SHITHAMMER
Written December 2003
As some will attest, inspiration strikes in the strangest moments. In the case of "Shithammer", it struck twice. For starters, I confess to being a total geek, to the extent where I play 'Magic: The Gathering' with friends. I won't bore you with a lesson, but suffice to say there's a certain Magic card we've dubbed the Shithammer. Basically, I thought to myself that Shithammer would make a great title for a song.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks before Christmas. I was driving back from a visit to Woodstock, coming back through Fredericton via Highway 8, passing through Marysville. I saw a sign that I think mentioned some sort of beautification project sponsored by the federal government. A line was born in my head, and it had nowhere to go but out. Of all the songs I've written in my life, this one stands as the only one to ever be written (mentally AND physically) while driving. I don't condone the act of writing while driving, but I didn't really want to stop driving OR writing. Regardless, looking back, it's funny how a simple little sign can birth what I think is a pretty scathing social commentary. Enjoy.

Underneath the silvery shimmer of your federal beautification
There's rust spots poking through the pretense
It's leading me to think that maybe I should bury myself in blankets
These raindrops smack of putrid promises...

And please don't say anything more (4x)

You told me it was coming up roses, but the stench proves you a liar
No glory; integrity is a pipe dream
You hammered me with bullshit, but now we've set the bags on fire
So sorry, but you're burning unless you stomp it clean now

And please don't say anything more (4x)

Stepping with your swagger in the execution style
In a game of inches, you've been looking for a mile
Push the button, pull the trigger 'til the nation's hanging loose
Leave the population swinging on a bureaucratic noose
I'm calling you a fucker, since you want to turn the screws
Take your head out of your ass for a different point of view
And maybe when the cities burn, and order is refused
You'll realize that we've all turned out just like you

And please don't say anything more (4x)