Mellencamp Writes This One

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Between a Laugh and a Tear, Copyright 1985 Riva Music

(I highlighted the lines that have meant a lot to me over the past 24 years)

When paradise is no longer fit for you to live in
and your adolescent dreams are gone
Through the days you feel a little used up
and you don't know where your energy's gone wrong
It's just your soul feeling a little downhearted
Sometimes life is too ridiculous to live
You count your friends all on one finger
I know it sounds crazy, it's just the way that we live

Between a laugh and a tear
Smile in the mirror as you walk by
Between a laugh and a tear
And that's as good as it can get for us
And there ain't no reason to stop trying.

When this cardboard town can no longer amuse you
you see through everything and nothing seems worthwhile
and hypocrite used to be such a big word to you
and it don't mean anything to you now
Just try and live each and every precious moment
Don't be discouraged by the future, forget the past
That's old advice but it'll be good to you
I know there's a balance, I see it when I swing past.

Between a laugh and a tear
Smile in the mirror as you walk by
Between a laugh and a tear
And that's as good as it can get for us
And there ain't no reason to stop trying.

When paradise can no longer amuse you.

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