My Empire of Dirt (Spoken Word Video)

“My Empire of Dirt” reflects on the generation sacrifice and unspoken conversations from one generation to the other. Re-released with a spoken word video now. Inspired by Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt”.

When I was ten, my dad handed me a shovel.
He told me, “This will keep you out of trouble,
And although this life is going to hurt,
This is how you build your empire of dirt.”

I soon traded my shovel forward.
I would rather rattle the keyboard,
Than dig in the mines all day.
Despite my father making a living that way.

My computer turned into a degree.
I thought, “They will be proud of me.”
Breaking tradition!  Breaking the cycle!
To me, these things, you entitle.

While I built this temple of knowledge,
They were the ones paying for my college.
I ignored all of their hurt,
And watched as they dug deeper,
Their empire of dirt.

Hold up a minute.

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63 thoughts on “My Empire of Dirt (Spoken Word Video)”

  1. We all step into the boots of some really big plodding souls, our ancestors. They know less about us than we acknowledge in them, but yeah, that happened. Is happening.

      1. You are obsessed with telling people to write poems. There is more ways than poetry to express yourself. It’s your way and I respect that. Just like not everyone needs to eat nutritional yeast and legumes, though it’s a fucking good idea if you ask me. Which you didn’t, but I am oversharing! Ha! About bloody time. “Amen”

      2. I should obey you, yes master bates. Actually, here are some song lyrics to a song called” the tight shit blues” that mention legumes. Can’t take full credit, was a team effort from the heartless wenches, from our unreleased ep called Crunchy, crumbly cookie bits. Made a band tshirt though, as you do.

        I got the tight shit blues

        I can’t work it loose

        Been eating beans all week

        But all I get is a squeak

        Been trying with all my might

        But it’s just way too tight

        Gotta lube the Shute and scoop the 💩 loose

        Will keep you hanging for verse 2 when I am able to remember it.

  2. This is quite poignant in its delivery! Love the interchanging meaning of ’empire of dirt’! Truly evocative! Have a nice day!

    BBB

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