Bowling

Lyrics

Verse 1 (Long guitar solo) I used run the poker tables like I was wanted by the law, Had a look that said “don’t test me,” had a walk that said the same. I kept something in the glovebox that went bang. A deadly tool I’ll never touch again. I was living like a legend in a movie no one saw, The hero in my own mind, the villain by default. Verse 2 There was a guy I couldn’t stand, he had a smile that pissed me off. Wanted to kick him in the shins every time I saw his ugly face. He was up to no good, I said, “You’ve got to be kidding.” Time got the best of me, I pulled that heavy trigger, I’ll never forget that day. I fought an evil bad guy, he gave me another gun. Tried to pull a fast one on me, so I shot another one. Chorus Now the years keep rolling by, headed straight for the back row, Making a lot of noise and then disappearing with the smoke. I spent so long keeping score I forgot why we began, Like a gunslinger shooting blanks down a bowling lane. Thought I was the hero riding in to save the day, Turns out I was mostly blocking everybody else’s way. And the night’s still laughing at me every time I think I’ve won, Because growing up’s a little hard when you’re still trying to look tough. I was living like a legend in a movie no one saw, The hero in my own mind, the villain by default. Verse 3 I knew a girl who told me, “You take everything too serious.” I said, “That’s because I’m dangerous.” She laughed for thirty seconds. Said, “You drive a four-door sedan and work nine hours a day. The most dangerous thing about you is your cholesterol.” Well, that one hit harder than I cared to admit, So I challenged her to prove it and immediately regretted it. She beat me fair and square and then she bought us both a Bridge My younger self had big plans, black boots, and a mean stare, Practiced introductions in the mirror like he’d someday be famous. He thought every room would freeze when he finally walked inside, Most rooms barely noticed and continued with their lives. He wanted thunder and lightning, motorcycles and revenge, Instead he got lower back pain and a discount at the pharmacy. Guitar Break Final Chorus Now the years keep rolling by, headed straight for the back row, Making a lot of noise and then disappearing with the smoke. I spent so long keeping score I forgot why we began, Acting like a gunslinger in a rented bowling lane. Thought I was the hero riding in to save the day, Turns out I was mostly blocking everybody else’s way. And if I really was the villain, well, I’ve got to laugh at that, ’Cause every great outlaw eventually throws out his back. Outro So here’s to old enemies, forgotten wars, and neon lights, To carrying things too long and finally setting them aside. The jukebox keeps on playing and the bartender’s my friend, And the last few pins are standing, but I don