Drive By - Glen Phillips

I was the driver for the drive-by of the neighbor’s dog

Dad had always hated him and he said, «Come on, son

Get into the Vega now and I’ll go get my shotgun»

It was a military holiday and kids were everywhere

I hid behind the steering wheel and tried to disappear

I tried to speak but couldn’t, Dad was whistling and drinking beer

And I prayed, «Dear God, if you save this dog

I will never get high, I will never jack off

I will do all the things that I should but have not

I’ll be a good boy from now on»

We turned around the corner soon and saw the neighbor’s yard

Dad lit up a cigarette and rolled his window down

And grinning like an idiot he stuck his head and body out

Well, he popped in a shell, took aim with the gun

Then a flash and a bang and the dog it was gone

He jumped up and he ran away

Dad had shot right through his chain

Dad said, «Take me to the Dairy Freeze, I want to have a shake»

We sipped them on the benches there and stared out on the lake

And Dad has never said another word about that day

And I hope you’re not disappointed, God

Cause I still get high and I still jack off

And you knew I was lying, but you still saved that dog

You’re such a good God (good God)

Yeah, such a good, good God (good God)

You’re such a good goddamned backwards dog

And I’ll be a good boy from now on