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The
Price of Happiness

Lyrics
& Credits

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1 / The Price of Happiness

I’ll quit all these fancy prospects Rather swim down in my shallow pockets Don’t wrap me in the arms of the football captain I don’t need to borrow his bomber jacket I’m peaking over now through your picket fence And your grass is looking brown All your leaves are sickened I say no one’s home to my toxic friends They said, “you’ll be alone,” and I said, “say less” They said I’d be mourning in a black dress Now I’m dancing around like a goddamn princess (Clean: like a damn princess) I don’t buy into your back-to-school checklist I’m not selling out and that’s the price of happiness Am I a bitch (Clean: Am I to blame) if I’m getting really over it? Celeb-obsessed crowds and the top-perching chauvinists I won’t say aloud how I’m feeling about the fortune list I’ll just write it down while I resign from corporate I’m peaking over now at your hoarded wealth And your stocks are heading down, saved by the bell I watch you drive home in your brand new Lexus Face glued to your phone Am I supposed to be jealous? They said I’d be mourning in a black dress Now I’m dancing around like a goddamn princess (Clean: like a damn princess) I don’t buy into your do-or-die bucket list I’m not selling out and that’s the price of happiness They said I’d be pinching pennies for my debt singing in the street and drowning in my loneliness I said I’ll count my change with no regrets Singing in the street ‘cause that’s the price of happiness Chorus Repeats Miranda Hardy- vocals, guitar, producer; Alex Crossland- slide guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, percussion, producer; Morgan Hardy- background vocals; Mark Dann- mix, master, bass, co-producer; Ross (TikTok: @theresgremlinsinmyboots)- key word inspiration “single” “happy” “fall” “black”

2 / Consider This My Notice

You loosened my temper ‘til it slipped from my tongue I should have surrendered at the starting gun I’m always saving this toxic relationship while you stomp around and act like you’re the boss of it You bang your iron fist, behaving childish But you’ll say it’s me who throws a fit Consider this my notice I’m not dramatic, just over it and the time you suck (you suck) no longer having fun Don’t need approval from anyone, I’m done If this is no contest, then how come I’m losing it? (losing it) Can’t seem to sail against (sail against) your thickheaded wind I’m done with all your needs (all your needs) pushing my boundaries Lost humanity with my need to people please (people please) I seem to be obsessed with making empty threats Gonna finally jump from the sinking ship Chorus Repeats I’d take the blame but all I did was care (all she did was care) My mistake (her mistake) for thinking you’d treat me fair (you don’t treat her fair) So consider this my notice (ahh) I don’t care anymore, I’m over it (so over it) Haven’t had fun since this begun So now I’m done, I’m done Miranda Hardy- vocals, background vocals, piano, beat; Morgan Hardy- background vocals, co-producer; Charlie Graf- background vocals, claps; Mark Dann- mix, master, co-producer, bass, trumpet; Tara Fowler- song title inspiration

3 / Lifeguard Dream

Hand out the window It’s raining on Abbot Kinney Sun may paint rainbows but you’re the only light I ever see Ooh, got the hand I wanna hold while we’re never growing old Ooh, flying in PCH breeze Driving all that stress past me In the summer heat, we swim in la piscina Sip the strawberry frozen margaritas No, we don’t need sleep The sun will never leave us Drinking iced coffee in a lifeguard dream Don’t get deep, float here on the surface Lick the twisted ice cream, topped with maraschino Wear the red bikini, that match the cherry liquor Then we’ll rewind the scene in a lifeguard dream Sun glasses mirror all our troubles to rearview Sky starts to shimmer Sipping bubbles is all we’ll ever need to do We can hide away from bills In the sand castles we build Ooh, living off Malibu breeze All that salt turned sugar sweet Chorus Repeats Miranda Hardy- vocals, piano, drum and bass beat, producer; Joe Berson- ukulele, co-producer; Mark Dann- mix, master, co-producer

4 / If You're Falling (Ft.. Alex Crossland)

No need to lie, I see you blushing in her light She’s just your type Wrinkled eyes from her nonstop smile Hey, go get her, I bet she lets you down I’m not bitter, I might keep you around Hey, go get hurt, I bet she lets you I bet she hurts you I don’t mind if you’re falling out of line I don’t mind, I’m not the jealous type I just mind if you’re falling out of love If you’re falling out of love with me Love with me, yeah Won’t start a fight, I’m not looking to waste our time But I can’t stand here one more night If you’re wishing for him by your side Hey just say it, I bet you’ll hate the sound No don’t fake it if you want what you found Hey just say it, I bet you’ll hate it, I bet you’ll hate it Chorus Repeats You don’t owe me nothing but honesty (please don’t lie this time) You don’t owe me nothing but honesty (please don’t tell me) So tell me does your heart beat faster (Does your heart beat faster) when she says your name? Would it matter (Would it matter?) if she felt the same? Would it matter if she said (he said it out loud) “what if i want you?” Chorus Repeats Miranda Hardy- vocals, guitar, producer; Alex Crossland- vocals, piano, upright bass, producer; Mark Dann- mix, master, co-producer

5 / Stowaway

I rode into the sunset, at least can say I tried I chased it ‘til it’s day again, must have missed it by a mile I won’t cry about it, I’ll just say good night Sleeping fine in the daylight Maybe I am hopeless, maybe I’m a stowaway Maybe when I get there, I will learn to stay You used to write me letters, burned the day I left You poets smother beauty and die in your corsets I won’t write about it, I’ll erase it from my mind Save us all some priceless time Maybe I am hopeless, maybe I’m a stowaway Maybe when I get there, I will learn to stay Even in my comfort, I am burned from the world Worried what will last, what was I supposed to learn Will it get no better, even when I give my best? When ships roll on their side to finally get some rest? I’ve spent these last days hiding from everyone I know No use getting guidance when there’s no place left to go I’d say I’m no beggar but I don’t wanna lose humble hearts held in my noose Maybe it is hopeless, maybe I’m a stowaway Maybe when I get there, I’ll deserve to stay Maybe when I get there, I will learn to stay Miranda Hardy- vocals, guitar, producer; Mark Dann- mix, master, co-producer

6 / Immature

Shouldn’t I speak fluent French now? It’s been a couple decades and I only know “c’est la vie“ Shouldn’t I have bigger breasts how those women do in Sex and the City? Well, I can’t do taxes, (she can’t do taxes) stay friends with exes (stays friends with exes) and I’ll start a scene just so my life can feel dramatic (she’s so dramatic) My lavish budget? (her lavish budget) Well, I can’t afford it (she can’t afford it) But I’ll do my best to just ignore that You talk about weather and work I’ll laugh bout nothin ‘til it hurts You watch your news networks I’ll watch these self-set fireworks I see it (she sees it), your future (your shining future) It’s not lost on me what it’s worth I’m glad you’re so damn sure Guess I’m a little bit immature I guess I’m, guess I’m, a little bit immature Still listen to Aqua’s album on the way to new movies rated PG-13 Tried to dye my own hair platinum in my bathroom then cried myself to sleep Don’t want a day job (she quit her day job) Rather be laid off (did she get laid off?) Would it even matter if I lived off friend potatoes? I’m not my mother (she’s not her mother) I won’t become her (she won’t become her) I couldn’t even if I tried to bother You talk about weather and work (weather and work) I’ll laugh ‘bout nothin’ ‘til it hurts You watch your news networks I’ll watch these self-set fireworks I see it (she see’s it), your future (your shining future) It’s not lost on me what it’s worth I’m glad you’re so damn sure Guess I’m a little bit immature When did we get old? Did I miss the memo? We wanted picket fences, or so I’m told I’d rather suck down this Topo Chico than sip and spit an aged Bordeaux (with notes of red and notes of grape) Oh, uh oh, I guess I’m a little bit immature Oh, uh oh, I guess I’m... You get your 8-hours REM (8-hours REM) I’ll meditate to EDM You move to Westchester (Westchester) I’ll let this mental state fester You watch those home videos I’ll watch TikToks on my broken phone Im glad you’re so damn sure Guess I’m a little bit immature Miranda Hardy- vocals, piano, beat, producer; Morgan Hardy- background vocals; Mark Dann- mix, master, co-producer

7 / Teddy in the Grill

Bohemian breeze blowing in tough love Carrying me to my dead end luck Came too far to admit I’m stuck I’m a teddy in the grill of a Mack truck Wolf spider’s jumping out like he’s bigger than me Got a glare and bodies in his mouth that’ll make me believe it, he’s all i’ll never be On the road I measure myself from the places that I should be I don’t know how I’m so far out I’ve been driving for eternity and trying not to sleep I was never gonna be the best one Life is a slaughter, why rate a mess? But I just thought I’d be someone else by now Somewhere out of my own way Chorus Repeats Her perfume makes them swoon but it’s giving me a headache Nothing new, I should be immune but I’m sick of comparing I’d rather be alone I was never good at keeping attention Why would I bother to learn my lesson When I thought I’d be someone else by now Somewhere out my own way Someone else by now, somewhere out my own way Chorus Repeats Miranda Hardy- vocals, violin, shakers, producer; Morgan Hardy- background vocals; Mark Dann- mix, master co-producer

8 / Fear of Happy Endings

Came back in case I’d see you Now I’m just passing through my hometown grave yard, plotting my next downfall Thought I was growing up, but I was sinking lower You only shined like love, reflected once I’m older I got no home here anymore So what the fuck would I stay for (CLEAN: so tell me what would I stay for?) Doubting if I’d ever find the one I would call my own When will I start caring? Aren’t I sick of sharing, ending up alone? Was conditioned by the drama Watched the screen but never saw what’s behind the cutrains drawn Got a fear of happy endings, getting bored, admitting I don’t want what’s next to come Passed your house a couple times Not the way I used to drive hoped you’d see me crack a smile So you’d know I’m doin’ just fine Everyone on my old block shades me with face of stone, save the last friend that I got, like I didn’t let her down the most No one here knows me anymore So who the fuck would I stay for? (CLEAN: So tell me who would I stay for?) Chorus Repeats Won’t see this through just to leave If it’s not you it must be me I fucked it all up (CLEAN: I messed it all up) like I always knew I would I tore it all down like I always will I’ve got nothing to say for myself So why would I stay? Miranda Hardy- vocals, piano, violin, guitar, beat, producer; Morgan Hardy- background vocals; Mark Dann- mix, master, bass, co-producer

9 / Upside Down

The elephant in the room is sitting on my chest again I don’t dare make any sudden moves I’m too invested in him Every song I ever heard told me you would break my heart But what now? I’ve broke my own Took it’s value and pawned it for parts I think I finally figured myself out I’m sick of swimming so I’d rather let myself drown in the bottle, buy some time to wallow while I’m upside down I think I’m starting to trigger myself now Dig up memories to propagate brand new doubts I’m a goner, every seed I water grows upside down What is ‘sorry’ from a sinner? Will it ever be enough? How much sorrow can we stand to be forgiven before giving up? You don’t strike much for one who’s always been provoked Can’t I settle in the silence of trust? Learn to leave all the good things alone? I think I finally figured myself out I’m sick of silence so I’d rather keep devils around until tomorrow An easy pill to swallow while I’m upside down I think I’m starting to get sick of myself now Paint you my enemy to sabotage round by round Got no honor, foolish like my father Falling upside down All you wanted was to find a home in me All I’ve ever done is find reasons to leave Could be dreaming with you somewhere But I’m my own worst nightmare All you’ve ever heard is all my tongue and cheek (all my cheek) While you’re laughing i’ll just cry myself to sleep (cry to sleep) Our fatal flaws are lying everywhere Are you ignoring it or unaware? I think I finally figured myself out Miranda Hardy- vocals, guitar, synth, piano, producer; Mark Dann- mix, master, co-producer

10 / The Afterlife

What happens when you die? And how’d you get so sure of your beliefs and reasons from creative literature? Not saying I lost my faith in church ‘Cause that I never had No ”up” if you’re good, “down” if you’re bad But what if Jesus was just a metaphor for belief in forgiveness? A way to move forward from the consequences of our perceived sins, to get through death and taxes and then let the fun back in? And what if the afterlife is only for every single other life that comes after yours? Maybe we never did know, and maybe we never will If life on earth is shallow and we’re here to swallow that pill A pill that just might cure us of our selfish anxieties Another day afraid that nothing more comes after me But what if Mary was just a metaphor for the gifts we get on Christmas, or the mistakes that get us born? Like some man named Gabriel we put all our trust in who poses like an angel just to get us into bed And what if the after life is only for every single other life that comes after yours? What if religion just focused on the way we live? And not the lives of others when that’s none of our damn business? What if by “god above,” we meant the unknown stuff? Miraculous beginnings and the purposes of life and love? What if Jesus was just a working man who tried to say we’re equals and things got out of hand? Held up his reputation just to please his mom as some heavenly sensation, a gift given from god? Well, I’ll make some wine to woo my friends and give our lives a hopeful end Where all we’ve done and we’ve designed carries into the afterlife Miranda Hardy- vocals, choir vocals, guitar, producer Mark Dann- mix, master, co-producer

11 / Strawberry Moon 

Yellow hills decorate our sills Borrowing their beauty Put on the kettle to boil down the nettles Tame them to harmony I hope I have the time before the daffodils sigh They come up quick, go out just as soon Never seeing the summer side of June Would you stay ‘til the strawberry moon? The strawberry moon Hunting mushrooms on spring afternoons under rotting apple trees They hide from storms as they take their form And hide just the same from me I hope I meet my find before the sun meets skyline Chorus Repeats As the days grow longer the nights fall darker Let the stones turn over new Don’t tarnish the fickle harvests longing for the fruit of June Chorus Repeats Miranda Hardy- vocals, guitar, violin, piano, producer; Morgan Hardy- background vocals; Mark Dann- mix, master, co-producer

12 / Like the Sunrise

When we first met I felt like I couldn’t keep my life together I bet myself you’d end up loving someone else better You caught me off guard in my free fall Wrapped me in your arms Held me through it all Leave the dark behind You’re mine forever more Stared until I was blinded by that smirk you wore in this autumn light, shining bright orange like the sunrise You feel like the sunrise Now I miss you even as you’re lying next to me Every kiss is like flying in ecstasy into the orange stained sky You and me Like the sunrise, you feel like the sunrise You cant blame yourself (you can’t blame yourself) For the mess I was ‘til I grew older I put you through hell (hell in my head) When you were the angel floating on my shoulder I still have your heart (beating through it all) Beauty marks and scars, we’re like a work of art Chorus Repeats You feel like the sunrise (Rise) Miranda Hardy- vocals, piano, guitar, synth, beat; Morgan Hardy- background vocals; Mark Dann- mix, master, co-producer; Morgan Spellman (TikTok: @morganlyfe)-keyword prompts “fall” “orange” “engaged” “nostalgic“

13 / The Bitter End

My tolerance for pain is nothing these days Guess I used to be a little bit stronger What hasn’t killed me makes me hide away in my bed a little bit longer The winter sun’s a tease like blue light from my screen Wasting daylight won’t warm me up Talent shows of teens tell me who I need to be Taking notes but likes won’t make me loved A mess of ink is bleeding from my pen All I ever think about is who I should’ve been And nothing I dream will let me start again So I’m heading home I hope it shields the wind from the bitter end The best I feel is strange Maybe I’m a fake in a simulation, wake up Don’t got what it takes to break philosophies Wanna waste the night ‘til times up Chorus Repeats We spend our waking time dreaming up our lives Soon as we have the power we fall apart Beg myself to bite my own baited advice: Get up, just start Chorus Repeats Miranda Hardy- vocals, guitar, piano, beat, producer; Morgan Hardy- background vocals; Mark Dann- mix, master, bass, co-producer

14 / The Metaverse (Ft. Joe Berson & VIB)

When you walk into a room, do you ask who built it, or trust what it’s filled with? Do you know the rules? When you talk on zoom, do your eyes get tired, or do you conspire to jump in to the pool? Pull off your eye mask, you’re already sleeping Pull out your wallet and your all-consuming wish list Blindly we stumble to the metaverse (the metaverse) Sell us the logo in the metaverse (the metaverse) At the acropolis of muddled monopolists We’ll meet new wonders as our background crumbles to the metaverse (the metaverse) Won’t stay awake to see what’s true Just chose red or blue in your lucid dream Took the melatonin, slowly slipping when you visit the cities on your peloton screens Pull off your eye mask (eye mask) You’re already sleeping (you’re already sleeping) Pull out your ballot and your lullaby politics Blindly we stumble to the metaverse (the metaverse) Sell us the logo in the metaverse (the metaverse) Watch the apocalypse from the screens tied to our wrists We’ll meet new wonders as our background crumbles Chorus Repeats Rebuild the dreams of the fallen dancer with 5G captivating cancer, electric fantasy What is it that matters, in the Metaverse? Miranda Hardy- vocals, piano, electric guitar, producer; Joe Berson- vocals, bass, co-producer; Julian Rhine- electric guitar, co-producer; Travis Scelia- drums, co-producer; Mark Dann- mix and master, co-producer

Miranda Hardy Trapped in an Irish Drinking Song.png

TRAPPED IN AN IRISH DRINKING SONG

Gather ‘round the fire for a tale of desire

ending just the same as it’s begun


A lady’s eyes of green widened with a dream


A seamstress with a talent and story to be sung


She yearns for something more, to travel to New York

and build a better life after the war


Sew dresses to be sold for coin silver and gold


But she’s trapped in Irish drinking song with more verses to endure


(dah dee dah lah dee dah dee dah dee dum dee doo dee dah)

 

Her husband lost his job, spends their pennies at the pub,

she waits for him to return from the bar 


One or two should appease, but the Irish live by threes


So he’s triple fisting pints, singing whiskey in the jar


She yearns for something more, to travel to New York

and build a better life after the war


Sew dresses to be sold for coin silver and gold


But she’s trapped in Irish drinking song with more verses to endure 


(dah dee dah lah dee dah dee dah dee dum dee doo dee dah)

 

The mornin’ of their journey, she finds him outside Murphy’s

passed out on a sack of potatoes 


No luck waking him up, she surrenders to the pub 


And takes a pour of whiskey and two more for the road 


She yearns for something more, to travel to New York

and build a better life after the war


Sew dresses to be sold for coin silver and gold 


But she’s trapped in Irish drinking song with more verses to endure 


(dah dee dah lah dee dah dee dah dee dum dee doo dee dah)

 

Herself, she calls a truce to swear off barley juice

and sails away anew to the rainbow’s end 


But when one’s out at sea, rum gets passed to thee


Puking o’er the edge like a sailor drunk again


She yearns for something more, to travel to New York

and build a better life after the war 


Sew dresses to be sold for coin silver and gold


But she’s trapped in Irish drinking song with more verses to endure


(dah dee dah lah dee dah dee dah dee dum dee doo dee dah)

 

Manhattan, she’s here at last, only water in her glass,

hopeful for the new life she’s begun


But living out her dreams is not as easy as it seems 


On the island of opportunity and one hundred Irish pubs 


She yearns for something more, a glass of tullamore

Maybe a pint or two will be in store


With stories to be told and good times to unfold 


Cause she’s trapped in Irish drinking song with more verses to endure


(dah dee dah lah dee dah dee dah dee dum dee doo dee dah)

 

Now the moral of this story is you can dream of glory

and lead yourself to do what’s right from wrong 


You can take advice and give up every vice

But you can’t take the whiskey out of an Irish song

Dah dee dah lah dee dah dah

The songs still going on

We’ll sing the song ’til we can’t sing songs no more


We’ll sing ’til all is sung and drink ’til all is drunk 


Cause we’re trapped in Irish drinking song

with whiskey to be poured

Christmas Tree.jpg

Christmas Tree

I chopped down a Christmas tree

I took the life it’s given me

My smile creeps in like ivy

I strung it up with pretty lights 

They come and go 

But hypnotize me every single time 


This holiday energy

Is making me believe

There’s more to love than loss

Melts the ice in my eyes

It always makes me cry

Every year this time 


Every wish I’ve thought of you  

And if I dared I’d make them true  

But I’m terrified to choose you 

What you get you get to lose

And I can’t bare any more bad news

It hurts to breathe sometimes 


I know it’s better to lose

Then never have what you’ve

Wanted out of love 

Still shivers from the snow 

Remind me of my ghosts

And I’m so sick of loss

It seems to me

Nothing here ever lasts too long  

This Christmas tree 

Is shining but it’s already gone

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It's a Doggie Blue Christmas

You brought in a mini tree 

But it’s not even a place to pee 

This Christmas 

This Christmas 


You hung me up a giant sock 

But I can’t reach to chew it up 

This Christmas 

This Christmas 


I don’t need expensive gifts 

Just a few dog butts to sniff 

Maybe just one squeaky toy

A treat for good girls and boys


You said it’s the best time of year 

And then packed up to leave me here

This Christmas 

This Christmas 


Forget holiday vacations 

To Tropical destinations 

Why can’t you just relax 

With me snuggled on your lap 


I don’t need no Santa clause 

To dress my little doggie paws

In miniature festive holiday boots 

just wanna spend my time with you 


It wouldn’t take a lot from you 

To get me through my doggie blues 

This Christmas 

This Christmas 

with you 

REVERIE ALBUM LYRICS

FAR AS I CAN TELL

living like a relic dulling in its sheath 

shining velvet, sharpened underneath 

difference of opinion, resistance pulling threads 

i’m still spinning quarters, slapping hand to head 


waiting like a felon sharpening his teeth 

reasons for redemption falling out of reach 

wintered paths to heaven, seasons churn in bed 

in my living quarters resting like the dead 


how am I to figure this out 

when all I ever do is doubt 

turn on the TV to tune out the hell 

it’s just getting louder as far as I can tell 

tripping on my laces, chances slip from mind

can’t tie up loose ends losin' my paid time 

sort through fact from visions fictitiously fed

drawing out the act with superstitions in my head 

how am I to figure this out 

when all I ever do is doubt

turn on the TV to tune out the hell 

it’s just getting harder as far as I can tell

i just keep forgetting to write my prospects down 

might as well be listing things for crossing out 

heard its all subjective so now I’ve finally cracked 

ripping down my effigy - we’ll see if I react 


how am I to figure this out 

when all I ever do is doubt 

turn on the TV to tune out the hell 

i’m just getting started as far as I can tell

PASSÉ MASTERPIECE

is this how it plays out? we fall to less than friends?

drift apart ‘til we sink down, riptide with no defense 

i still picture it now - the end matching intent

retrospectively I doubt we could ever be strangers again

i haven’t heard your name in long stretches of time

don’t know if you’re alone, don’t know if you’re alive 

not sure why i care, the paints already dry 

keep on thinking back to nights when you were mine 

there’s nothing I write down that’s makin sense to send 

silently I’m drowning out feelings with my thoughts again 

repeat chorus

memorizing you like you’d always be around 

everything I knew is nothing useful now 

new moon rising blue

sky reflects the ground framing history

a passé masterpiece the tide pulled out 

repeat chorus

TIKI BAR

i know a place lit like the sunshine 

where ships get wrecked to no surprise  
happens all the time


blueberry skies, red watermelon
rum in disguise under umbrellas
find some peace of mind in concrete paradise 

need a little sunshine on this island
life’s a beach but you can’t find it
i know what you’re seeking, it’s not far
meet me at the tiki bar 
here’s a punchline to get you laughing
fruity rum and lime is what you’re lacking
i know how you feel, shit gets hard
meet me at the tiki bar 


i know you hate rush hour traffic
i know you cry when straws are plastic  
happens all the time  

red sunset fades to dark blue water
saw a mermaid 

i almost caught her to apologize for the rising tide


repeat chorus 


sweet sweet sugar rush, fruity fruity rum
drinks sneak up on us - and another one
sweet sweet sugar rush, fruity fruity punch
day sneaks away from us - and another one

repeat chorus 

LAWLESS ROMANCES

wedding guests get impressed

tearing up over love and fate

bridesmaid in a scarlet dress

red roses wilt on white cake

when they know, they know

when they don’t they guess

bet your money on her

she’ll end up in a white dress 

but i loved you first

i know your worth

rehearsal nights rehearsing fights 

you know practice makes perfect

too late to question fate

your best man’s your best chance to tell you it’s worth it 

when you know, you know

when you don’t you guess 

put your honey in a church 

bring something to confess 

that you loved me first

you know my worth

misery loves compromise 

they’ll stick together on the course 

predictable like the sunrise - 

is there anything much worse?

ditch the toast, drive up the coast 

make it to the beach by morning

take this road, wherever it goes

ignore the signs, just for the story 

hold my tongue through the ceremony 

exchanging stolen glances 

riding through uncharted territory 

count me out for lawless romances 

when i know, i know

when i don’t i guess

put my money on you 

ended up in a red dress 

cus i knew her first

i know her worth

I knew her first

AT LEAST I FED THE DUCKS

i line up my feet on checkered tile floor
right, left, repeat - i’ve kept this pace before
fast lane with slow gain, losing what I've got

silence fills the room 'cause I’m not listening
sparks that light my fuse fizzle as I sink
small talk with big thoughts suppressed as I’m taught

feel it day by day
take it as a warning
things won’t be the same even if I hurry
passing time with pastel skies that paint the pond blush  
i stop to feed the ducks 


deep breath in the park just to play pretend
lie there till the dark creeps on in again
succumb to everyone following the crumbs

feel it day by day
take it as a warning
things won’t be the same even if I worry
and race away the darker days
time's too quick to rush
i stop to feed the ducks 


stuck on my last words, poisoning my peace
struck right where it hurts, "i'm burdened when you bleed"
replay what I’d say if time went in reverse 


feel it day by day
take it as a warning
things won’t be the same even if i’m sorry
just yesterday i saw your face close enough to touch
we stopped to feed the ducks 
at least i fed the ducks 

VILLAINS NOT IN THE NEWS

looking out your dirty window 

past tells you what you need to see

young charmer with a knack for control 

the venomous breed 


locked and loaded black widow 

world spins around you 

watching lonely on your nightly patrol

crave a bite of something new 


i know you 

the kind of villain who don’t make it to the news

she went out displaying that dress

and your best friend told you she’s no lady 

you don’t doubt her motive’s to tempt

and you’re not one to keep waiting 

creepin in, a hollow hunter 

claiming prey is what nature’s for

dark decisions mark your pattern 

like the stripes mark the skirts you’ve torn 

i know you 

the kind of villain who don’t make it to the news

she said no but you bet she meant yes 

‘cause your daddy taught you to be persuasive

took her home just to give it your best

while she can’t stop you, too faded 

(i know you)

always leave your victims dazed and used 

i can see the venom, veins start to bruise

i know you 

the kind of villain who don’t make it to the news 

i know you 

leave your victims feeling dazed and used

i know you 

see the venom in their veins start to bruise

i know you

FLIGHT OF FANCY

how deep is it in my mind 

can’t rid of monsters that you can’t find 

crimson berries on low vines

poisonous until they’re ripe


i guess this is my reality 

you couldn’t stay that long

didn’t realize when you called me

you were already gone 


reliving reshaped memories, 

few pointless fantasies 

i’m only human - defined by my delusions 

flying on my flight of fancy

how far is it to the borderline

can’t run from monsters if you can’t hide 

show me signs like peace of mind 

bitter sweet on the rind 

i guess the sky has been storming

couldn’t say how long

i didn’t realize when you warned me

you had already moved on

reliving reshaped memories 

few pointless fantasies 

i’m only human - content in my confusion  

flying on my flight of fancy

the air is thicker when it’s all mine

can’t rid of monsters that you don’t mind 

how long can this hold on to me 

are there tricks to sanity

stuck in lost realities, misconstrued eternities 

i’m only human - convinced of my conclusions 

flying on my flight of fancy

NO ONE TO BE

barefoot in the mud 

just someone dressed in calico

stone wallflower stance

i was never much 

but enough to catch your straying eyes 

that take what they can

you were chewin’ straw grass 

didn’t ask what’s growin’ on your mind 

i’d already seen you hummin’ to yourself 

like you don’t care ‘bout nobody else 

or how bad they bleed


weeds on the wall 

might as well build them up with stone

stack odds evenly

cowards hide at home dreamin' hard 

while cowboys freely roam 

with no one to please 

with no one to be

played a lion’s game in the barn 

you batted me like yarn

tried to provoke 

i knew the rules, didn’t dare 

give in to you or else

you’d play me alone 

slow seep from the oil 

on your ivy skin that spreads wildly

tangled in your moods 

that swing like we used to do

on my porch love seat

weeds on the wall 

might as well build them up with stones

stack odds evenly

cowards hide at home dreamin' hard 

while cowboys freely roam 

with no where to be 

with no one to be


think of us 

when the dust settles from your run 

as a fading roan 

drink from your rusted can 

in your callused hand 

cornered back home 


weeds on the wall 

might as well build them up with stones

stack odds evenly

cowards hide at home dreamin' hard 

while cowboys freely roam 

with no one to be 

ROXY

the cracks in the floor 

keep letting her in

beers in the bathtub

but the ice is getting thin 

says she misses New York 

but doesn’t make the effort

he keeps the wine uncorked

trying to forget her

now roxy’s smoking cigarettes 

on the hallway stairs 

hearing folk music cassettes 

answering her prayers


take it slow, ride it out 

stick with the local line

headin all the way downtown 

back to number nine 

sing a sad slow song 

dancin in the village 

where the one comes along 

every other minute 

it’s just a gray dog 

chasin that fat cat 

rip up your pay stub 

throw that pickled shot back 

strike up the band  

deal out a deck of cards 

he’ll show his hand’s 

missing the jack of hearts 

but roxy’s smoking cigarettes 

in the hallway

hearing folk music cassettes 

answering her heartbreak

repeat chorus

it’s been a few months 

since she’s opened this door  

but stepping in 

things are just as before 

he’s trading his chores 

for pints in the pub 

wishes on a penny  

with dishes in the bathtub 


and roxy’s smoking cigarettes 

in the stairwell 

hearing folk music cassettes

singing her farewell

repeat chorus

SPLINTER HEART

you left me out in the rain 

then hung me out to dry 

since that night things aren’t the same 

you don’t even try 

every time you come around 

you prop me up to knock me down

but when you cross the line

i’m on the other side

this isn’t my fault

you’re the one who chooses when I fall

so sick of blaming you 

when sticks and stones hit skulls and bones 

you break apart my splinter heart

is it the beer or the whisky that’s got you out of bounds?

don’t you see that you miss me when I stand my ground?

you crave that sound when we collide 

you need the power that comes with the crown you’ve been denied 

every time you’ve tried 

you’ve fallen off to the dark side 

repeat chorus

if this is all just a game to you, who will win this time?

when you play do you aim or do you just not have a type?

are you feeling bitter?

are you committed or playing with her?

well we’ll see who gets hurt while my heart’s in splinters 

this isn’t my fault

you’re the one who chooses when I fall

so sick of blaming you 

this game you play is give and take

after all you’ve put me through

you know I’m playing too 

my splinter heart

YELLOW BEDROOM

why’d you leave just to crawl right back?

i’m on my knees feeling under attack 

you watch me sleep, but I’m not sleeping too

i can’t believe i’m back next to you


what is it about this bedroom

that you keep on coming back to?

keep messing with my head

you know I’m doin fine without you


you look like someone

someone I once knew from a time I can’t return to

so I can’t trust you

sorry if I hurt you 

it’s the state of mind i’m falling into

but I’m stronger this time 

repeat chorus 

…here

i know you were there last night

i see you lying by her side

i don’t know why you’re here now

nothing on this earth seems to keep you away 

is it even worth the price I'd pay?

I’d ask you to go but I don’t know how 

i feel a chill and i lose my cool

you’re one of a million and i’m just a fool 

repeat chorus 

maybe it’s your eyes

or the way you creep into my life

and I can’t sleep

ALTERNATIVE ENDING

is this fickle fate a fairytale meant for someone else? 
i only catch the waves when the ship has sailed
can't reconcile myself

i’m always too hot, too cold, never just right
don’t feel those fall days when summer calls to say goodbye

is this my alternative ending?
i don’t believe in fairytales
in another narrative pretending
i deserve better than to fail


i fall to nightmares like a fatal snare weaving wicked spells
miscall my affairs 'cause they don’t play fair
don’t recognize myself

usually too used to being used
suddenly the story becomes too good to be true

repeat chorus 


since when does heaven sing me angelic songs?
right when i tether myself to my fate, i fear i won’t belong

did you mislead me with ancient alchemy?
only here to tease me like a juliet balcony

repeat chorus 

REVENGE OF THE FIRE EMBERS

if kindling sparks in the forest 

with no one there to see

extinguishing the darkness

would it still ignite me 

open eyes try to stop it 

‘cause money grows on trees 

cataclysmic knocking 

one, two, three 

haze rolls in, slowly, smoking

slipping from poetry to prose 

and I know it’s not new news 

hot summer simmers to an end

high temper dry enough to spread 

remember it’s too late to mend 

when fire embers seek revenge 

apologies come with excuses 

no remorse, no regrets 

gaslighting fuses 

lining our defense


the burnout overcomes me

i follow where it lets me go 

and I know it’s nowhere new 

repeat chorus

the cold front dances in, bitter wind 

frozen branches, wax-dipped 

wicker lit low 

and I hope there’s somewhere new

WHITE OAK

too free to fail 

white oaks will grow 

in cold night air 

through late spring snow 


past the tree line 

the air flows thinner 

glow like tea lights’

fragile flicker 


slowing your trail

fade in shadow

show life plays fair

all wanes to close 


cast out a fight 

praying like sinners

preordained plight 

taut traps trigger 

last one more night 

wishing in whispers 

settle to quiet 

bare no winners 

once running wild

you now stand still

again a child

free of free will

DIVINE INTERVENTION

pleased to meet ya 

i’m not a people pleaser

but ill make you feel right at home

things might get choppy 

like black belt karate 

i’ll knock you out as friend or foe 

don’t mean to be offensive

just have one question -

is this divine intervention for me?

you say you’re scheming  

i say you’re dreaming 

only lightening strikes me down 

you say potato

i say fettuccini alfredo -

since you’re tryin to take me out 

don’t mean to be offensive

just have one question -

is this divine intervention for me?

cus I’m feelin' like a god

i cannot be stopped

show me if you’ve got that immaculate touch

believe it or not

i’m the one calling these shots 

i'll draw on two - your mind is blown

it might be magic

like King Arthur’s talent

i’ll pull the sword right from the stone 

don’t mean to be offensive

just have one question -

is this divine intervention for me?

repeat chorus

said i'd stick to three?

keep it low key?

doesn’t sound like me 

must have been another bitch

up tight, doesn’t live it up right, 

coward of the night, 

high strung like a kite -

some girls good but some girls should 

get high on something light,

sip all night, liver in a fight - 

limits out of sight and I’m out of my mind

turn up tonight or fall behind

let’s get lit, a little devine 

is it next drink o’clock already?

i mix it up a lot, get ready

i have chosen to drink poison 

matchin' boys in lederhosen

clinking glasses singing, "ein posit" 

i like grass and grape and grain

can’t hold back I’m fannin' this flame

runnin' this game, chuggig' like a train

funny, I was gonna stick to seltzer keep it tame

oh god im feelin' great and

don’t tell me this nights forsaken

goin down like swoosh - that’s a free throw, 

gonna pay for it though,

pray for me tomorrow 

repeat chorus

TIKI REMIX

repeat song

five dollar chicken makes ya hot

honey check-in at the front

for some loco coco

slamming' rum time

pink wave for subway surfing

lady liberty be workin'

concrete jungle bird-watchin'

with a twist of lime

ooo-nana havana clubbin'

chase us down if rum you runnin'

never-sleeping city

just a broadway castaway

navy strength killing' pain

floating' by them hurricanes

combin' all these beaches 

'cause these chicks on holiday

Music & Lyrics ©2021 Miranda Hardy Music (BMI)

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