Objects in the rearview mirror*

Stealing From Meat Loaf

The skies were pure and the fields were green
And the sun was brighter than it's ever been
But it was still just an illusion that could never be
A closeness of fantasy I never really knew

It was always summer and the future called
We were ready for adventures and we wanted them all
And there was so much left to dream and so much time to make it real

But I can still feel the sting of all the tears so long
From a mind that crashed and burned
I know I'll never learn why
A fate should die so young

We were racing, we were soldiers of fortune
We got in trouble but we sure got around
There are times I think I see the future in the dark
But truth was right behind me and gaining ground

But it was long ago and it was far away, oh God it seems so very far
And if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are

And when the sun descended and the night arose
I heard as destiny cursed everything I’ve ever known
The path was dangerous and drunk and defeated
And corroded by failure and envy and hate

There were endless winters and the dreams would freeze
Nowhere to hide and no leaves on the trees
And the eyes of the night were blank
As life hit me again and again and again

I know I still believed faith would never leave,
But reality had left me all alone
So many fears, so much pain
So many wasted years in a life that could never be my own

And though the nightmares should be over
Some of the terrors are still intact
I'll hear that ugly coarse and violent voice
As hell grabs me from behind and pulls me back

But it was long ago and it was far away, oh God it seems so very far
And if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are

There was a beauty living on the edge of town
And she always put the top up and the hammer down
And she taught me everything I'll ever know
About the mystery and the muscle of love

She needed help while the stars glimmered
And the moon shared glow peering through the night
And I took a back seat with my Angel in need
Abiding my turn for the joys of life

Those were the rights of spring and we did everything
There was salvation for us both within sight
We got our dreams reborn and our chains were broke
I had chosen a path that was finally right

Then my world came down with a resounding crash
And in the pain of my mind I reached for that hand
But it was withdrawn, no help was insight
Once more I was alone to deal in the dark

But it was long ago and it was far away, oh God it seems so very far
And if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are

Then my world came down with a resounding crash
And in the pain of my mind I reached for that hand
The help had been a one way street in the night
Just like always it would ever be.

But it was long ago and it was far away, oh God it seems so very far
And if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are

G- February 2009