Losing Battles - Josh Ritter

Lost man sining for his soul

I saw it on Rio Bravo

He held the notes like rock and roll

And told his tale to Colorado

I gave up my only twin

I turned my face to the world of shadows

Sometimes the righteous win

Most times, it’s a losing battle

Swam naked in the mythic lake

Spent the night on the face of the earth

From the apple tree, I ripped a snake

It was a poison but I knew of its worth

Kept it in a box of wood

Fed it all my sins and apples

Tried to do the things I should

Till then, it’s a losing battle

It’s always been in my nature to be the beast

Blame the maker but stay with me

Drifted down to Tennessee

Lost my heart to a girl of silver

She was trying to be free

There was nothing to forgive her

By the time the fever broke

I’d had enough of trouble

That’s when trouble spoke

Sometimes, it’s a losing battle

It’s always been in my nature to be the beast

Blame the maker but stay with me

Fell into a den of thieves

Got lost in the caves of virtue

Born again and lost belief

Without a friend till the day I met you

Now I’m trying to mend my ways

I had enough of pain and bad will

Good enough for you someday

Till then, it’s a losing battle