"The Some College Blues", poetry by Chrome Dome Mike Kimbro about working the graveyard shift specifically, leaving college early in general, highlighting the importance of graduating from college with a degree of some kind.

The ‘Some College’ Blues

Original song lyrics by Chrome Dome Mike Kimbro

Structure Scheme: Accent points align for all 5 verses, as do those for all 3 choruses

Consider reading along to my Spoken Verse Performance!

VERSE 1

Dad said I need to get a job.

From my old man I don’t get much pity.

But now the prospects aren’t that hot,

For a college drop out in the big city.

CHORUS 1

They say that days go to the MBA’s.

Second shift is where bachelors punch the clocks.

And if in Spanish you’re not fluent,

Then the third shift is where you went,

With those who checked off the ‘some college’ box.

VERSE 2

Well, you know job hunting’s kinda fun.

Getting offers like this was not hard:

"Hey, I’ve got great news for you son,

But you’ll have to start out working the grave yard."

CHORUS 2

Now it’s hard to sleep.

I gave up counting sheep.

Got a quilt on my window blockin’ rays.

I need some caffine to get goin’,

Cause I'm poppin’ melatonin.

Or I want out of that Ambien haze.

BRIDGE 1

Ambien haze, don’t wake up at three.

Workin’ days, that’s where I’d rather be.

Makin’ money, but it’s not enough.

Sack lunch, God this economy’s tough.

VERSE 3

The neighbors know I scream and shout,

Cause the last time we met I went berserk.

I didn't mean to cuss them out,

But they always wake me with their damn yard work.

CHORUS 1

They say that days go to the MBA’s.

Second shift is where bachelors punch the clocks.

And if in Spanish you’re not fluent,

Then the third shift is where you went,

With those who checked off the ‘some college’ box.

BRIDGE 2 (spoken, maybe in lo-fi)

Observed side effects of working third shift include, but are not limited to:

Menstral irregularities

Increased cancer risk

Premature aging

Reduced social life

If you experience a sudden urge to accept a third shift position, discontinue job hunting immediately and consult your bartender.

VERSE 4

Took the day off on account of grief.

Lost my wife and son just yesterday.

She threw my box fan in the trash.

And he shot a cap gun out in the hallway.

CHORUS 2

Now it’s hard to sleep I gave up counting sheep.

Gotta quilt on my window blockin’ rays.

You need some caffine to get goin’,

Cause you’re poppin’ melatonin.

Or you want out of that Am-bien haze.

VERSE 5

So coeds hear my earnest plea.

If you’re beat down by the search for knowledge.

There’s something you can learn from me:

Like you should damn well remain in college.

CHORUS 1

They say that days go to the MBA’s.

Second shift is where bachelors punch the clocks.

And if in Spanish you’re not fluent,

Then the third shift is where you went,

With those who checked off the ‘some college’ box.

CLOSING CHORUS 3 (just having fun)

For sex now and then try taking Ambien.

Some have said it gets crazy in that “haze”.

But you could care less about bonin’,

When you’re down on melotonin.

Man, I can’t wait until I’m working days.

The End