18 - good enough shade

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About this song

A lazy afternoon from a dog's perspective, philosophizing about the cost-benefit analysis of moving to better shade versus staying put in the dust. Features a dreamy interlude of perfect shade paradise.

Lyrics

I had big plans this morning, I was full of energy and drive
Did some serious work patrolling the perimeter around five
But now it's noon and I've made an important scientific discovery
The sun has turned into some kind of heat-producing entity

[Verse 2 - Same easy delivery]
I can see the perfect spot from here - that grass under the oak tree
Cool, green, probably ten degrees less than where I currently be
But here's the thing about perfect spots that are way over there
They require walking, and walking requires moving through hot air

[Chorus - Full arrangement, island feel]
So this dust right here is good enough shade for me
I've analyzed the cost-benefit extensively  
Sure, that grass looks nice, but this dirt patch is convenient
And convenience, at this temperature, makes total sense if you think about it

[Verse 3 - Observational, amused]
The chickens are doing their thing, scratching around like maniacs
I admire their commitment but question their tactical approach to relax
They're working in full sun, which seems like poor planning to me
While I've strategically positioned myself where I can watch them for free

[Verse 4 - Getting drowsier]
There's work this afternoon - I'm pretty sure there's always work
But right now the heat and I have reached a temporary truce of sorts
My legs have informed my brain they're not available for duty
The shade's informed my body that moving would be unruly

[Chorus - Relaxed repeat]
Yeah this dust right here is good enough shade for me
Could I find better? Theoretically
But better requires effort and effort generates heat
And I've done the math - staying put can't be beat

[Bridge - Slightly defensive but still laid-back]
Some might call this lazy, some might say I'm slacking off
But those people aren't currently lying here in this trough
Of perfectly adequate coolness, relatively speaking of course
Everything's relative when the sun's become an unrelenting force

[Verse 5 - Drowsy, tempo slowing, BPM: 70]
My eyes are getting heavy, the chickens sound far away
The heat's making everything shimmer in that particular way
Maybe I'll just close my eyes for a minute, maybe two
And suddenly I'm somewhere else, somewhere with a better view...

[Dream Section - Dreamy instrumental, whimsical steel drums, floating]
[Instrumental Interlude, ethereal]

[Verse 6 - Dream vocals, reverb, wonder]
In my dream the grass is endless and impossibly green
And every single spot is shaded, the coolest I've ever seen
The chickens bring me snacks, which seems unlikely but I'll allow it
And there's a breeze, an actual breeze, that somehow knows about it

[Verse 7 - Dream continues, blissful]
There's a pond that's just the right temperature - not cold, not warm
And no work exists here, it's been officially abolished by some kind of reform
The afternoon lasts forever but in a good way
And the dust has somehow transformed into something like a holiday

[Dream Chorus - Elevated, lush arrangement]
This is better than good enough shade
This is shade that's professionally made
With bonus features like comfort and cool
This is shade from the top of the shade school

[Verse 8 - Waking up, reality returning, BPM: 85]
Then something - maybe a sound, maybe the sun shifting an inch
Makes my eyes open up and I remember where I've been
Still lying in this dust, still hot, still afternoon
But I've been somewhere better, even if it ended too soon

[Final Chorus - Back to island groove]
So this dust right here is good enough shade for me
I've been to paradise and back, temporarily  
When the afternoon ends I'll get up and move around
But for now, this dust is the best shade in town

[Outro - Drowsy, fading]
The chickens are still scratching, I'm still lying here
The heat's still being heat, that much is clear
But I've learned something important about the afternoon sun:
The best way to beat it is deciding you've already won
[Spoken, very drowsy]
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some more nothing to do...

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