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.

I re-recorded the drum track with a heavier sound for "The Fall of Man" version. On this one, Chet's using brushes instead of normal drum sticks.

Click on the iTunes button below to buy the song or do download the whole EP.

 

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Jackass

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:

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
And I never let on that anything's wrong

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

Now 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 sing to myself

I'm a Jackass, big jerk, loser, piece of work
Jackass, scoundrel, 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

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