In State
Kathleen Edwards Lyrics

I can spot your kind a million miles away,
You have a distinct look about you and I can recognize it from far away.

Buckle down boots and a bloodshot gaze.
Your appearance includes sturdy boots and tired, red eyes.

You talk so sweet until the going gets tough,
You can be charming when things are easy, but struggle to maintain that when things get difficult.

The last job you pulled was never big enough.
Your criminal activities are always lacking in ambition or effectiveness.

Don't say you'll change after the next time.
I don't believe you when you claim to be capable of changing your ways.

You wouldn't even be yourself if you weren't telling a lie.
You're so prone to dishonesty that it's part of your identity.

(Chorus)
Recurring chorus throughout the song.

'Cause I know where the cops hang out,
I'm familiar with places where the police are known to congregate.

I know where you'll be found,
I can predict your movements and where you're likely to be found.

I know what you're all about.
I understand your motives, personality, and lifestyle.

I know when you're going down.
I can sense or infer when you're going to face consequences for your actions.

You only call me honey when we're alone,
The affectionate language you use with me is only used in private.

Hiding at your place up on slack road.
You live on a road called Slack and are trying to hide from scrutiny or discovery.

You've got an answer for every little thing.
You're skilled at deflecting questions and providing excuses or alibis.

You can't even tell me where you've been.
You refuse to disclose where you've been or what you've been doing even to someone close to you.

My face couldn't make you leave it behind.
You can't put our past behind you despite my presence reminding you of it.

Maybe twenty years in state will change your mind.
Perhaps a long term prison sentence will alter your thinking and behavior for the better.

(Chorus)
Recurring chorus throughout the song.

I know you'll never change now.
I believe that you're set in your ways and won't transform.

I know my love was good enough,
I am secure in the knowledge that I was capable of loving you properly.

I know you would have shed my blood,
I understand that under certain circumstances, you would have been willing to harm me severely.

I know you can't shut me up.
I will speak my mind regardless of how you may try to silence me.

I know when you're going down.
I can sense or infer when you're going to face consequences for your actions.