Story Behind The Song

Having spent chapters of my life in unsafe neighborhoods, some of the most detailed instances inspired me to write this Country tune.

Song Description

There are a lot of reasons to stay safe in this town, but this isn't one of them. It isn't the safest town around. But when you succumb to the place, you're staying and playing the game of an unsafe life.

Lyrics

Safe Like...

Verse 1
She said, "Come on down, it's a crowded cool scene. Let's dive into the world of drinks and slot machines."
Neon's buzzin' like a string of bug zappers. Bartender's mixin drinks and couldn't be happier.
A Hooker is preachin, wearing denim and gin, tellin tall tales 'bout places she's been.
I asked, "Is it safe?" She laughed through her smoke.
"Safe like a promise from a man who's broke."

Chorus
Safe like a prayer in a poker hall,
Safe like a ladder that is way too tall.
Safe like shoutin in a quiet library
Safe like a whisper when the sound can carry,
Safe like a seatbelt made of string,
Safe like a church with a gambling wing.
You want comfort? You want grace?
Try finding that in a two-bit place.

verse 2
He wore a badge from a cereal box, Said, "I keep the peace with my fellow cops."
His dog had a limp and a big gold tooth, He sniffed out lies and inconvenient truth.
As a rap song finished rattlin' the place, then came the hush of "Amazing Grace".
Again, I asked, "Is this place safe and legit?" He said, "Safe like a candle in a nitro pit."

Chorus
Safe like a prayer in a poker hall,
Safe like a ladder that is way too tall.
Safe like shoutin in a quiet library
Safe like a whisper when the sound can carry,
Safe like a seatbelt made of string,
Safe like a church with a gambling wing.
You want comfort? You want grace?
Try finding that in a two-bit place.

Bridge
Safe like Stockton on a Saturday night. Safe like cuttin melon with a butter knife.
Safe like Fresno when the fog rolls in; Or crashin Bakersfield bars with a violin.
Safe like a selfie in South L.A. Safe like Reno on a triple-play.
Calm as a monk with a poker face grin, 'til your wallet's a ghost and the house cashes in."

verse 3
Now I sit with my back up against the wall; counting all the exits and watching shadows crawl.
She's gone, the crowd's a blur of sin, but I keep coming back, again and again.
'Cause safe ain't soft, and safe ain't sweet. It's just the lie we tell when we're on repeat.
So, pour me some danger, neat and raw, I'll toast to the chaos and those fatal flaws.

outro
Safe like a baby in a lion's den,
Safe like trusting fate with a ballpoint pen.
If you're lookin' for peace, I'll leave you be.
Cuz I'm safe like a track star with a broken knee...
You'll be safe being stranded with the likes of me.

End