Easy Way Out by William W. Thompson, IV
Verse 1
Old man in Cleveland lost his will to live last night.
The sugar took one leg and damn near all his sight.
He vowed he’d never be a burden to his loving wife
He felt for his pistol in the nightstand drawer and knew the time was right.
Verse 2
Young housewife in Birmingham spends another scary night alone.
But not half as bad as when he’s drunk and finally crawls back home.
“Mr. Right” had killed her spirit and her world had come undone.
She choked down a handful of pills and found the will to finish what he had begun.
Chorus:
So don’t tell me they took the easy way out.
They all found a way to end their pain and doubt.
Try as they might, it all became too much to bear.
The last thought that filled their dyin’ minds was the belief no one would care.
Verse 3
Young suburban high school kids did their best tryin’ to fit in.
But it’s hard when every day the wolves are upon you and you’re not fittin’ in your skin.
Brought their daddys’ guns to that school for one last “show and tell”,
When they were done they shot themselves after sendin’ thirteen kids to hell.
Chorus
Verse 4
A frightened man at college had desires that brought him shame.
Guarding his secret was the only way to keep his given name.
Then someone out-ed him, couldn’t stand he found love that way.
They found him hanging from a makeshift rope, cut him down again and there he lay.
Chorus (x2)