Oingo Boingo. What an underrated band back in the day. Sure, it wasn’t Mozart, but it’s telling that Danny Elfman has compose most of Hollywood’s soundtracks over the past 20 years. From The Simpsons to A Simple Plan – he’s been a one man backbeat to my days. But why the shout out? Boingo’s vibe and music, this song in particular, was the backdrop to the stories in Metal Cowboy… and to my youth: a swirl of confusion, sweet and bittersweet, longing and losing my way… and finding a few dreams fulfilled in the miles between.
About The Lyrics: As a writer I wish I’d penned it. Works as a love song, as an ode to youth, making peace with the reaper without giving in to the inevitable. Seizing the moments and slowing down enough to make a few people matter.
We close our eyes
We close our eyes and dream and the world has turned around again
When everybody is running in the big race
And having a good time
Who am I to cast a shadow
Who am I?
I looked Death in the face last night
I saw him in a mirror
And he simply smiled
He told me not to worry
He told me just to take my time
Chorus:
We close our eyes and the world has turned around again
We close our eyes and dream and another year has come and gone
We close our eyes and the world has turned around again
We close our eyes and dream …
And if you come to me
And if you touch my hand
I might just slip away
I might just disappear
Who am I?
And if you think I’m worth it
And if you think it’s not too late
We might start falling
If we don’t try to hard
We might start falling in love
(Chorus)
We’re on the healing path
We’re on a roller coaster ride
That could never turn back
And if you love me
And if you really try
To make the seconds count
Then we can close our eyes
(chorus)
We close our eyes and the world has turned around again
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I play this when I’ve lost my place, and when I’ve found the strength to carry on. Play it on my birthday. Play it on holidays. Someone play it at my funeral.