On a cross-town train in the middle of the city
Blank looks all around today
It’s in style but it isn’t very pretty
That’s the way
Keep your privacy
When there ain’t no room and there ain’t no hope
Gotta save face to cope
With the speed of life in the age of speed
You fight for what you need

I’m just an old-fashioned boy
Can’t get up for the down stroke
I don’t think that I can compete
In this modern world

She’s fit as a fax-file fiddle
Short punk-spiked hair to boot
Crop-top on a washboard middle
Man she’s cute
But I don’t think that
She’s cracked a smile, laughed out loud
Shared the sweat of a rockin’ crowd
Down in New Orleans, or seen the green
Of a newborn Spring in years

Why don’t you say what you mean
You’re just mouthing the right words
Looks like you’re perfectly made
For this modern world

I’m just an old-fashioned boy
Strictly kickin’ it old-school
I don’t think that I can compete
In this modern world

But I’m not obsolete yet
I’m just tired
And I can’t sleep
I’m paranoid, I’m wired
My head is buzzin’ in my brain
My heart could use some novocaine
Still the soul, kill the pain, yeah

Run right through the milk and honey
We run right out of faith and love
But we ain’t gonna run out of money
Push comes to shove
Comes to fallin’ at your feet
Sweet Jesus, tell me is it really gonna
Rain down fire and brimstone
On our heads?

Why don’t you say what you mean
You’re just mouthing the right words
Looks like you’re perfectly made
For this modern world

I’m just an old-fashioned boy
Can’t get up for the down stroke
I don’t think that I can compete
In this modern world
This modern world

Will Kimbrough “This Modern World” from Cincy Steve on Vimeo.