I’ve never been to New Mexico
And I’ve never been on a TV show
I’ve never had to raise my hand
Unless I’ve had to take a stand
I’ve never had to break my word
Except for when it went unheard
I never have lied to myself
When there was truth that I could tell
I never have come to my senses
Til I’ve paid the consequences
I’ve never swam in wishing wells
I’ve never swung from steeple bells
I never have cast hungry looks
At promises in holy books
I’ve never uttered bitter curses
At sacred rhymes or nursery verses
I’ve never launched unfair attacks
At sober lies or drunken facts
I’ve always lived in present tenses
Til I paid the consequences
I’ve slumbered in the sunshine
I’ve walked in my sleep
I’ve sipped poison from a golden cup
And found medicines in garbage heaps
I’ve thirsted in a thunderstorm
I’ve drowned in a drought
I’ve sworn that I was dreaming
When I was just knocked out
I’ve clung to my own defenses
Til I’ve paid the consequences
I’ve never been to New Mexico
And I’ve never been on a TV show
I never had to raise my hand
Unless I had to take a stand
I’ve never had to break my word
Except for one that went unheard
I never have lied to myself
When there was truth that I could tell
I never have come to my senses
Til I’ve paid the consequences