This one is deeply personal, born from my firsthand experiences working in the oil industry in both Alaska and Scotland. Inspired by the seismic impact of the 2014 oil crash, which devastated towns I hold close to my heart, it delves into the stark realities of boom-and-bust cycles and their toll on communities. As businesses close their doors, one after the other, the once vibrant storefronts become veiled in white paint, resembling burial shrouds. It's an image that haunts me and reminds me of the silent suffering that lurks behind the facade of economic decline. The last verse, in particular, holds a poignant truth for me. I imagine that in the next life, I'll recognize hell not by fire and brimstone, but by the painted windows that mask the quiet misery endured by those left behind.
Lyrics
Painted windows
I was on my way downtown
Trying to find a job
But thing just getting tougher every day
Everywhere I go
The only thing I saw
Was rows of painted windows
Now I know that times are hard
And I swear it’s true
But what am I supposed to do
When everywhere I go
The only thing I saw
Was rows of painted windows
Well, I swear I walked for miles
I stopped everywhere I saw
Until I finally started to understand
The only guy who’s makin’ rent
Is that guy who’s selling paint
For all those painted windows
Well, I walked up to a church
And went and slipped inside
And said I’m gonna have a talk with God
When my end comes I’ll know
If it’s hell I’m gonna know
I’ll recognize it by the painted windows