Upstream

Text:

© Grathy
Upstream
Vocals and lyrics by Mary McGrath
Copyright 5/20/19-all rights reserved


When you went upstream
No paddle to your name
You knew you couldn’t swim
But somehow I was to blame

The currents aren’t forgiving
As they try to pull you down
White water is a-gnashing
When it wins you will drown

You thought you had the answers
With your lifejacket in tow
Thought you were above it all
Until that undertow

And now you lay a-breathing
Like a salmon close to death
Your mouth is simply flapping
As you scramble for a breath

I’d gladly throw a line to you
If I thought you’d change your ways
But you’re an oily mess now
And I know you’ll never stay

Maybe I should throw you back
And watch you find your way
Your gills so worn as you try to swim
Back up into your bay

But perhaps I’ll simply let you be
To rot in this midday sun
As I walk back into my camp
I say my day is done.



Oh yeah…swimming upstream…oh yeah
You’re just a little flounder
You know you’re not what you seem…