PARENTAL ADVISORY: THIS SONG HAS BAD WORDS IN IT. Lots of them.

AL'S COMMENTS: This one's fun if you like cussing. I like cussing. Don't you?

This was the song I wrote for the first Wordplay Songwriter Showcase. I had to write a song based on the theme of "Kings, Queens and Jacks." I went with Jack.

Jackass is a song of betrayal and redemption. We all do clumsy things we're not proud of, things that don't work, that weren't worth the trouble. Sometimes (perhaps all the time) those things work out in strange, wonderful ways if we allow ourselves the grace to see within the context of a bigger picture. In the midst of this, can we forgive ourselves and simply admit that we're prone to blowing it from time to time? Can we be with the full impact of our humanity? It's a challenge and a worthwhile one. Also a good excuse to cuss.

Jackass was the title track of my second CD, the Jackass EP (download it on iTunes or buy it on CDBaby.com). But it also belonged on "The Fall of Man," so we re-recorded the drums using sticks instead of brushes (that only makes sense if you speak Drum). Simply stated, it rocks harder now. The drums are more bitchin'.

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Jackass (Click HERE to preview/download the "Fall of Man" version.)

How could you cause her such pain?
How could you love her and leave her this way?
After she gives herself to you, you stray
And after she trusts you, her trust you betray

How could you do this to her?
Turn her to stone and confirm all her fears?
River of love is now river of tears
And here’s what I say to myself in the mirror:

CHORUS
Jackass, big jerk, loser, piece of work
Jackass, scoundrel, bastard, asshole

Our love was never that strong
But I propped it up, kept it limping along
My biggest sin was to stay way too long
I never let on that anything’s wrong

(Chorus)

She cries and she hangs up the phone
She wants me back, but I must walk alone
But what can I do, if I won’t hate myself
I can hold my head high, and say to myself

I’m a jackass, big jerk, loser, piece of work
Jackass, scoundrel, bastard, asshole
Bastard, Asshole
Bastard, Asshole
Bastard, Asshole

Musicians:
Al Polito: Vocals, Background Cussing, Acoustic and Electric Guitars
Chet McCracken: Drums
Scotty Manzo: Bass
John "J.T." Thomas: Wurlitzer Electric Piano
Garret Swayne and Daniel McFeeley: Background Cussing

Recorded at Rocky Road Ranch Studios and J.T's place
Produced by Scotty Manzo and Al Polito