Everything's Fine

[Verse 1] I parked my brother’s borrowed car Behind the gym where we learned to drive The banner said “Welcome Back, Class of ’09” I practiced my grin in the rearview twice They asked if I still played those Santa Cruz bars I said, “The coast was good to me” Left out the part where the landlord changed the locks And my amp’s in storage, third month free [Pre-Chorus] I’ve got a clean shirt, a practiced line A paper cup of lukewarm wine [Chorus] I tell them life’s been treating me great Big plans, good breaks, couldn’t complain I laugh like I’ve got it all arranged Then sleep in my brother’s guest room again I say, “Yeah, man, everything’s fine” Like fine is a place you can stay for a while [Verse 2] The yearbook crowd looks just the same With better shoes and softer knees One guy’s got twins, one runs the bank One asks if I’m still touring overseas I say, “Not lately, but I’m writing things” My ex-wife’s name catches in my throat She kept the dog, the couch, the good plates I kept this jacket and the jokes [Pre-Chorus] They raise a glass; I raise mine too I’ve got the timing down by now [Chorus] I tell them life’s been treating me great Big plans, good breaks, couldn’t complain I laugh like I’ve got it all arranged Then sleep in my brother’s guest room again I say, “Yeah, man, everything’s fine” Like fine is a place you can stay for a while [Bridge] My brother leaves the hallway light on Doesn’t ask when I’ll be moving out There’s a box of old demo tapes Under the bed, still labeled “next big thing” Maybe tomorrow I’ll call somebody Maybe tonight I’ll let that be enough [Final Chorus] I told them life has been treating me great Big plans, good breaks—well, that part can wait I laughed like I had it all arranged Then slept in my brother’s guest room again But I don’t have to sell them a line I’m still here, still trying, and that’s mine [Outro] The banner came down; the gym went dark I borrowed my brother’s car and drove back