mpfree: "I Knew You Before"

Wondering what song that I'm all about right now? It's "I Knew You Before" by Dustin Kensrue (of Thrice). I had first heard this song when he gave an acoustic performance on the latest Relevant Magazine podcast*. I'm not really familiar with Kensrue's day job, but apparently he ditches emo for a more country singer/songwriter sound on his solo stuff. And this song's a great commentary on a culture that promotes such things as "My Super Sweet 16" and Paris Hilton.



You were once a sweet little girl
so innocent and pure
Your eyes were open and sure
anyone could look right in

I followed closely your gaze
you looked up towards the sky
But I watched your face drift away
other things had caught your eye

The magazines and media supplied you with their plastic protocol
And maybe music television really is the devil after all
But all I can say is I knew you before
You were beautiful back then
before you grew up, before you gave in

You dream of sharing your heart
Instead you share your bed
And your heart beats empty and cold
With all the tears that you have shed

You dream of baring your soul
Instead you bare more skin
And you wear dark glasses to keep
Anyone from looking in

The magazines and media supplied you with their plastic protocol
Oh, and maybe music television really is the devil after all
But all I can say is I knew you before
You were beautiful back then
Before you grew up, before you gave in

And all you want is to hear the words:
"Dear baby I love you"
So you hike your skirt higher still
'Till their eyes are all on you

You drive in fast foreign cars
The color of your sin
And you tint your windows to keep
Anyone from looking in

Oh, and all I can say is I knew you before
You were beautiful back then
Before you grew up, before you gave in

And all I can say is I knew you before
You were beautiful back then

You could be beautiful again...

I weep for the environment that my niece will grow up in. Anyway, download the song here. Enjoy.

*Currently, the highlight of my podcast week, next to Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier's SModcast.