Lyrics of
This Year

This song is by The Mountain Goats, from the album The Sunset Tree, released in 2005. It discusses themes of perseverance and resilience in the face of hardship, inspired by vocalist John Darnielles experiences with childhood abuse.

I broke free on a Saturday morning
I put the pedal to the floor
Headed north on Mills Avenue
And listened to the engine roar
My broken house behind me and good things ahead
A girl named Cathy wants a little of my time
Six cylinders underneath the hood crashing and kicking
Ahah, listen to the engine whine
CHORUS:
I am going to make it through this year
If it kills me
I am going to make it through this year
If it kills me
VERSE:
I played video games in a drunken haze
I was 17 years young
Hurt my knuckles punching the machines
The taste of scotch rich on my tongue
And then Cathy showed up and we hung out
Trading swigs from a bottle, all bitter and clean
Locking eyes, holding hands
Twin high maintenance machines
CHORUS:
I am going to make it through this year
If it kills me
I am going to make it through this year
If it kills me
BRIDGE:
I drove home in the California dusk
I could feel the alcohol inside of me hum
Pictured the look on my stepfather's face
Ready for the bad things to come
VERSE:
I down-shifted as I pulled into the driveway
The motor screaming out, stuck in second gear
The scene ends badly, as you might imagine
In a cavalcade of anger and fear
There will be feasting and dancing in Jerusalem next year
CHORUS:
I am going to make it through this year
If it kills me
I am going to make it through this year
If it kills me