Silas

from The Last Man by Oliver Franklin

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lyrics

Silas

Silas made the history books today
Silas found a way to make ‘em pay

He was born in a capsule
Miles from the schoolyard
When his mama died they say he never grieved
Wouldn’t steal from his employers but he’d lie right to a child
“For their own good,” he solemnly believed

He got mostly passing grades, the occasional raise,
Neither handsome nor too tough on the eyes
He was rather well-behaved,
Not noticeably brave,
Nothing that would warrant a disguise

But Silas made the history books today
Silas found a way to make ‘em pay
Simple pleasures, sleight of hand,
Middling height, the anti-man
Made the history books today

Where he came from the only rule was “never say you’re sorry.
Don't own up to a fault unless it pays”.
When the hurricane came heavy
He put money on the levy,
Drank a whisky while he watched it wash away
They found him at the embassy, took him into custody
He didn't have a damn word to say
But "There's a curious kind of honor
In the algebra of slaughter,
We're equal in the waters of decay"

And Silas made the history books today
Silas found a way to make ‘em pay
Simple pleasures, sleight of hand,
Middling height, the anti-man
Made the history books today

So the newsmen filled the blanks in
The generals moved the tanks
Across a border no one even knew was there
And the door swung open to a cell
That fit the warden very well
The fingerprints rose into the air

The last man’s name is Legion,
We all are of his body,
Cut the head off and another will arise
Covered in his father’s ashes,
Followed by his laughter,
Cut the head off but the laughter never dies

The laughter never dies

Silas made the history books today
Silas found a way to make ‘em pay
Simple pleasures, sleight of hand,
Middling height, the antiman
Made the history books today,
Go to sleep, now!
Silas made the history books today

credits

from The Last Man, released July 1, 2015

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about

Oliver Franklin Boulder, Colorado

Oliver Franklin is a songwriter, composer and performer from the Pacific Northwest who now lives in Colorado. His raw but literate songwriting is a consistent through line as his musical explorations wind through ambitious electronic settings, gritty folk noir and lush psychedelia. ... more

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