Bummer (Living Isn't Really Giving)
Written by Dewey Bunnell (recorded 11/4/70), ©2020
Found on Half Century Box Set-Disc 1 and Heard.

Oh, I wish that I could find the reason why
Living isn't really giving
Oh, I wish that I could find the reason why
Living isn't really giving

But I don't care how long it takes
For the day to get right
'Cause me and my friends, you know we're ready
And willing to pay the price

Oh, la la la ....

Way deep down inside
I know I'm on a free ride
But when the green light turns to red
Who is living, who is dead

They've taken out the river
And they've put in a cement road
It's made the going a whole lot lighter
But made a much heavier load

I don't know how long I can go on like this
Don't know how long I can go on like this
Don't know how long I can go on like this

I see the light switch on the wall
With no legs I'm still tall
We might not make it at all
I can see the river and the little place where I would swim
Where did it all begin
I wish I knew

Oh, I wish that I could find the reason why
Living isn't really giving
Isn't really giving
Isn't really giving...


Dewey once stated that this song was also called "Bummer" because of a lyric "This summer has been a bummer" (not included above). He jokingly added "...deep stuff!" Chord elements of this song were later incorporated into "Garden of Peace".


Last Revised: 30 January 2021