LYRICAL LYRICISM

Was ’56, Chicago in the summertime. 

No wind blowing, pavement hot, damn near frying. 

Cubs in 8th and Wrigley just aint no fun.

Kinda restless, feeling like we’re half-past done. 

(CHORUS)

Hop in that old black Mercury / down 50 'cause there aint no interstate.

Searching for our first time / think we might just test our fate. 

Word is that there’s quite a few / might be 18. 

Houses of ill repute / down there in Kankakee.

In the Windy City / heard about old Nell Clark. 

A madam who the cops / well they made go dark.

She was just ahead of a business trend.

Called the crowning evil serving railroad men.

(CHORUS)

Gathered my boys – Marty, Burt and me.

Hopped in my ’50 Mercury. 

Drove into the night, yeah it took two hours.

Saw the tracks and a field of wildflowers. 

Hoping to fulfill a young boy’s dream.

Got just what we wanted down in Kankakee.

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Overcast day in Dwight, Illinois / You can miss it in the blink of an eye

At the Old Route 66 Family diner / Not far from the Tractor Supply

Gypsy Skillet and a cup of joe / When some old ragged boys roll in

After all night at the VFW / Smellin’ like cheap beer and gin

(CHORUS)

They were dressed like 1950 / Just like David Allan Coe sang

In his story ‘bout Hank Williams / In that Ohio prison twang

Cotton jackets down to their wastelines / Shirts tucked and pleated pants

Yeah they dressed just like my daddy / Bet they served in Vietnam

I paid my tab, walked towards the door / And one of ‘em nodded at me

Said boy how about you join us / Come here and take a seat

Clear you ain’t from around these parts / What brings you in to Dwight

I said my daddy grew up in this town / Think he served with you alright

(CHORUS)

We sure remember your daddy / He served in our platoon

Saved each and every one of our lives / it was ‘69, in June

He lost his life that fateful day / And that might make you sad

But you should be so proud of him / He was one brave dad

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Brother Dave tried his hand, at being a college boy. 

It wasn’t right for him, a Marine he would deploy.

Uncle Sam sent him to Iraq, defend the oil supply.

Was a pinpoint marksman, took orders and didn’t ask why.

As you’d expect back stateside, family just wanted him home.

And in the spring of 1990, picked him up at Quantico.

(CHORUS)

Brother Dave did his duty, willing to give his life.

Brother Dave sacrificed, and he served with pride

Brother Dave came back home, and made himself a life.

But Brother Dave still must live, with the scars he hides inside.

Trying to find his way, one more shot a school. 

Still not really his thing, not because he was a fool. 

Went and became a cop, a sniper among the best.

Then he got a Medal of Honor, stood above the rest. 

Found a real good woman, but the marriage didn’t last.

Still they raised two fine young boys, man they grew up fast.

(CHORUS)

Getting older and spending more time, sitting at the desk.

After nearly 30 years, putting his life at risk.

But he don’t need and he don’t want, awards that they gave.

He’ll gladly take a simple smile, it’s enough for Brother Dave.

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Pontoon boat on Old Hickory Lake.
Drinking beer and grilling some steaks.
Crankin’ tunes and a boat gets near.
A few hot girls so I offer’em beers.
Blonde in a two piece, she sees my pipes.
Wants a piece, yeah, she thinks I’m fine.
 

(CHORUS)
Amendment 2 – the right to bare arms.
If you want’em don’t go too far.
Attention ladies all you need to know.
Is that you’re welcome to the gun show.
 

Sitting at church one Sunday afternoon.
Choir’s humming, just a bit outta tune.
Sippin’ whiskey and swiping my cell.

Preacher man says  we’re all going to hell.
Red head nearby, Lord help me please!
Hope she sees my cut off sleeves.

(CHORUS)

Be sure to keep the pythons bare.
It don’t really matter where.
No bad time to turn‘em loose.
First dates, weddings, even job interviews.

Sleeves are just so out of style.

And biceps sure do bring a smile.

To the face of all who’re near. 

And in your enemies, they strike fear

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Just a young girl / with big dreams.

Front a  rock’n’roll band / that's what she told me. 

She met a boy / baby came along

They were three / those dreams were done.

Then daddy left / you know how it can be.

When you’re still young / but far from free.

Asked one day / if I could help her.

She looked at me / and said these words.

(CHORUS)

Ain’t no saviors in the world / and no one’s needs to come.

Not asking for a hand / no room to come undone. 

Gotta stand up and be strong / I’ve got two mouths to feed.

Ain’t no saviors in this world / gonna work for what we need.

On a dark night / she’s sitting up.

Just couldn’t sleep / things they were tough.

Made eleven bucks / on the hourly.

She needed more / to fill her boy’s dreams.

Told herself / she’d go back to school.

Build a better life / was no fool. 

W­orked real hard / had no fear.

She’d get hers / took six years.

(CHORUS)

Looked inside her soul

Saw no one to be saved. 

Resolved to make a change.

And make her own way. 

Just a young girl / with big dreams.

Front a  rock’n’roll band  / that's what she told me. 

*Lyrics and composition: Aaron Perlut, Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Clearwater beach, Frenchie’s down the way.

Drinking beers one hot July day. 

With my boys, but really need me some.

Gonna head down south so I can get some love.

I hop on in my truck, gonna drive real slow.

Gulf Boulevard, way down that road.

Indian Rocks and Redington Beach.

Treasure Island, the bar at Caddy’s.

(CHORUS) 

I need me a St. Pete girl; With her dried-out bronze.

Faded pirate tattoo; She used to strip at Mons.

Wearing skin tight Daisy Dukes; With her bleached blonde hair.

I need me a St. Pete girl; The kind that just don’t care.

I walk on in, belly up to the bar.

Next to a gal smoking a cheap cigar.

Grab a Busch, walk on out to the beach.

Spot my St. Pete gal, sure she’s within reach.

Got a tramp stamp a couple of kids.

Drinkin’ Old Milwaukee, smokin’ Marlboro reds.

Throw her a look, she smiles back at me.

I don't really mind that she's missing some teeth.

(CHORUS) 

I betcha back in her day she looked like a million bucks.

But after all that tanning and smoking all them butts.

Tire’s lost some tread but that’s ok by me.

My St. Pete girl still gets me and never stops the party.

(CHORUS) 

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Goin’ down the highway and see some big old signs

Just a bunch of noise when one catches my eye

It’s a sacred place and one you cannot miss

It must be blessed – where god never forgets 

(CHORUS)

It’s a prayer zone / So don’t bitch and moan

No cussing in this place / We’re gonna stop and pray

Coming to a prayer zone / Where porn ain’t condoned

You won’t need no fear / But you can’t dance ‘round here 

Tables by the road selling Jesus merch

That’s just what you need along this highway church

They’ve got some savior bongs at a hell of a deal

We’re on cruise control – the lord’s got the wheel

(CHORUS)

Some of us pray in a private place

Or just shout in church for saving grace

A guy I know likes to handle snakes

My wife just shoots ‘em down at the lake

Some talk in tongues I can’t understand

While I keep going in my Chevy Van

It’s where I’m gonna worship on my own

Along this Highway 63 prayer zone

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics: Aaron Perlut, Joey Mack / Composition: Denzel Whitewell / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

I used to see her in the bar; Looking at her from afar.

Wondering if she had man; Her hair was blonde and her skin was tan.

Thought she was pretty as could be; Most beautiful thing I ever did see.

Introduced by my good friend; Told her we’d be together, ‘til the end.

(CHORUS)

Well, please forgive me, but I must say.

I’m gonna love you for all my days.

It was love, baby at first sight.

I cross my heart and I hope you’re mine.

You’re the best thing ever happened to me.

Hope we raise a happy family.

It was love, baby at first sight.

I cross my heart and I hope you’re mine.

We married back in ’99; Down in Richmond where we lived for a time.

We were young, not even 30 yet; Just building lives and looking ahead.

Searchin’ for jobs we’ve moved around; Meeting new folks all across the south.

Had 3 kids, worked to raise’em right; Surely hoping they would turn out fine.

(CHORUS)

We’re older now and the kids ‘bout gone.

Just you and me, our love still strong.

You still have the keys to my heart.

In your hands, the world still ours.

It's not all roses but a life well-lived.

But without question, I would give.

Anything to do it over again.

Together with you, my best friend.

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

You grew up sucking on a silver spoon; 

Daddy swore he’d take you to the moon.

Had a nanny and a personal chef; 

Private tutors, all the rest.

Took Cotillion, learn to waltz and eat; 

So you know how to slice your meat.

Vineyard Vines every day to school; 

Afternoons in the backyard pool.

(CHORUS)

A Beemer when you turned 16; 

Only khakis - no blue jeans.

A spoiled prick and healthy trust fund; 

A member of the Lucky Sperm Club,

Go to Harvard with a 2.9; 

'cause daddy gave’m million and five.

Didn’t work or study any way; 

Snorting coke, playing squash all day.

Weekend trips on the private jet; 

Never heard of things like having debt.

Graduation walked across that stage; 

Into the C-suite where you’re getting paid.

(CHORUS)

As a kid you smacked your nanny on the ass;

When she drove you to private school class;

Got whatever you wanted all your life;

Even landed yourself that hot ass wife;

You’re just about impossible to love;

A member of the Lucky Sperm Club.

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

We were tight as could be.
Close buds just you and me.
Then one night at the bar drinking Jack.
I saw you kissing on my wife in the back.
She and I – said I do.

In New Orleans back in ’92.
Now you’re leaving with her on your arm.
Gonna knock boots in your broken-ass car.
 

(CHORUS)
My life’s a bitch / It’s plain to see.
My girl, she just ditched my ass / It aint no mystery.
My life’s a bitch / It’s plain to see.
Gonna give it my best shot / Drown myself in cheap whiskey.
 

At my place one Saturday night.
Pour a beer - Miller High Life.
Moving truck pulls up next door.

You and my ex, drop my beer on the floor.
Seems you got, a couple steals.
First my wife now the trailer – not ideal.
I guess you’re not going to go away.

Be seeing you every goddamned day.
 

(CHORUS)
My life’s a bitch / It’s plain to see.
My ex just moved next door / Now I'm in misery.
My life’s a bitch / It’s plain to see.
Gonna give it my best shot / Drown myself in cheap whiskey.
 

It’s been 10 years and 3 kids ago.
While I’m sitting here all alone.
You’re still happily banging my ex.
And I hear it every time you have sex.
Now your kids are running all around.
Breaking shit and throwing bikes on the ground.
There’s just gotta be a way.

For me to get out – get out of this place.
 

(CHORUS)
My life’s a bitch / It’s plain to see.
Gotta find some way out / Escape this misery.
My life’s a bitch / It’s plain to see.
Gonna give it my best shot / Drown myself in cheap whiskey.

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Evening out with a couple of friends. 

Me and my girl and Tommy and Jen. 

First hit the bar and order a round of shots. 

By the time we hit dinner I’ve had quite a lot.

Whiskey and beer and with dinner some wine. 

See my girl’s face and tell her I’m fine.

When the meal comes I’m yelling ‘cross the room. 

Tommy and Jen – they can’t leave too soon. 

(CHORUS)

It happens like this, I get a bit out of hand. 

Over and over, doing best I can. 

To drink my fill to where I can’t see. 

I’m the king of the next day apology.

Host a party with friends and their kids. 

Grill fired up and tapped a full keg. 

Sunday afternoon and should be pretty chill. 

But I’m just getting started, gonna get my fill. 

Want to finish that keg before the night’s gone. 

I gotta drink up – the night might be long. 

Next thing you know I’m drinking from a trough. 

Doing keg stands and got my shirt off. 

(CHORUS)

Sometimes it’s an email, sometimes it’s a text. 

If you’re drinking with me you know what comes next. 

Apologetic note, say it won’t happen again. 

Hope you’ll forgive me and stay my good friend.

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Tuesday afternoon / in the 9th grade. 

Jenny’s on his mind / thinking ‘bout getting laid. 

Hormones pumping / teacher calls his name.

Says walk up here Junior / I ain’t playing no games. 

So he stands up tall / just trying to be a man.

Untucks his shirt / over the top of his pants.

But make no mistake / it was all right there.

Busting on out / everybody stared.

(CHORUS)

When Mother Nature gives him a stiff surprise.

Junior remembers that look in his daddy’s eyes.

Who said son be sure you are not deterred.

And just remember these important words.

Whoa, oh, oh, oh - Don’t hide it Junior.

Ten years later / working at Mickey D’s.

Junior’s on the corner dressed as Mayor McCheese.

He sees his best friend’s mom / and can’t recall her name.

But she’s quite the MILF / all the same.

She walks by Junior / and he smells her perfume.

Just then he feels his hormones swoon.

Tap on his shoulder and the bossman sees.

Those pants a bit tight / Mr. Mayor McCheese?

(CHORUS)

It Happens in school, library and church. 

Even when you’re with your boss at work.

Sitting across the table from a hot date. 

Blood vessels pumpin’ / nearing a rigid state.

Excitement builds / getting firm and engorged.

Next thing you know you go from flaccid to large.

Might blow your top so just let it be.

And be proud of your package / just let it fly free.

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics: Aaron Perlut / Composition: Denzel Whitewell / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Back in 2003 / We had a rough few months

She was carrying two on bed rest / It’s couldn’t been more tough

They came in February / Early by 12 weeks

Both not quite 3 pounds / We lost a lot of sleep

It was a struggle / But our boy he came home

Our little girl she wasn’t so lucky / She went to heaven on her own

(CHORUS)

I wonder what she’d be like / And not a day goes by

That some little girl walks right by me / And she crosses my mind

I never really knew her / Yet miss her all the same

Dream she’d be just like her mom / Alice was her name

Raising Alice’s brothers / Her memory’s always here

What would it have been like / Having all three in there

Maybe she’d be a Tom Boy / Or a gentle little girl

Love to paint just like her mother / Or take her bicycle for a whirl

(CHORUS) 

We’ll never have the answers / Who might she have been

An astronaut or teacher / Maybe a president 

But what I surely know / Is on June 1, 2003

I permanently lost / Lost a piece of me

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + Composition:  Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

On the high school team, a third-string QB

Ridin’ the bench, watch games from a knee 

One day I asked coach to put me in

Told him I’m sure that I’ll help us win

(CHORUS)

Suck it up buttercup – that was what he said

You aint getting on that field unless they pronounce me dead.

I guess you missed the news – so here’s your headline

Suck it up buttercup – don’t let me hear you whine

Five years later, the bus that I ride

Spot a beauty, want to make her all mine

Gotta get some nerve and ask her on a date

Move near her seat so I can tempt my fate

(CHORUS)

Suck it up buttercup – that was what she said

You aint taking me out unless they pronounce me dead.

I guess you missed the news – so here’s your headline

Suck it up buttercup – don’t let me hear you whine

Took it all to heart and heeded advice

Accepted risks and rolled the dice

Climbed out of my shell, said what the hell

Some great men in history didn’t have it this well

Then I took another bus ride

And that mean old beauty chanced by my side

Recognized me quick and she took a seat

Said “will you please have dinner with me?”

(CHORUS)

Suck it up buttercup – that was what I said

I aint taking you to dinner unless they pronounce me dead.

I guess you missed the news – so here’s your headline.

Suck it up buttercup – don’t let me hear you whine

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut, Joey Mack, Ed Halsey / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Rolled into town, Johnny seemed real nice

We struck up a friendship, sure was really kind

To me and my lady, and our kids too

We’d go out drinking, became part-of-my crew 

As often happens, he’d tell me about his life

I had my questions, but never did ask why

An entrepreneur who said he knew big tech

Like old Al Gore, invented internet

(CHORUS)

Just wanted a friend to share an ice-cold beer 

Shoot the shit but don’t need to hear

Things you say happened but maybe they didn’t

Wish you’d tell like it is, but you tell it like it isn’t

Beer by the fire, just shootin’ the shit

He’s talking about work with some at-risk kids 

He turns and looks right at my buddy Pete

Who’s the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet

But Johnny tells Pete that he aint so bright

Not just busting balls, it just aint real nice

Then talks ‘bout his work for Uncle Sam

How he’s saving lives – such a virtuous man 

(CHORUS)

Down deep down inside, Johnny had some good

Saw it myself, saw it when he would

Forget his anger, forget about his fears

See he’s good enough for folks to want him near

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Down in Theodosia stopped in on a friend

Just shooting the breeze When I spotted a gem

A blue ball cap with a rope across the brim

White letters on the front and a name that was written

It read Gene Rogers so I asked who was that

Said he was an old friend and that he had passed

She knew I wanted the hat, said it sits on my shelf 

But I needed his story before I took it for myself

(CHORUS)

Well that was Gene the Auctioneer

A kind-old soul who lived around here

He’s gone now but would like to know

Someone wears his hat so please take it home

Born in Protem, Missouri back in 1949

A good Christian man who sang gospel oh so fine 

How he loved to hunt and on his farm he loved to work

How he cherished his kids, yeah that was for sure

(CHORUS)

Well that was Gene the Auctioneer

A kind-old soul who lived around here

He’s gone now but would like to know

Someone wears his hat so please take it home

Still needed more so I stopped in Protem, there’s a general store from way back when

It’s a shop, a deli, a post office too and when a fire burns they know what to do

Said Gene was kind, liked his cowboy hat, always had a smile and liked to chat

He lost his boy Kevin and was buried near him and really loved all his grandchildren

(CHORUS)

Well that was Gene the Auctioneer

A kind-old soul who lived around here

He’s gone now and that was that

Remember there’s a man behind every hat

*Lyrics and Composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

There are stories that you hear.

That prison is a place of hate and fear.

But I’m here to tell you it’s not always true.

You've got choices in there too.

I crawled in to that store.

Cooked on meth, and looking for more.

Police man, he came on in.

As I’m sippin’ a fifth of gin.

Liquored up, yeah he saw me.

Take a leak, in aisle 3.

Cuffed my wrists, and brought me to you,

Now we share a cell for two.

(CHORUS)

You came to me one starry night. 

And wanted to hold me just a bit too tight.

I said pardon me but you aint my taste. 

Not going on your prison date.

I remember that first time.

Far from gentle, wasn’t feeling fine.

In the laundry as I recall,

No, I think it was in that bathroom stall.

Your hands of stone well they touched me.

While I’m trying to take a leak.

I said, fairly certain I’m not for you.

But plenty more for you to choose.

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Flipping through my Tinder app / Maybe I’ll find my mate

Just need a little something / Not any kind of date

Think I found my girl / Tramp stamp and hair in a bun

Might just swipe right now / If she smokes she’s my one

(CHORUS)

If she smokes she stokes / That fire deep down inside

Cigarette dangling from her lips / I gotta make her mine

If she smokes she stokes / Blowing them rings real wide

It’s a scientific fact / I’m gonna make her mine

Sitting in the bar / Miller High Life tonight

See her puffin’ on a Camel / Might just make her my wife

Walk right up to her / She’s standing a cloud of smoke

I say pardon me pretty lady / What you’re doing to me ain’t no joke

(CHORUS)

At the roller rink / She’s sitting by locker number 9

Virginia Slim 100 in her mouth / Damn she looks so fine

Light it up and put it in your mouth / Pull a tasty toke

That sends a clear message / That my fire’s getting’ stoked

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics by Aaron Perlut and Joey Mack; Composition by Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Trying to write the kinda song 

It’s not too short and not too long

For the bars, when we don’t want to think 

Makes you want to get on your drink

We know the words and sing’em loud 

Take our arms and put’em around 

Our drinking buddies to the left and right 

As we raise up our glasses all through the night

(CHORUS)

Just a honky tonk drinkin' song 

It’s not too short and it ain’t too long

We sing it with our drinkin’ shoes on 

We sing it loud and we sing it strong

It’s a song that everybody knows 

In the bar where everybody goes

We sing it with our drinkin’ shoes on 

It’s our honky tonk drinkin' song

We’ve been drinking cold beer all day 

And now it’s starting to get real late

Let’s find Jim — yeah Mr. Beam 

And take our shots if you know what I mean

Smelling like a horny pack of skunks 

That’s how we roll when we get drunk

Gonna hurt when we get up 

In the morning but that’s part of the fun

(CHORUS)

The end is here, yeah it’s closing time 

The lights go on and we’re feeling fine

We ain’t finished, no we’re far from done 

‘Cause I got plenty more ice cold Buds

In the cooler in the back of my car 

Right outside – don’t have to go to far

A few more rounds in the parking lot 

A capella now hold up your shot

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics and Composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

(CHORUS)

The Devil drives a Prius / Swear on momma’s grave

Drives like an old lady / Saw him just the other day

The Devil drives a Prius / Drives just way too slow

Stopping up the traffic / Going ‘bout 10 below

It was a sunny afternoon / Driving Highway 64

Speed limit was 70 / Got my pedal to the floor

Up ahead in the left lane / Going about 55

A bright red Prius / About to ruin my ride

(CHORUS)

I pulled up on his bumper / But couldn’t see inside

I wanted to get around him / I just kept on trying 

No matter how close I got / He wouldn’t budge an inch

Tried to pass but a convoy / Had me in a pinch

(CHORUS)

I was laying on my horn / Calling him a dumb bitch

When I finally pulled beside him / Damn I was pissed

Raised my finger out the window / To show that bastard up

But he just kept on driving / Ignoring my angry buzz

Finally he looked over / But must’ve changed his shape

From a fiery-reddish monster / To a 90-pound old lady

As I passed I could hear / A dark voice, it hissed

He said I’ll see you soon my son / Your soul’s on my list

(CHORUS) 

*Lyrics: Aaron Perlut + Joey Mack / Composition: Aaron Perlut / Copyright Atomic Junkshot

Head to the lake for a couple of days

See trailers and dogs with just three legs

Lots of folks just walkin’ on by

Drinking 40s and all hazy-eyed

Handicap scooters riding around

They’re shooting guns, screaming and shoutin’

Stumbling around in sleeveless shirts

Wonder if folks here go to work

(CHORUS)

At the Ozark Lake we howl at the moon

Burn our trash in the heat of June

Front lawns covered in beat up cars

Just dirt roads, meth and graveyards

Yards look like a lost and found

Hazmat suits lying on the ground

A couple of kids, outdoors in a crib

Smoking cigarettes, drinking Mr. Pibb 

Spot the lake, want to take a swim

Might get E. coli if I jump in

Not sure we make it out alive

Maybe we should’ve kept on drivin’

(CHORUS)

Moonlit night on the edge of the lake 

Coyotes howl while we get baked

Sitting on a pile of tires

Mattress cracklin’ in the fire

Hear a siren and a few gunshots  

Maybe time to leave or maybe not

Either way, it’s sure been fine

At Lake of the Ozarks one more time

(CHORUS)

*Lyrics + composition: Aaron Perlut + Joey Mack / Copyright Atomic Junkshot