[Verse 1]
I been stranded on the plains, livin' life estranged
From everyone who knew me back in my travelin' days
I used to play the jester but I let go of the scepter along the way
Like a bird caught in a store I been searchin' for the door
But there ain't no clear direction when you ain't needed anymore
In my dreams I shot the dealer, could I make it any clearer what I'm for?

[Chorus]
Well I been drunk on the ideas of my future
And I been high on gettin' by, on gettin' by


[Verse 2]
Well I tried to change my luck, ah, but luck don't give a damn
Watchin' everything I'd worked for just slip right through my hands
Ain't no rhyme for the reason, no consequence for treason in this land
But I refuse to go out losin', I ain't nobody's fool
You can tell me that it's rainin' while you dig your swimmin' pools
But I'll be diggin' ditches while the man is flippin' switches on the dial

[Chorus]
Well I been drunk on the ideas of my future
And I been high on gettin' by, on gettin' by

[Verse 3]
I got my first child on the way and the bills are all unpaid
I should have finished high school, got a job and learned to save
But the words they keep on fallin' and the highway keeps on callin' to my pen
If I could make myself a deal then I might not have to steal
Ah, but something's bound to break with all the spinnin' of the wheels
Well I came here for the music, but I can't afford to lose it after all
[Chorus]
Well I been drunk on the ideas of my future
And I been high on gettin' by, on gettin' by
Well I been drunk on the ideas of my future
And I been high on gettin' by, on gettin' by