An early version of this song was considered for an early tracklist of Bee Thousand, though left off the final album. That demo version would be given an official release in 2004 as a bonus track to Bee Thousand: The Director’s Cut.
The opening guitar line is based on a 1985 instrumental titled “In...
[Verse 1]
Jagged purple rocks
Drunk with the tours and the travel guides
We've all come to Hope Cove
Singing the waning pop standard
In the haven of our love
[Verse 2]
Trying to break even
Most of us will not turn back
Somehow I know you will not
Carry all the ancient medicine
Steal my rosy red invention
[Verse 3]
Gather the amps
And dampen the camps
The day is done
When we see the sun
[Outro]
Perhaps then the race is won
Break Even was written by Robert Pollard.
Break Even was produced by Mike Hummel.