Song Cover Image

TODAY

J.J.Scully
Mid-1990s all-female alternative rock, unmistakably Pink Buttons but with a different lift from their playful new-wave material, Start grounded and slightly weary: dry live drums, warm melodic bass, loose acoustic-electric guitar and small gritty electric fills, Conversational husky female alto sings with lived-in humor, restraint and imperfect confidence, Verses lope rather than bounce, leaving air around ordinary details, Build urgency organically: drums become more forceful, guitars widen, bass climbs and backing voices gradually appear, Chorus “TODAY!” lands as a huge open-throated release, all four women joining on the title, driven by ringing guitars and live drums rather than synth hooks or repetition, Bridge becomes clipped and propulsive around short commands, then surges directly into the biggest final chorus, Analog tape grain, human timing, slightly ragged harmonies, bright guitar overdrive, Uplifting without sweetness: messy, determined, immediate, No synth-pop, handclaps
V5

Verse 1 Alarm clock died at half past six, Coffee tastes like cigarettes. There's twenty dollars in my coat, And three good reasons not to go. The sky looks like it's giving up, My car needs gas, I've had enough. I could crawl back into bed— But morning doesn't care. Pre-Chorus Maybe I'll be ready someday. Maybe someday's what we say When we're scared of— Chorus TODAY! Not when the stars line up, Not when I've had enough, Not when somebody comes along And tells me I'm okay. TODAY! With everything undone, Before I change my mind and run. Tomorrow gets tomorrow— I get today. Verse 2 I've saved a dress I've never worn, A bottle waiting to be poured. Kept good words behind my teeth, Like they'll be worth more next week. There's someone I should probably kiss, Somewhere I've been scared to live. Funny how we save our lives For days that don't exist. Pre-Chorus Maybe there'll be better weather. Maybe I'll get myself together. Maybe— No. Chorus TODAY! Not when the stars line up, Not when I've had enough, Not when somebody comes along And tells me I'm okay. TODAY! With everything undone, Before I change my mind and run. Tomorrow gets tomorrow— I get today. Bridge Wear the dress. Make the call. Say the thing. Risk the fall. Take the long way. Miss the train. Dance outside If it starts to rain. You don't need a reason. You don't need a sign. Look at the clock— It's stealing mine. [Band surges] Final Chorus TODAY! While I'm scared as hell, While nothing's going well, While I still don't know exactly Who I'm supposed to be. TODAY! Not prettier or brave, Not waiting to be saved. Tomorrow gets tomorrow— This one's for me. TODAY! Outro. Today. (lead, almost laughing) What are you waiting for?