I needed something to believe
So to pass the time I fell in love with you
Faith no more in anything you say
So I'm giving up on you

Rip the flesh from my bones
But the battlefields remain
Tear me open with indifference
To see the damage I contain

CHORUS:
Throw me your quarters
I'm just another romantic
Cynical cowardice
Is a comfort zone for you

Silence and self-ignorance
Are habits of yours to tame
Indecisive reluctance
Have crippled you now to shame

Well I'm not here to persevere
For pocket change and an insoucient ear
I'll take the train from dust to rain
And walk away with all my pain
So sad, so long, I'll sing this song
So she can see where she belongs

CHORUS

Penance for my wasted time
A long walk home alone tonight
High beams from the passing cars
Bring to light

Lonely nights at 4 am
Are worth more than a half a year with you
So keep your damn nickels and dimes
And buy something to do

CHORUS

Life without love
Is love without fear
Is fear without a cause
Cause I'm never in need
Cause your cynical heart
Is a hopeless heart indeed
Goodbye, my friend

Music and lyrics by Owen Burns. Copyright 2004 Argyle Doren Music (ASCAP)

"This one is basically a big giant cockroach that I haven't been able to get rid of. Back in the Mantra days, Justin left in September of '02, then rejoined at the acoustic show Alex and I put on on my birthday that year, and as a gift of goodwill I wrote a rather aggressive song for him so he could do what he does on it. Then things happened as they do with the luck of the Irish and I had to move to Boston on my own, so that promptly put an end to things for Mantra once and for all. When I was there, I went through a pretty dramatic break-up, and the poem which eventually became the lyrics to the song were written. I was a total asshole in the lyrics (as I usually am anyway) and name-dropped the girl's favorite band, made allusions to lovey-dovey memories in the relationship, and tried my damndest to rip her a new one. But I pretty much had my fill of cheesy break-up songs on Ass Prison, so I wasn't about ready to unite a favorite song to these lyrics. 'Nickels and Dimes' though was never my favorite, so it was a match made in Shit Song Heaven. Unfortunately though it's just a really fun rock song with a solid hook, so for now it's sticking around."