Three Sheets to Kishkiyya · Track 99 · middle
Like Death Warmed Up
VOLUME IV — the HUNGOVER morning after. The idiom and the song's title hook: "Like Death Warmed Up". Its true history: UK/Australia, 20th c. — looking and feeling extremely pale and unwell; wounded but upright. Render this beat of the night as the band's affectionate, funny, celebratory tribute — the idiom itself is the chorus hook.
Lyrics
[Intro] [Verse 1] The curtains part like heavy iron gates I’m squinting at the plaster, feeling the weight There's a phantom drumline marching in my jaw I am a monument to every glass I dropped Getting out of bed is a holy war [Chorus] And I look like death warmed up Pour the black coffee in the chipped tin cup I’m walking, I’m talking, I’m carrying the night A little bit pale, but I’m stepping to the light Yeah, I look like death warmed up [Verse 2] Back in 1939 in the hazy grey Some ANZAC soldier with nothing much to say Named the feeling of a ghost still pulling air A bruised survivor climbing up the stair I wear the title like a rusted crown Nobody's gonna keep this body down [Bridge] Oh, the knees might buckle, the hands might shake Every single muscle is a beautiful ache I’m a masterpiece of ruin, a magnificent sight Hurt and heavy, but I made it through the night [Chorus] And I look like death warmed up Pour the black coffee in the chipped tin cup I’m walking, I’m talking, I’m carrying the night A little bit pale, but I’m stepping to the light Yeah, I look like death warmed up [Outro] Just keep the volume down in the hall I’m leaning my shoulder on the kitchen wall A very warm, very lucky ghost I think I'll try to make some toast If I can remember how the butter works