“Amsterdam” is the third track from Guster’s fourth album Keep It Together. It is one of the staples of their live shows. In early versions, the song’s title was possibly “Squirm”, according to an early mix before Brian Rosenworcel wrote the final words.
[Verse 1: Ryan Miller]
I threw away your greatest hits
You left them here the day you split
Your bass guitar and Shaggs CD
Well, they don't mean that much to me
Right now I'm going through your things
These days I'm changing all my strings
[Chorus: Ryan Miller & Adam Gardner/Miller]
Gonna write you a letter
I'm gonna write you a book
I want to see your reaction
I want to see how it looks
From way upon your cloud
Where you've been hiding out
Are you getting somewhere
Or did you get lost in Amsterdam
[Verse 2: Ryan Miller]
You won't get too far from me
Believing everything you read
You're wasted in the great unknown
And I am finally ready to dispose
Of all your vintage clothes
Your drugs and every secret code
[Chorus: Ryan Miller & Adam Gardner/Miller]
Gonna write you a letter
I'm gonna write you a book
I want to see your reaction
I want to see how it looks
From way upon your cloud
Where you've been hiding out
Are you getting somewhere
Or did you get lost in Amsterdam
[Verse 3: Ryan Miller]
From your red balloon
You were a super hi-tech jet fighter
Floating over planet Earth
Come back down here
I'll show you where it hurts
Take this bitter pill
Is it easy to swallow
[Chorus: Ryan Miller & Adam Gardner/Miller]
Gonna write you a letter
I'm gonna write you a book
I want to see your reaction
I want to see how it looks
From way upon your cloud
You're never coming down
Are you getting somewhere
Or did you get lost in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam was written by Brian Rosenworcel.
Amsterdam was produced by Ron Aniello.