Old Ways
From the Album Don’t Stand Still and Dove With Claws
Individualistic ego
Materialistic circle
Round peg in a square hole
I’m on my way home
I love to ride my pony
Sick and tired of phonies
Making me lonely
I’m on my way home
Don’t think to contain my rage
Like a wolf in a cage
In these times of the new age
Automatic liar
Always getting higher
From a spark to a fire
I believe in the old ways
Honesty, self-respect
Don’t want to be no reject
Living in the projects
I believe in the old ways
Don’t think to contain my rage
Like a wolf in a cage
In these times of the new age
Tears are blinding me
Hearts of misery
Set this spirit free
In the old way
Run like a river
Soar like an eagle
Burn like a fire
In the old ways
Don’t think to contain my rage
Like a wolf in a cage
In these times of the new age
Words & Music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long 1981; renewed 2025 BMI
*Lyrics collectively written with students at Heart of the Earth Survival School in Minneapolis.
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