relax and enjoy life - you only live once.
Stanza 4: The author won't give in. The world isn't what he wants it to be but he'll keep remembering and searching for his perfect ideals. The poker face reference shows that they know the error of their ways but since everyone else does it they do it too. They don't have to go for broke or be so extreme in working 40 - 50 - 60 - 70 hours a week. They work so much they lose sight of what's important like family, love and happiness. A happy medium of less work and more play and more appreciation is much better yet it is not the general way of thinking - it is extreme.
Stanza 5: The stock brokers represent the rich people who work so much and care for money the most. They represent the worst case of the problem; anti-author. They get so wrapped up in work that they forget about everything else. People think that it's a great life but if you have a ton of money yet no happiness is it really wonderful. The rest is self explanatory.
Stanza 6: Nature's good - no people to mess it up. The feet reference refers to stanza 1, line 4. People should think this way of nature and happiness first. I planted this seed of wisdom for everyone to know what happens in advance. I've told them the reprecussioof their actions.
Item 1986
AROUND THE KING'S TABLE
In one sentence: A printed copy of Tom's poem 'Around The King's Table', marked Poem 2, about guests raising a toast to the man at the head of the table, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
A printed copy of Tom's poem AROUND THE KING'S TABLE, marked Poem 2, about guests raising a toast to the man at the head of the table, on a sheet with a torn left edge.
- Why it matters
- A printed copy of Tom's poem AROUND THE KING'S TABLE, marked Poem 2, about guests raising a toast to the man at the head of the table.draft - not yet proved
- Type
- Printed page
- Collection
- Poems (album place to be checked) ; Societydraft - not yet proved
- Published in
- IN A BOOKTom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line A4, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- On the site
- Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
The only picture of this piece
The words on this page
The world would've been your oyester and you its pearl
I would do anything to give you a second chance
I'd trade my soul to let you have just one last dance
You were my daughter and you were my friend
If only you had known that it didn't have to end
CLINICAL DEPRESSION
[?] the steps
[?] my strug[?]
---
Poem 2
AROUND THE KING'S TABLE
All raise glasses to propose a toast
Tilt back brims to honor a host
Raise glass to lips to praise the day
Lifting a hand as all guests say:
"This man who sits at table head
Who sits before us breaking bread
The finest king throughout the land
Deserves a toast so raise a hand"
As we sit around the table
We laugh away the night
We drink for as long as we're able
And toast glasses for all that's right
A toast to our tongue which tastes our drinks
And to our brains that swim and think
A toast for grapes which are used for wine
Raise cups for livers, both yours and mine
Drink a taste to honor waste
Of dribbled wine spilled on your face
A toast for chairs on which we sit
Give thanks for thrones on which we shit
Before we sleep and go to bed
Upon light pillow with heavy head
Let us toast that tomorrow
Shall be the same as today
So far away from sorrow
That toast again we may
I would do anything to give you a second chance
I'd trade my soul to let you have just one last dance
You were my daughter and you were my friend
If only you had known that it didn't have to end
CLINICAL DEPRESSION
[?] the steps
[?] my strug[?]
---
Poem 2
AROUND THE KING'S TABLE
All raise glasses to propose a toast
Tilt back brims to honor a host
Raise glass to lips to praise the day
Lifting a hand as all guests say:
"This man who sits at table head
Who sits before us breaking bread
The finest king throughout the land
Deserves a toast so raise a hand"
As we sit around the table
We laugh away the night
We drink for as long as we're able
And toast glasses for all that's right
A toast to our tongue which tastes our drinks
And to our brains that swim and think
A toast for grapes which are used for wine
Raise cups for livers, both yours and mine
Drink a taste to honor waste
Of dribbled wine spilled on your face
A toast for chairs on which we sit
Give thanks for thrones on which we shit
Before we sleep and go to bed
Upon light pillow with heavy head
Let us toast that tomorrow
Shall be the same as today
So far away from sorrow
That toast again we may
Item 1987
A PERFECT WORLD
In one sentence: A printed copy of Tom's poem 'A Perfect World' with his handwritten byline and notes, and a page explaining the title and each stanza, about 1996-2000.
Item type
POEM · IN 34 ALBUMS · FULL LYRICS
PUBLISHED · POEM · FULL
A printed copy of Tom's poem A PERFECT WORLD with his handwritten byline and notes about when he was born and editing his biography, with a printed page explaining the title and each stanza; from his early binder, sung as PERFECT WORLD (set list 20, track 10).
- Why it matters
- A printed copy of Tom's poem A PERFECT WORLD with his handwritten byline and notes, and his printed notes on the title and each stanza - sung as PERFECT WORLD (set list 20, track 10 on the 34 albums), first published in Poems By Tom (2007).
- Type
- Printed page
- Collection
- 34 Albums: Set list 20 - PERFECT WORLD ; Set list 20 ; Poems By Tom (2007) ; Only The Best (2018) ; 200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013) ; 180 Good Poems (2012) ; Chomskian Poems (2011) ; Finished Song Lyrics (2011) ; A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020) ; Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) ; Inspiring ; Be different ; Societythe old category list says: INSPIRING ; MOTIVATIONAL ; BE DIFFERENT (not checked by Tom)
- Published in
- IN 34 ALBUMSset list 20 · track 10 · as the song PERFECT WORLD
IN A BOOKPoems By Tom (2007)
200 Poems Waiting For Music (2013)
The November 2024 Collection (2024)
Tom Jensen Poem Anthology (2013)
Brian Rainstorm: Poetry Not Dead (2014)
180 Good Poems (2012)
Only The Best (2018)
A Lifetime Of Rhyme (2020)
Tom's Anthology, July 25, 2012
Tom's Anthology, September 18, 2011
34 Albums, Books 1 and 2 (2026)
Chomskian Poems (2011)
Finished Song Lyrics (2011)
Revised 31 Albums With Index (2024)
Tom Jensen Lyrics (2019) - Age when written
- written at age 18 to 23from its place in Tom's yellow binder index (line A1, a ranked list, not date order) - the binder held 481 poems by 5 April 2002, when Tom was 23
- Same words
- also written out as number 16, 442, 1985matched on the words by machine - Tom confirms
- On the site
- Set List 20 (track 10) · Set List 20: The Cost Of Light, all-in-one page · Tom's Story: 1998
Price · Tier · Tom fills these
Picture 1 of 2
Picture 2 of 2
The words on this page
When
born/edit
biography
by Tom Jensen
A PERFECT WORLD
The whole world's a fight I can't get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when it's at ease
Watching the sunrise is a long forgotten art
Feet so busy walking separate from the heart
When was the last time you noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten so soon
There's so much more than what you've been told
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
This set pattern you follow is just one of their lies
A world lacking communion, only me's and I's
Through competition our brotherhood has been broken
As no one's acknowledged these words that I've spoken
Everything, even people, filed by order and rank
Number one built the Titanic yet down it sank
There's still time left to return these ideas you've been sold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
Some say if winning isn't everything than why keep score?
Those same people send other mother's sons to war
I could be like you or maybe someone else
One step towards them and one away from myself
Sometimes they see me and ask me "How I feel?"
I respond "A hamster on a hamster's wheel"
If you feel trapped like a rat in this world so cold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
I'll keep on fighting no matter what's in store
But at least I'll know what I'm fighting for
My own little peace and quiet in this world so vast
This world makes me dizzy because it's moving to fast
Round and round they go as they spin their wheels
Trying hard to keep their poker face on when the dealer deals
Stop going for broke when you'll win if you hold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
The brokers in the suits and ties walking down Wall Street
The ones with the diamond watches and their hair so neat
They get so stressed out playing all their Wall Street games
They get home and yell at their wives and forget their own kid's names
All for the love of money and nothing more
If they call that rich then you can call me poor
If they tell you the lie 'all that glitters is gold'
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
?
As I climb up the mountains or float over the sea
I find myself alone and contented and alive and free
No need to look at my watch or punch a clock
And I notice my feet when I go for a walk
It could be like this if enough people believe
Just as the wind blows a flower, I'm planting my seed
The time has come for us to break the mold
Rise up in rebellion, could we be so bold?
---
A PERFECT WORLD
Title: contradictory
Stanza 1: people are so busy they never take the time to appreciate being alive or the little things in life that are so beautiful like nature or something as simple as a sunrise or the moon. We're all taught to go, go, go when sometimes its better to just sit and observe. We need to change the way we live our daily lives. But it does take a lot to change.
Stanza 2: Everything is one big competition: school, job, driving (everybody is in a hurry) everyone compares everyone else by how much money they make. The constant competition breaks down society and social relations. Yet we're taught this through and through - be it deliberately or not. We always have to be better than the next guy. The best ship builder built the Titanic so being number one isn't a guaranteed success.
Stanza 3: Some are so bent out of shape over numbers (grades or money) that they think that's why you do something for a 100 or an A but you do it for yourself. The author (me) isn't like that (let's pretend) and wants others to see the error of their ways. He doesn't want to give in to their way, that's why he tells the audience to rebel. The reference to the hamster wheel means that everyone's going around and around at a million miles an hour but for what purpose? Stop and relax and enjoy life - you only live once.
Stanza 4: The author won't give in. The world isn't what he wants it to be but he'll keep remembering and searching for his perfect ideals. The poker face reference shows that they know the error of their ways but since everyone else does it they do it too. They don't have to go for broke or be so extreme in working 40 - 50 - 60 - 70 hours a week. They work so much they lose sight of what's important like family, love and happiness. A happy medium of less work and more play and more appreciation is much better yet it is not the general way of thinking - it is extreme.
Stanza 5: The stock brokers represent the rich people who work so much and care for money the most. They represent the worst case of the problem; anti-author. They get so wrapped up in work that they forget about everything else. People think that it's a great life but if you have a ton of money yet no happiness is it really wonderful. The rest is self explanatory.
Stanza 6: Nature's good - no people to mess it up. The feet reference refers to stanza 1, line 4. People should think this way of nature and happiness first. I planted this seed of wisdom for everyone to know what happens in advance. I've told them the reprecussioof their actions.
born/edit
biography
by Tom Jensen
A PERFECT WORLD
The whole world's a fight I can't get no peace
My mind gets disrupted when it's at ease
Watching the sunrise is a long forgotten art
Feet so busy walking separate from the heart
When was the last time you noticed the moon?
I'm surprised you've forgotten so soon
There's so much more than what you've been told
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
This set pattern you follow is just one of their lies
A world lacking communion, only me's and I's
Through competition our brotherhood has been broken
As no one's acknowledged these words that I've spoken
Everything, even people, filed by order and rank
Number one built the Titanic yet down it sank
There's still time left to return these ideas you've been sold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
Some say if winning isn't everything than why keep score?
Those same people send other mother's sons to war
I could be like you or maybe someone else
One step towards them and one away from myself
Sometimes they see me and ask me "How I feel?"
I respond "A hamster on a hamster's wheel"
If you feel trapped like a rat in this world so cold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
I'll keep on fighting no matter what's in store
But at least I'll know what I'm fighting for
My own little peace and quiet in this world so vast
This world makes me dizzy because it's moving to fast
Round and round they go as they spin their wheels
Trying hard to keep their poker face on when the dealer deals
Stop going for broke when you'll win if you hold
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
The brokers in the suits and ties walking down Wall Street
The ones with the diamond watches and their hair so neat
They get so stressed out playing all their Wall Street games
They get home and yell at their wives and forget their own kid's names
All for the love of money and nothing more
If they call that rich then you can call me poor
If they tell you the lie 'all that glitters is gold'
Rise up in rebellion, could you be so bold?
?
As I climb up the mountains or float over the sea
I find myself alone and contented and alive and free
No need to look at my watch or punch a clock
And I notice my feet when I go for a walk
It could be like this if enough people believe
Just as the wind blows a flower, I'm planting my seed
The time has come for us to break the mold
Rise up in rebellion, could we be so bold?
---
A PERFECT WORLD
Title: contradictory
Stanza 1: people are so busy they never take the time to appreciate being alive or the little things in life that are so beautiful like nature or something as simple as a sunrise or the moon. We're all taught to go, go, go when sometimes its better to just sit and observe. We need to change the way we live our daily lives. But it does take a lot to change.
Stanza 2: Everything is one big competition: school, job, driving (everybody is in a hurry) everyone compares everyone else by how much money they make. The constant competition breaks down society and social relations. Yet we're taught this through and through - be it deliberately or not. We always have to be better than the next guy. The best ship builder built the Titanic so being number one isn't a guaranteed success.
Stanza 3: Some are so bent out of shape over numbers (grades or money) that they think that's why you do something for a 100 or an A but you do it for yourself. The author (me) isn't like that (let's pretend) and wants others to see the error of their ways. He doesn't want to give in to their way, that's why he tells the audience to rebel. The reference to the hamster wheel means that everyone's going around and around at a million miles an hour but for what purpose? Stop and relax and enjoy life - you only live once.
Stanza 4: The author won't give in. The world isn't what he wants it to be but he'll keep remembering and searching for his perfect ideals. The poker face reference shows that they know the error of their ways but since everyone else does it they do it too. They don't have to go for broke or be so extreme in working 40 - 50 - 60 - 70 hours a week. They work so much they lose sight of what's important like family, love and happiness. A happy medium of less work and more play and more appreciation is much better yet it is not the general way of thinking - it is extreme.
Stanza 5: The stock brokers represent the rich people who work so much and care for money the most. They represent the worst case of the problem; anti-author. They get so wrapped up in work that they forget about everything else. People think that it's a great life but if you have a ton of money yet no happiness is it really wonderful. The rest is self explanatory.
Stanza 6: Nature's good - no people to mess it up. The feet reference refers to stanza 1, line 4. People should think this way of nature and happiness first. I planted this seed of wisdom for everyone to know what happens in advance. I've told them the reprecussioof their actions.