Pre-existing

words and music copyright ©2009 by Howard Ashby Kranz

C C7 F

1: When I was a lad, I had trick knees; I’d fall writhing to the ground.

C C7 F

Dr Williams said it’s just growing pains; and in time I found

D Bb

I got used to intense random pain, and the stigma of having weak knees,

Dm C7

and related symptoms, like cowardice and lethargy.

F C

Chorus: It’s a pre-existing condition; it’s always been this way.

C F

And it keeps on happening again and again, and every time I have to pay.

F Bb

O doctor, doctor, won’t you make me better, though I cannot afford the cost.

C F

I’m asking you please won’t you help me out, though it’s cheaper to write me off.

C C7 F

2: I love my brain; it’s a good brain; but, sadly, it’s terribly slow.

C C7 F

And some synapse is busted, so I can’t express half the great things that I know.

D Bb

I’ve got tablets that help the depression, but the sadness keeps hanging on.

Dm C7

They can soften but not quite get rid of the feeling that something’s wrong.

Chorus (it’s / so / can’t)

C C7 F

3: My poor heart keeps on pumping and trying, but I fear that it tends to bleed.

C C7 F

I am nagged by the dream that all people should have basic things they need,

D Bb

and that somehow we could get each other if we bravely and caringly speak,

Dm C7

if my brain just worked better, if my knees didn’t tremble and creak.

Chorus (I’ve / so / won’t)