A short account of tragedy one summer day befell
A band of five road-trippers is my duty to tell
Saturn squats in retrograde, the smoky sun presides
The radio sets the grizzly scene of this doomed and desperate drive
Reports of rotting body parts exhumed and re-arranged
Loved ones crowd the cemetaries to check relatives’ remains
Two stinking heads wired to the stone, a dozen empty crypts
The artist roams throughout the night, uprooting he exhibits
A drunkard rolls and laughs and chokes, pissed prophet gets no heed
“Things happen they don’t tell about” - outlines the local creed
There’s some that merely scoff and laugh, his mind is off its tether
There’s others who have heard the truth, they laugh, but they know better

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Escaping through the dawn
Now, if you value life and limb
You better listen on

Driving past the slaughterhouse, Franklin’s eyes are wide
Recounting and remembering the business from inside
The old technique had used the sledge, some took more than one lick
Some were even skinned and prepped while they recoiled and kicked
The others turn their ears away and pass the red outhouses
Sally denies her heritage but her memory arouses

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The ugly bits are true
And if you try to look away
It’ll sneak up behind you

The hitcher used to wield the sledge before the jobs were lost
He offered blurry polaroids before they knew the cost
He snatched the knife and showed his red, offered dinner at his place
He sprinkled firedust on the print and burned a friendly face
He waved a camera like a rifle, they begged for him to go
He drilled the knife on Franklin’s arm and danced along the road

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
In their midst we’re strangers
Don’t be making any friends
Before you check the dangers

The house held dark and leafy gloom, its happy days had passed
The cameras showed us just how far as they lurked behind the grass
The spiders tapped a warning, the laughing didn’t fit
Don’t go messing ‘round old houses, some folks here don’t like it
Rustling little sculptures talk to tiny hanging bones
Folks here like to be left alone and some will let you know

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Listen careful for the clues
Screen all advice the locals give
Because they might be after you

Abandoned cars and pots and pans are hanging from the trees
The loud but decoy generator had promised gasoline
A foolhardy and so naive faith in a friendly redneck welcome
Had forgotten all the leading up encounters in the sun
The camera stalks in muted signs as they pace towards the door
After knocking number 1 persists and gets just what he’s asking for.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
At sunrise he will dance
I hope you get the message
I hope you stand a chance

Don’t enter uninvited
Don’t use the garden swing
Don’t check on suspect animal noises
Don’t forget to watch your step
Don’t disturb the chicken
Don’t eat the barbecue
Don’t look at the sculptures
Don’t borrow the flashlight

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Escaping through the dawn
Just dive aboard a pick-up truck
And go until you’re gone