The afternoon has settled long and heady on my shoulders The winter's light feels different on my skin It doesn't seem to strike as far below the surface so I have to conclude that shadow won't let it in That shadow won't let it in Shadow won't let it in December... You've always been a problem child December You run me down restless and wild And I remember when you used to be mine December The leaves are all still changing the weather here is mild and vacant A winter's blooming on Los Angeles The artificial cold is more than I was hoping for But not enough to consume the darkened state I'm in The darkened state I'm in The darkened state I'm in December... You've always been a problem child December You run me down restless and wild But I remember when you used to be mine December Distill a whole year down into a day Act like we all start over with a pristine slate But to get yourself a new life you've got to give the other one away And I'm starting to believe in the power of a name Cause it can't be a mistake if I just call it change December Can't turn around now Break the chain can't live in circles again December