The Only Thing

Sufjan Stevens · Carrie & Lowell [2015]

The only thing that keeps me from driving this car

Half-light, jack knife into the canyon at night

Signs and wonders: Perseus aligned with the skull

Slain Medusa, Pegasus alight from us all



Do I care if I survive this? Bury the dead where they're found

In a veil of great surprises; I wonder did you love me at all?



The only thing that keeps me from cutting my arm

Cross hatch, warm bath, Holiday Inn after dark

Signs and wonders: water stain writing the wall

Daniel's message; blood of the moon on us all



Do I care if I despise this? Nothing else matters, I know

In a veil of great disguises; how do I live with your ghost?



Should I tear my eyes out now?

Everything I see returns to you somehow

Should I tear my heart out now?

Everything I feel returns to you somehow

I want to save you from your sorrow



The only reason why I continue at all

Faith in reason, I wasted my life playing dumb

Signs and wonders: sea lion caves in the dark

Blind faith, God's grace, nothing else left to impart



Do I care if I survive this, bury the dead where they're found

In a veil of great surprises; hold to my head till I drown

Should I tear my eyes out now, before I see too much?

Should I tear my arms out now, I wanna feel your touch



Should I tear my eyes out now?

Everything I see returns to you somehow

Should I tear my heart out now?

Everything I feel returns to you somehow