if I made the right impression
with words, or a fond expression,

would that make me clever?
would it turn your “never” to a “maybe?”

but if I traded in this longing
for joy, or a higher calling,

wouldn’t that be better?
would it turn my weather brighter?

‘cause clever leaves me tired of trying,
out of breath and mystified I
never want to work that hard again..

if I memorized your interests,
learned lines like an expert witness,

would you call me clever?
we could talk forever, maybe,

& if I learned to read your glances,
your eyes, the way you hold your hands and..

as if I could ever!
I’m better off just counting pedals,

‘cause clever leaves me tired of trying,
out of breath and mystified I
never want to work that hard,
yeah, clever leaves me tired of thinking,
out of words and on the brink I
never want to work that hard again..

if I traded in this longing
for joy, or a higher calling,

wouldn’t that be better?
would it turn my weather brighter?..