This recent mandolin-driven rock ballad has a mysterious twist to it, alluding to not just a change in outer circumstances – the traditional "I'm gonna leave town” or “I’m gonna leave you”—but a radical change in inner circumstances as well. There’s an implication of witchery here, and a disturbing uncertainty about exactly what is happening. The song draws its lyrical inflection from works like Steely Dan’s "Don't Take Me Alive;” but the folky vocal break with mandolin is more like something pulled out of Led Zeppelin’s attic.
It’s been about a half an hour Since the sun went down About time to pack my bags And get out of town I paid off the Judge And I paid off the jury too And now I’m not accountable For anything I do. But I ain’t gonna take any chances No matter how you fix the books No matter how you spin the bottle It’s never as safe as it looks So don’t get in my way Don’t stand on the ground I tread No, don’t get in my way You’d be better off dead I’m gonna tear out the kitchen oh yeah I’m gonna grow a new soul I’m an underground trust fund baby You don’t know me at all And when my hand is hidden I’m always at my best There’s no percentage in the odds I’m not taking any chances Broomstick to the sky Lights flashing in the middle of the night Time to say goodbye So don’t get in my way Don’t stand on the ground I tread No, don’t get in my way You’d be better off dead Better off dead... I'm gonna leave this town I'm gonna grow a new soul I'm gonna tear out the kitchen You don't know me at all I'm an underground trust fund baby You don't know me at all I'm gonna grow a new soul I'm gonna grow a new soul
Better Off Dead