The Hold Steady - Blackout Sam Lyrics

That winter we were dealing
With unrest in the interior
Careful when they mention local legends
He was down there in the trenches
She was holding down home office
Still in constant correspondence

Blackout Sam has got credentials
He keeps flashing them as laminate
He keeps scratching at his neck

The General made a gesture of contrition
The law of averages says something's gotta give
We were stuck up in survival mode
You were twisting on the telephone
Giving blanket denials to that one persistent kid

Blackout Sam don't have the answer
He keeps waking up in parking ramps
He could never find his keys

Now promise me you won't forget
The nights that haven't happened yet

Separate the smoke from all the cinders
Put another sticker on the van
The carpet at the party house
Tear it up and take it out
Somebody should check on Blackout Sam

While we stood there at the service
With her hand up on my shoulder
We could feel, like, every single thing
Push the pill right through the foil
Check the engine, change the oil
Spent the summer wishing it was spring

They sent another man to sing the anthem
But the monitor malfunctioned
And he couldn't find the key

Always tried to take it so much further
Spinnin' like a sparrow through the spire
Ingested every offering
Tried to make it interesting
Cut up and consumed what we desired

Take a little comfort, it's just thunder
Put another sticker on the van
And now that it's a haunted house
Break the lease and empty out
Somebody should check on Blackout Sam
Somebody should check on Blackout Sam

Dropped out of school but he still went to church
He was a friend of mine, I hope it didn't hurt
Cried when he died, but tonight it felt worse
Snuff out your smoke, and pour your drink in the dirt

Local legends with the faraway eyes
I want to make you feel protected and high
If you're in the city, and while you're still alive
I want to make you feel protected and high

Local legends with the faraway eyes
I want to make you feel protected and high