Listen: Vera Ellen - 21

Wellington multi-instrumentalist Vera Ellen has surfaced with her first single since releasing her debut album Monte Cassino early last year. The release of the gorgeous piano-driven tune '21' coincides with the musician's own turning of age, which is aptly reflected in the lyrics. Take a listen below...

Lyrics:

It's enough to want to run
from everything you've ever done
but now I'm gonna spew

Is this what you do to get to heaven?
working at at 7/11
and getting home in time for the 5'oclock news

And when the laughter is all done
the alcohol sits on your tounge
like a bitter reminder of your emptiness

Remember when you brought that sweater?
You thought your life would get so much better
but it only kept you warm for that one long winter

CHORUS:
I'm worried for my children
When they take their first breath
They'll ask me what have I done
Then they will have to do the rest

The earth warms and the market crashes
you are but some sprinkled ashes
what will we do when the cash is out?

Who are you working for?
The man at the top or the bottom floor?
I guess we just don't know anymore

Millions at the thumb of one
Kill the daughter, praise the son
Is this what it feels like to be 21?

Guess I should finish my degree
 find a man who's good to me
 Isn't that what it's like to be 30?

CHORUS

When I'm lying in the ground
with all my family around
 I hope that I can leave the world better than it was