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A stomp-and-clap thesis statement. Life hands everybody a menu of optionals — the turnoffs, the signs, the weeks in the woods — and most people drive right past. A wry, warm, gang-vocal singalong about picking what's right for you, losing the shirt (maybe the shorts too), and the one thing that isn't on the menu because it's mandatory: living. That one you lean into.
Lyrics
[verse] I used to drive right past all the things, The turnoffs and the signs. I had a schedule and my reasons And an excuse every time. Then I found myself lookin’ harder And making myself pause. I’m taking time to see And makin’ room for me. [pre-chorus] Turns out you can be free and lost In the very same breath. I've been both since last summer And I'm still here. Yet. [chorus] Life's a whole lot of optional, You pick what's right for you. But living ain't one of the options, That one you lean into. So take the optional (oh, oh) Most people never do. Yeah, take the optional (oh, oh) Most people never do. [verse] Now I sleep outside and stare straight up Watch the stars come out above. See the creatures in the wilds And let them just be loved. Take care of my friends They take care of me too Sometimes lose the shirt… maybe the shorts too Funny what life can bring If you’re willing to let it do. [pre-chorus] Turns out you can hurt all over And feel brand new inside. I've been both since the summer started... And I'm still here. I'm alive. [chorus] Life's a whole lot of optional, You pick what's right for you. But living ain't one of the options, That one you lean into. So take the optional (oh, oh) Most people never do. Yeah, take the optional (oh, oh) Most people never do. [bridge] I’ve ordered everything on the menu, Some things I won't describe to you. But the best things I did all week, honest, Are the things that you feel all the way inside Just make sure to see ‘em through. Some things you just have to do. And when somebody asked me, am I okay, I told them what was true. I wasn't putting on a brave face I was just being honest, I had to! [chorus] Life's a whole lot of optional, You pick what's right for you. But living ain't one of the options, That one you lean into. So take the optional (oh, oh) Most people never do. Yeah, take the optional (oh, oh) Most people never do. [outro] Most people never do... I did. And I'd do it all again with you.