On Top of a Fence

When you're sitting there on top of a fence
The things around you don't make too much sense
And there I am, so safe and sound
Who wants to jump when I can't see the ground?

I see you livin' your life but you've already died
You don't have time to smile and I've never seen you cry
Yet you're the first to condemn, the first to deny
Anything that's new and different

Ah, your future's a nightmare, your past on a throne
You've just pawned your soul for a down payment loan
But my friend, there is nothing to buy and nothing to own
Not even time can be bought or spent

Ah, when you're sitting there on top of a fence
The things around you don't make too much sense
And there I am, so safe and sound
Don't make me jump, I can't see the ground

I see the busy idealist peddling roses and dreams
Down Pushcart Avenue, he blends into the scene
Of screaming advertising signs preaching rights and wrongs
And mixed-up flowers who just follow along

Follow traditional tongues spitting worthless advice
Who fake you out left and right without once thinking twice
And you who think you're free, ha, just fall into their vise
And are crushed happily ever after

You're so caught up in you, you don't care 'bout nothin' else
King Ego's got you chained by the neck on his shelf
And it just makes me sick seein' you livin' like this
Where and when did it go?
You say you don't know
Oh, Lord, it wasn't even missed

Oh, when you're sitting here on top of a fence
The things around you don't make too much sense
And here I am, so safe and sound
Who wants to jump? I can't see the ground

In the distance, a fire lights up the wintertime sky
The crackling murmurs send a prayer and a cry
Lord, throw me a line
Lord, throw me a line
I've been born on a fence but where will I die?