City of Bridges

*(Sound of a MAX train door chime: "Doors to my right.")* *(The high-pitched whine of an angle grinder cutting a U-lock)* *(A relentlessly cheerful 80s synth jingle kicks in)* **[Verse 1]** I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Rose City kid Got a spot beneath the Burnside where my stolen bikes are hid! I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Rose City kid I’m burning through a blue just like the older burnouts did! **[Verse 2]** I got a catalytic converter and a sketchy set of plans I’m headed down to BottleDrop with fifty bags of cans! I don’t wanna grow up, I’m swinging my machete I’m dodging Portland Fire while I’m hunting for the fetty! **[Chorus]** From the foil to the straw, to the breaking of the law It’s the biggest open market there is *(it’s biz!)* I don’t wanna grow up, 'cause maybe if I did I couldn’t be a Rose City kid! **[Bridge]** *(The bouncy synth suddenly grinds to a halt. The music slows down to a heavy, distorted crawl. Everything sounds "underwater," sludgy, and desperate.)* More rain... More shakes... More screaming at the skyline 'til my vocal cord breaks... The shelters are all full... it is what it is... *(Voice drops to an exhausted, shivering whisper)* ...Gee, I wish I had a bridge. **[Verse 3]** *(The upbeat synth violently snaps back to the fast tempo)* The sweeps are coming through so I gotta pack the cart! I'm moving towards the Steel Bridge by the transit center stop! I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Rose City kid I’m looking for an overpass to keep my stashes hid! **[Outro]** I wanna be a Rose City kid... *(Hey man, you know anyone with a tent under the Fremont? I’m sick...)* I wanna be a Rose City kid... *(Sound of a shopping cart rattling away, a crackling fire in a stolen city trash can, and the synth melody fading out)*