All songs and videos on this site © Jonathan Ochshorn
To mark the seventh anniversary of my prostatectomy in August of 2018, I wrote this song as part of a multi-song cycle (see also A Slow-Growing Cancer).
PSA Blues
Words and music © 2025 Jonathan Ochshorn
1. Well my PSA numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 8
Are making me just a bit nervous
Some say I should simply watch and wait
And don't do myself a disservice
Why these numbers are increasing like the Fibonacci Series
Is a question without a good answer
But they tell me that according to prevailing theories
It don't always mean that there's cancer
CHORUS:
And even if there is it might not kill me
While the risks of intervention don't thrill me
So doctor won't you tell me how to choose
Cause I've got them PSA blues
2. Well a biopsy's needed to settle this issue
So the area is numbed and scanned
Then a needle's inserted to retrieve some tissue
Into my prostate gland
Well the numbers from the biopsy come out to 3 plus 4
Which is not nearly as bad as it could be
While there are less invasive options with that Gleason score
Hey, I'm choosing surgery
CHORUS:
And while this cancer may not kill me
And potential complications they don't thrill me
Well they made me an offer that I couldn't refuse
But I've still got them PSA blues
[Instrumental verse: HARMONICA]
CHORUS:
While this cancer may not kill me
And potential complications they don't thrill me
It's an offer I just couldn't refuse
But I've still got them PSA blues
3. Well it's time to drive down to the surgery place
I've done my best to prepare
We'll stay in a hotel nearby just in case
There's a need for some follow-up care
Well they strap me down and wheel me to the operating suite
Where everybody's asking how I'm feeling
The next thing I know the procedure's complete
And I start down that long road to healing
CHORUS:
Now this cancer might not have killed me
But long after the hospital billed me
My blood tests have brought me only good news
Yeah, I've lost them PSA blues
Production notes:
Music arranged and produced by Jonathan Ochshorn
Recorded with Logic Pro X software
Vocals: Jonathan Ochshorn
Background vocals: Jonathan Ochshorn
Real instruments: Jonathan Ochshorn (electric guitar, harmonica)
Software instruments played live on midi keyboard: Jonathan Ochshorn (piano, drums, bass)
Recorded at home in Ithaca, NY, August 2025.
The song was recorded using Logic Pro X. I made the video using Final Cut Pro.
First posted 22 August 2025. Last updated: 23 August 2025