well the banks of the river run through my hometown
born on the dirt roads, and i scraped my knees
well they paved the roads eventually
with neon signs and car dealerships and diners

the soldiers fill the hotels on the weekends
i saw the pretty women as i walked through town

i moved away soon as i turned sixteen
figured i was old enough to go and work a job
well i floated down main street. pools of carlights
overcame me wishin' i was still back home

jacksonville's a city with a hopeless streetlight
seems like you're lucky if it ever changes red to green
i was born in an abundance of inherited sadness
with 50 cent picture frames bought at a five and dime

i ended up a soldier on the weekend
looking for a vacancy i wasn't able to find
somewhere the night sky hangs like a blanket
shoot it with my capgun just to make it
seem like stars