The Wall
The Steves Lyrics

Sometimes in the evenings I start to get that feeling
Occasionally, during the evening hours, I experience a sense of emptiness within myself

Like I'm empty inside
I feel as though something is lacking or missing within me

I know I'm doin' good now but tonight I'm headed downtown
I am aware that my life is currently stable and successful, but tonight I plan to go to the urban part of town

Down by the riverside
I intend to visit the area alongside the river

I sit underneath the freeway with an old friend from the old days
I sit below the overpass with an acquaintance from the past

And a bottle of wine
We share a bottle of wine between us

He used to call me 'Big Time', said he knew someday that I'd shine
He used to refer to me as 'Big Time' and believed that I would eventually become successful

Said he'd seen all the signs
He claimed to have observed telltale signs of my future accomplishments

Keep yourself to yourself
Your private affairs should be kept confidential

Keep your bedroll dry
Make sure your bedding remains dry

And boy you never can tell
It is difficult to predict

What the shadows hide
There are things concealed in the dark

Keep one eye on the ground
Remain vigilant and observant of your immediate surroundings

Pick up whatever you find
Collect anything that you discover

'Cause you've got no place to fall
You have nowhere to go if you experience hardship

When your back's to the wall
When you are in a difficult situation with no clear way out

He's gettin' old and it's showin' so I asked him how it's goin'
As he ages, his physical and mental decline are becoming more noticeable, so I inquire about how he is managing

He said 'I've seen better I guess
He replies, 'I have certainly had more favorable situations in the past'

I've been rained on, I've been frozen, but this here's the life I've chosen
I have experienced harsh weather conditions, but I have deliberately decided to live in this manner

If it just wasn't for the loneliness'
Although he has accepted his way of life, he admits that the most challenging aspect is the isolation

Now this river suits me to a T. but if you're trying to raise a family
The location by the river is ideal for him, but it is not suitable for raising a family

This it ain't no place to be
This is not a place that is appropriate for raising children

Hell there's a kid down by the dump there, ought to be in grade school somewhere
There is a child near the landfill who should be attending school

Now he hangs out with me, now I told him
He now spends time with me, so I gave him advice

Well we finished off the bottle and I told him,
After the wine was gone, I gave him more guidance

'Joe I think I ought to be headed uptown
I tell Joe that I should probably go towards the more developed part of town

Well it was late, and I'd been drinkin', drivin' home I got to thinkin'
I was driving home late while under the influence of alcohol when I began to reflect on recent events

'Bout what's been going down
I was contemplating recent occurrences

'Cause they're nervous down on Wall Street, but they're trying to keep it upbeat
There is apprehension in the financial district, but people are attempting to maintain a positive outlook

Or maybe they just don't care
Alternatively, perhaps the individuals on Wall Street are indifferent to the situation

Down at the river eyes are burnin' cause they feel the tables turnin'
At the river, individuals are becoming agitated because they sense a change in circumstances

So if you wind up down there
Therefore, if you end up in that area

Just keep yourself to yourself
Mind your own business

Keep your bedroll dry
Ensure that your bedding remains dry

And boy you never can tell
It is difficult to predict

What the shadows hide
There are secrets concealed in darkness

Keep one eye on the ground
Remain vigilant and observant of your immediate surroundings

Pick up whatever you find
Take whatever you come across

'Cause you've got no place to fall
You have nowhere to turn to in times of trouble

When your back's to the wall
When you are in an unfavourable position with no obvious escape