Name: Punk on a Train
Duration: P00H02M42S
Description: Saw an Indian student on the subway in NYC a year after 9/11. He was carrying a book bag, in camouflage pants and pierced in several places, but you could tell he was a geek, trying to look tough. An old tourist lady saw him and got off the train, frightened. The look of regret on the kid's face made me write this song, from his perspective.

Punk on a Train

from Throwing Shapes by Mark Aaron James

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Saw an Indian student on the subway in NYC a year after 9/11. He was carrying a book bag, in camouflage pants and pierced in several places, but you could tell he was a geek, trying to look tough. An old tourist lady saw him and got off the train, frightened. The look of regret on the kid's face made me write this song, from his perspective.

lyrics

capo at 5th fret

E C D
I’m going to have dark skin for the rest of my life
My father the Haitian took an Indian wife
G D C
Half way through college, Engineering degree
Could dress like a student but that wouldn’t be me Em A

Em A
I’m Just A Punk On The Train
C
I’m trying hard to explain
D C
I’m just on my way to school It’s just a bag full of books
D C A
And I don’t know what to do with all your suspicious looks
E C D
I’m just a punk on the train

E C D
I buy army surplus ‘cuz I want to look tough
I tried to work out but it was never enough
G D C
I’m just a geek, a sheep dressed up like a fox
I never imagined I’d fall into this box CHORUS

Am D
Ok, I get it, I fit your profile
You want to go through my bag again I’m trying to smile
That guy that you’re after I hope he does time
For all of the years I’ll have to pay for his crime CHORUS

credits

from Throwing Shapes, released June 7, 2011

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about

Mark Aaron James New York, New York

Raised in FL, schooled in TN, polished in NYC & just back from 3 years in London, Mark Aaron James is an acoustic powerhouse. Often playing solo with his guitar & innovative loop pedal, Mark holds the crowd in his hand whether playing critically acclaimed originals or one of 500 popular covers. His quirky, humorous take is firmly in place along with a striking voice and clever wordplay. ... more

markaaronjames.com

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