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What Can I Do

from Demo EP by Stuart Benbow

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about

The idea for this song came to me while searching for replacement boots.
I've been getting the same extremely inexpensive pair to replace the old every spring, and suddenly the store stopped carrying that style. The closest similar style was far more expensive, and less comfortable, though likely more durable.

I couldn't afford the upgrade, and the wheels started turning about sacrifices others have had to make because of things they couldn't afford, the water cooler talk about the have nots, and how it must feel from that perspective.

As it turns out, shortly after this song was written, I got a first hand look at what this level of sacrifice is like, and will be more than happy to be back in the have category soon. A short term taste was more than enough, a lifetime worth is a burden nobody should have to carry.

lyrics

You can't find redemption when that little can of soup's been watered down
As far as it can go, as far as it can go
Recycling pop to fuel the tank, so I can try to find some work again
Pride is gone once you fall, once you fall
These boots will do, though the sole's worn through
Add another hole to the belt
What can I do, what can I do
Sewing holes in old cast offs
'Cause the wallet's too light for thrift shops
What can I do, what can I do

It's hard to stay upbeat when you hear how people think of those
Falling through the cracks, falling through the cracks
Abusers, moochers, malcontent-ers, why should you even bother to
Maintain society, maintain society

These boots will do, though the sole's worn through
Add another hole to the belt
What can I do, what can I do
Sewing holes in old cast offs, 'cause the wallet's too light for thrift shops
What can I do, what can I do

It's hard to look you in the eye when the food stamp card is swiped
Don't you know this isn't what I want, I'm just trying to survive
And at the end of the month, the balance runs dry

These boots will do, though the sole's worn through
Add another hole to the belt
What can I do, what can I do
Sewing holes in old cast offs, 'cause the wallet's too light for thrift shops
What can I do, what can I do
What can aI do, what can I do

credits

from Demo EP, track released July 15, 2016
What Can I Do
All rights reserved
c. 2016, Stuart Benbow Music

Written, recorded and performed by Stuart Benbow

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Stuart Benbow Westland, Michigan

Blending the heart of country music with the rich story telling of folk, and adding a touch of pop to give it some drive, Stuart writes about the world around him. Acoustic Americana, pure and true.

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