You dropped off my favorite cassette near the end of the summer.
My brother's best friends brother
standing sweaty at our side door.
Never could have imagined you would drown
in the river that runs through our failing city
You loved my sister.
She thought you were pushy.
The tape was for her but I stole it away.
You saved me from a boring life.
I still carry the tape with me with me.
It is filed away with memories.
It has traveled all around this country
The sticker you put on it is rubbing off but the tape still plays.
(chorus)
Who are the rest of those songs by?
I wish I could ask you
but Death came to early.
The river wrapped you up in death and returned you to the earth.
Our brother's drank a case of beer lying near your grave
every summer on the date - of your funeral for years.
I was never invited but I was still there.
Playing that dissonant string you hit
laying face down on your bed.
Had friends who were there.
I'm a good swimmer. I'm a good swimmer.
I swear.