Paradise Valley Anyway


for my buddy Bud


I was gentrified out of my hometown twice
Sent away I went not meant to stay

But I grew up in Orange and it was nice
After that I guessed I might as well
Stay in interesting places on the way

For the best the rest of it until
In quest of it I might transcend in the end

But then on the way I went to hell
Through the lockdown psych ward to stay there awhile
Out of sight out of mind out of hand

In to find the meaning in the in between
Gone but not forgotten by a friend

Who always remembered on visiting day
Made me smile understanding my style
Took me in overlooking my madness and

Looking after me I would transcend
In the end because my friend could understand

Bud brought me here in 2014
To write and to be alright in Paradise
In Paradise Valley anyway


Steven Curtis Lance