South of the Tension Line Blues

I wrote this song while on vacation on Washington Island in July of 2007 and sang it for the first time at the annual sing-along. I think that verse 6 was the most popular.

As you may know, Washington Island is the most famous place "North of the Tension Line."

South of the Tension Line Blues

1. Woke up this mornin’ feelin’ fine.
Must be because I’m north of the line.
Yes, I’m north of the line and that’s good news,
‘Cause I don’t want those south-of-the-tension-line blues.

2. Could be home workin’, could be breakin’ my back,
But then the taxman would just take it all back,
That’s why I’m north of the line and that’s good news,
‘Cause I don’t want those south-of-the-tension-line blues.

3. The faucet’s leakin’ and the toilets don’t flush.
I’m gonna fix ‘em but I’m not in a rush
‘Cause I’m north of the line and that’s good news.
I don’t want those south-of-the-tension-line blues.

4. And even if the damn fish don’t bite
I never worry; no I still feel all right ‘
Cause I’m north of the line and that’s good news.
I don’t want those south-of-the-tension-line blues.

5. I look around me and the world’s a big mess
What can I do, well I won’t make you guess.
I’m headin’ north of the line and that’s good news,
‘Cause I don’t want those south-of-the-tension-line blues.

6. My car’s still workin’ but I can’t afford gas.
I’d like to kick President Bush in the ass,
But I’m north of the line and that’s good news,
‘Cause I don’t want those south-of-the-tension-line blues.

7. So, if you’re stuck in the old 9-to-5
I’ll tell you somethin’ that can help you survive.
Just drive up north of the line, that’s good news,
Then you won’t have those south-of-the-tension-line blues.
And I won’t have those south-of-the-tension-line blues.
Nobody wants those south-of-the-tension-line blues!

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