Off My Back

Rolling Tide

Songaweek 2025

-Daydreaming-

The day hangs down like hazy curtains
their linen made out of our burdens
and all I want to do
is tear them down to see you 

I won't wait until it's evening-
dreaming is wasted on the sleeping
and all I have to do
is close my eyes to see
what's not in front of me

We might have eyes for what is missing
and ears that sing instead of listening
but what a mind can do?
It seizes hold of you and wastes its waking hours 
wishing

Daydreaming

Skytied inspired

Written for Songaweek 2025

-Piece of Pi-
3.141592653
5897932384

Piece of Pi

Written for songaweek 2025

-If you have to cry...-

Do you want a medal just for making your bed?
Being tired is a privilege, you can rest when you're dead.
Dreaming doesn't pay the bills
or keep you dressed and fed

If you have to cry
then just don't do it on the family's time

If you want a diamond,
you put pressure on a coal
If you power through your struggles
then success offsets the toll.
I sought it like an arrow, flying straight to hit my goal

and now I'm CEO! 
(After mom left me 3 years ago)

Our family came here long ago,
we traveled by night.
We took whatever we could carry,
and the rest was left behind...

...to a company that moves that shit
'cause we didn't want to drive.
And we never complained
even though it was a red-eye flight.

No, you don't have to cry.
Just pick yourself up
it'll be alright. 
 

If you have to cry...

-A Coronet for His Mistress, Philosophy- 
George Chapman

Muses that sing love's sensual empery,
And lovers kindling your enraged fires
At Cupid's bonfires burning in the eye,
Blown with the empty breath of vain desires;
You that prefer the painted cabinet
Before the wealthy jewels it doth store ye,
That all your joys in dying figures set,
And stain the living substance of your glory;
Abjure those joys, abhor their memory,
And let my love the honour'd subject be
Of love, and honour's complete history.
Your eyes were never yet let in to see
The majesty and riches of the mind,
But dwell in darkness; for your god is blind.

A Coronet for His Mistress, Philosophy

Written for Songwaweek 2025 (60 minute song)

-Hey Stranger-
Hey stranger, how are you?
I saw something funny
at work
no one got it
but you would've laughed 
till your sides were sore
Why don't we talk anymore?

Hey stranger, what's new there?
I saw what you posted -
the new hair. It's different. 
Remember how long it was
when we were in school?
Yeah, we thought that we were pretty cool

I've got more to share
If you ever decide to pick up your phone
I know that you're there,
and I'll keep sending memes
until you text me back
to leave you alone

Hey stranger, I'm joking
I'm sorry, whatever
I'm being a bother
I'll try again later
I'll try again later

Hey stranger

Written for Songaweek 2026

-Dopamine-

If it feels good, I do it
I do it until it's over and done
Until it feels like faded beige background

A bag of chips
after eating just one

Was this ever fun?

The trance is trending
dogs chasing cars
My brain is broken
My phone is smart
the cycle restarts

Stare into the sun

The good can't go on -
It must be better
The best gets blander
put it all in a blender

Off My Back

jonathan dunlap