(Co-written with Meridian)


Lucy’s parents broke up when she was only two
Her mom’s in Little Rock, her dad’s in Honolulu
She resides with her mom, but visits her dad every year
She cries out to God at night, and He sees her fallen tears
Lucy made several attempts to talk to her parents about it
Nonetheless, both of them cut her short, for they doubt it
After thirteen years of being apart, neither sees any hope
Lucy looks through the photo album, struggling to cope
Besides, her middle-aged mom is currently dating a man
But Lucy doesn’t like him, and seeks to ruin their plans
In case they may consider marriage and wedding bands
Forlornly, Lucy is using objects to shorten her life span

She cuts

Brad’s dad is an alcoholic, his mum died of cancer
So he thought self-harm would be the only answer
Out of his melancholy and out of his desolation
He tried obeying his pastor, he tried meditation
But it seemed to have no effect, he was too far under
As to why he’s amongst the living, he’s still in wonder
He just gawked at the cutlery near the kitchen sink
He took a step forward, but then, stopped to think
He was on the brink of finishing his costly, precious life
Now within touching range, he selected the sharpest knife

He cuts

Amy gets put in the ugly category at school
Got girls jumping her, because they say she’s a fool
She was sent to the dean’s office, for skipping class
Because of her absentness, she isn’t eligible to pass
She’ll have to redo the whole semester, while those chumps thrive
I’m irritated for her; she would’ve graduated this year, in 2005
Her parents received the surprising call and were devastated
To them it didn’t make sense, they were very much agitated

Amy never told them the reason behind her weak attendance
Why she never had her freedom like most or her independence
While nearly all seniors this year are getting ready for rehearsal
With their cap and gowns, occurring worldwide and universal
She could’ve been one of those smiling, getting her diploma
With a nice hairdo and wearing her finest perfume aroma
If only she hadn’t been teased, bending down on her knees
With unease, insisting to be left alone, asking them please
She walks over to grab a tool, contemplating what to incise
Is it the chest or the stomach? After long, she begins to slice

She cuts

Steven has four brothers, but he’s not his mum’s favorite or beloved
Mum does nothing except watch as her son gets pushed and shoved
By the other three; in whom she prefers and adores the most
It’s depressing to know that Steven and his mom aren’t close
No wonder why he’s so morose, she seems so engrossed
In her other children that she merely swanks and boasts
About each winning numerous awards, certificates, and trophies
To her, Peter, Evan, and Tyler are gifted while Steven is dopey
She goes to her other sons’ PTA meetings, but not for Steven’s
Countless times, he probably felt like packing up and leavin'
I can almost hear it in his heavy sighs, that the guy is grievin'
But he somehow feels trapped in the web that she’s weavin'

He cuts

Sally became a part time prostitute to earn some extra cash
In a little cardboard box, is where she keeps her money stashed
She desired a cleaner environment, not one surrounded by trash
She reviled the rundown apartment, where she’d have to crash
She filled out applications here and there, so she could work
She’d often dream about operating a position as desk clerk
Six months flew by, and the phone began to ring and ring
She picked it up with the left arm, since the right was in a sling
Due to an accident a few months back----well, she said, “Hello?”
When she heard the good news, her harsh voice turned mellow

She listened to the fellow question her about an interview
Sally was so ambivalent, she didn’t know what to say or do
She asked the man to give her a minute to get her bearings
She thought about her hair, and what she would be wearing
But when she began to speak, what she said was despairing
To my incredulity, she turned down the job without caring
See, Sally could’ve left her lifestyle at the drop of a dime
But she liked the money too much so now she’s full time

She cuts

Alan’s worried about his exams
All his studies, he strives to cram
In his brain to obtain and maintain
The high score he expects to gain
Jamming in all kinds of time so that he can study
He looked, but couldn’t find a scholarly buddy
Who was serious or bookish, so he typically reads alone
He learns the basics on his own, and my mind is blown
He flips through each section at a moderate pace
Sweat from his pores dribble down his fretful face

He uses a tape recorder, he’s an auditory learner
He puts his family and friends on the back burner
At least for now, so that he won’t get distracted
Alan lugs 8 books on his back, he’s so compacted
Enduring many sleepless nights, trying to retain it all
Whether at the dinner table or in the stall
Without disbelief he anticipates to recall
Everything he perused, so he’s sprawls
Himself out on the floor, feeling sadder than before
It won’t be too long before he can’t take anymore

He cuts

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