This song started when a single line popped into my head: “It could have been worse, but I’m not sure how.” Certainly a promising opening, right? As I played with it, “worse” rhymed with “hearse” and suddenly it turned into a song about a guy who has died, yet remains hopeful. What can I say? I go where the music leads.
If you love yourself some Ataris, this one’s for you.
1. It could have been worse,
but I’m not sure how.
We all arrived in a hearse
and they won’t let me out.
They said it’s all up from here,
but now I’m not so sure,
‘cause I’m gasping for air
and they’re shoveling dirt.
It’s been a year.
It’s all up from here.
I try to see things on the bright side
even when they’re looking bleak.
What’s the point in dramatizing
everything?
2. Things are looking up
even though I’m down.
I thought I’d had enough,
when it was just starting out.
But it’s not so bad.
(It’s also not so great.)
Maybe I should be sad,
but that can probably wait.
Chorus
3. As the crowd dispersed,
I realized
it was so well rehearsed
that nobody cried.
But it could have been worse
though I’m not sure why.
And even though it still hurts.
I’ll just give it some time.
Chorus