Bill Steely
1. MAGDALENA
Magdalena the dog’s looking for you
She paces back and forth in your room waiting for scratches and food
La la la la la la la la
Digging in the yard along the fence are you in the world outside
Magdalena we go for a walk
The dog pulls the leash so hard she almost lifts up off the ground
But you aren’t to be found
Ch.1
In the night she rests her nose on the cold linoleum
Waking fitfully at every sound
She drags a blanket in with an uncertain grin
And drops it down right where you used to lie
v.2
Magdalena I can picture you
In a half painted room eating cold Chinese food
La la la la la la la la
We knew we would live forever because we were just that clever
Magdalena when the seasons change
Everything we worked so hard to build will all be rearranged
Cause nothing stays the same
Ch.2
In the night she rests her nose on the cold linoleum
Waking fitfully at every sound
She drags a blanket in with an uncertain grin
And drops it down right where you used to lie
v.3
Magdalena the dog has a wish
She wishes you would come home with a treat maybe a soup bone
Magdalena
I wish that she understood when I tell her why you can’t come home
Magdalena
I wish that she understood when I tell her why you can’t come home
2. MISFIT TOYS
With a bag of gifts from CVS he didn’t get to wrap
He’ll be calling when he’s almost here he knows I got his back
He quits cigarettes when he comes home but that don’t last one pack
Misfit toys once a year park up on the lawn and drink dad’s beer
Mom and dad are happy just to welcome home their boys
Burnt cookies on a holly plate someone drop an ornament for old time’s sake
And have a warm embrace for your misfit toys
It hurts when she don’t see him it hurts to see him more
Nothing right ends the night like a slamming door
To the breakups that take the season hard and the make-ups that won’t go very far
There’s a house on the block that don’t get locked with a big lit up star
Misfit toys once a year park up on the lawn and day drink beer
Mom and dad are happy just to welcome home their boys
Burnt cookies on a holly plate someone drop an ornament for old time’s sake
And have a warm embrace for your misfit toys
Raise a glass for auld lang syne
And a new year to get it right this time
Misfit toys wave goodbye and try to get away before they cry
Another year of sorrow another year of joy
At the end of the day everyone is broken in some small way
So show a little grace to your misfit toys
And have a warm embrace for your misfit toys
3. NO PERFECT ANYTHING
That bar stool talk that makes you roll your eyes
Get more whiskey in that glass let’s not make this our last dance
There ain’t no perfect way to say goodbye
Sure as you have sweet brown eyes sure as dough is gonna rise
When you turn up the heat in this here room
That’s as sure as I can be there ain’t no perfect anything
Ain’t no perfect anything but you
When you wear that summer dress it makes me a perfect mess
You sure know how to bring me to my knees
While I’m there I thought I’d ask seeing how this love will last
Would you wear this imperfect man’s ring
Sure as you have sweet brown eyes sure as dough is gonna rise
When you turn up the heat in this here room
That’s as sure as I can be there ain’t no perfect anything
Ain’t no perfect anything but you
And if on our perfect day the sky gives us rain
We’ll duck inside I’ll hold you tight and taste the champagne on your lips
So Let it pour
Sure as you have sweet brown eyes sure as dough is gonna rise
When you turn up the heat in this here room
That’s as sure as I can be there ain’t no perfect anything
Ain’t no perfect anything but you there ain’t no perfect anything but you
In this world There ain’t no perfect anything but you
4. OLD SCHOOL
Look me in the eye and tell me that I was the best
Then she changed her mind moved in with a friend of mine
I didn’t know until she told me in a text
I’ll give up my seat to let a lady off her feet
Around kids I’ll act the fool
I’ll wait patiently while you put on make up and fix your hair
Pay the check and hold your chair
I’m just old school
Even among friends sometimes there are differences
Settled in a parking lot ‘fore anyone can think
If someone gets hurt we don’t call the lawyers first
Someone picks him up and buys the man a drink
I’ll give up my seat to let a lady off her feet
Around kids I’ll act the fool
I’ll wait patiently while you put on make up and fix your hair
Pay the check and hold your chair
I’m just old school I’m just old school
Thank you cards sent by mail
Yellow cabs you have to hail
Photographs of family
Christmases on home movies
These are still a part of me
I’ll give up my seat to let a lady off her feet
Around kids I’ll act the fool
I’ll wait patiently while you put on make up and fix your hair
Pay the check and hold your chair
I’ll give up my seat to let a lady off her feet
I’ll wait patiently while you put on make up and fix your hair
Pay the check and hold your chair
I’m just old school
I’m just old school
I’m just old school
5. ORDINARY LIFE
He built his dreams to the sky only she could knock them down
Passing summers taking walks along the beach
Always wanting something more just out of reach reach
It’s an ordinary life
There’s a fire to warm up the winter nights
Two wine glasses on a shelf reflect the light
It’s an ordinary life
Twice a week she would drive to the city all alone
Passing farm stands with hand painted signs and empty homes
She would window shop and meet a friend for lunch
He was working late and neither had a hunch
They were helpless as dogs chasing cars cars cars
Hollow as the light from burned out stars stars stars
It was early spring the seeds weren’t even taken in the ground
They were both surprised it only took three days to sell the house
She moved to London with a struggling playwright
He’s in Amaganset passing lonely nights
He regrets now that he took so much in stride
No one knew she was sick till the day she died died died
It’s an ordinary life
There’s a fire to warm up the winter nights
Two wine glasses on a shelf reflect the light
It’s an ordinary life
Two wine glasses on a shelf reflect the light
It’s an ordinary life
It’s an ordinary life
6. OUTSIDE ON
The sun rises a baby’s born we wake in a free land
Even so it’s been too long since I got home to hug my mom
Went to hear my favorite band or had a beer with friends
Now I’m ready to do those things again
And get my outside on breathe the air and feel the sun
Fight a large mouth bass down at the lake
Get my outside on fire up the BBQ
Show em how to grill the perfect steak
I’m open for business even if it’s from a distance
I’m back and I feel strong I got my outside on
I called friends without a reason fixed some things that needed fixing
Wore a mask and washed my hands while I sang happy birthday
But there’s a car to fill with gas and there’s a keg I should tap
A campfire to sit around a song or two to play
I don’t need to go far to get away
And get my outside on breathe the air and feel the sun
Fight a large mouth bass down at the lake
Get my outside on fire up the BBQ
Show em how to grill the perfect steak
I’m open for business even if it’s from a distance
I’m back and I feel strong I got my outside on
Thought I’d never say this but I miss that stale black coffee at the diner
At the counter
I could grow my hair long but that ain’t helping the barber on the corner
Or his landlord
So I got my outside on I’m breathing air and feeling sun
Reeling in a bass down at the lake
Get my outside on fired up that BBQ
Showed em how to grill the perfect steak
Got my outside on dove into a swimming hole
Felt the shivers run right down my spine
Got my outside on swung a club and threw a ball
Saddled up a horse and took a ride
I’m open for business even if it’s from a distance
I’m back and I feel strong I got my outside on
I got my outside on Got my outside on
7. SINGLE TANK OF GAS
Always told me that I’ll see your name one day in lights
Honey if it’s your name you want everyone to know
Walk down any street in this small town and say hello
Driving to the airport pretty soon it starts to rain
We don’t say too much don’t want those tears to start again
I never thought it paid to do much talking anyway
So I’ll leave you with this thought to get you on your way
I’ll show you the world on a single tank of gas
Rollin down a country road your bare feet up on the dash
We can take the freeway when you feel like going fast
I’ll show you the world on a single tank of gas
They say if you love something you gotta set it free
But no one has ever loved you half as much as me
I’d get you to come back home if I knew what it took
Instead I’ll tell you what I see everywhere I look
When the desert rain comes down it sparkles like Times Square
The stars in the sky inspired Tiffany I swear
A brook trout when it starts to run is a ballet
And you can see a masterpiece in those stacks of hay
I’ll show you the world on a single tank of gas
Rollin down a country road your bare feet up on the dash
We can take the freeway when you feel like going fast
I’ll show you the world on a single tank of gas
This old truck with all those miles
Ain’t the same without you in it
When you miss my goodnight kisses
I’ll get you a first class ticket and
I’ll show you the world on a single tank of gas
Rollin down a country road your bare feet up on the dash
We can take the freeway when you feel like going fast
I’ll show you the world on a single tank
I’ll show you the world on a single tank of gas
Rollin down a country road your bare feet up on the dash
We can take the freeway when you feel like going fast
I’ll show you the world on a single tank of gas
I’ll show you the world on a single tank of gas
8. THINGS I LIKE
From Birmingham to Abilene Frisco to Gainesville
If fish were worth their weight in gold I’d cast a line ‘till I grew old
Buy everyone I don’t know a house on the hill
I should be a wealthy man to kiss a girl and see the world if I got paid to do the things I like
To sit and stare into your eyes I’d be happy getting by if I got paid to do the things I like
Even on a cloudy day the sun works beneath the haze
That’s without a holiday or profit sharing plan
If I never earned another dime there still wouldn’t be enough time
To sit and watch the sun go down with our feet in the sand
I should be a wealthy man to kiss a girl and see the world if I got paid to do the things I like
To sit and stare into your eyes I’d be happy getting by if I got paid to do the things I like
If kisses were a currency I’d be working steadily and there’d be towers rising to the sun
If the more you fell in love the richer you become
I should be a wealthy man to kiss a girl and see the world if I got paid to do the things I like
To sit and stare into your eyes I’d be happy getting by if I got paid to do the things I like
I should be a wealthy man to kiss a girl and see the world if I got paid to do the things I like
Your body lying next to me is my social security and I’d be loving you both day and night
If I got paid to do the things I like If I got paid to do the things I like
9. THIS TIME FOR SURE
We poured a slab and put up some hay
I went to the Quickway to buy a can of dip
I was sittin on the hood of the car
When someone passed me a Mason jar
I thought it couldn’t hurt to have me just one sip
When I woke up I was in more pain
Than a third class car on an overnight train
I walked into the bedframe and I swore
My mouth felt like someone’s feet
Kickin up dust on a gravel street
Mark my words I ain’t gonna drink no more
This time for sure
Things went good the rest of that day
I took the bottle and poured it away
‘Cept that bit I keep in case someone drops by
Then I got a check but the bills were more
And my ex called to settle the score
Somehow all that talkin made my lips real dry
When I woke up I was in more pain
Than a third class car on an overnight train
I walked into the bedframe and I swore
My mouth felt like someone’s feet
Kickin up dust on a gravel street
Mark my words I ain’t gonna drink no more
This time for sure
I was thinkin bout the things I quit
Tellin myself I can do this
When a pretty girl sat down on the hood of that sweet car
I told her I quit a dead end job
Meat for Lent and runnin from love
She wrinkled her nose and said quitters never win
(sigh)
When I woke up I was in more pain
Than a third class car on an overnight train
I walked into the bedframe and I swore
My mouth felt like someone’s feet
Kickin up dust on a gravel street
Mark my words I ain’t gonna drink no more
I ain’t rode no meaner bull
Than that one named Alcohol
Mark my words I ain’t gonna drink no more
This time for sure
This time for sure
This time for sure
10. WHISKEY TALK
A shelter from the raging storm that won’t let you inside
A woman is a gentle breeze across a tranquil sea
That blows up like a hurricane when she’s been drinking whiskey
You don’t interrupt when she talks that whiskey talk
Don’t get in her way when she walks her whiskey walk
Whiskey is a chimney fire you can’t see as it burns
The Salvation Cannonball that takes no passengers
A five dollar palm reader who has you in her spell
From the second story window of a building gone to Hell
You don’t interrupt when she talks that whiskey talk
Don’t get in her way when she walks her whiskey walk
Beer and wine are very fine when sipped with company
If your thrills are sleeping pills then have yourself sweet dreams
If your dope goes up in smoke you might forget my name
But nothing brings the gavel down like whiskey in your veins
You don’t interrupt when she talks that whiskey talk
Don’t get in her way when she walks her whiskey walk
You don’t interrupt when she talks that whiskey talk
Don’t get in her way when she walks her whiskey walk
when she walks her whiskey walk
when she walks her whiskey walk
11. WOMAN OF MY DREAMS
I was in Berlin
I saw the girl she was so pretty
One always is
Her porcelain skin so fair
The wind blew through her golden hair
As she pedaled down the sidewalk
Across the canal
As she disappeared I thought there goes the woman of my dreams
Don’t feel sorry
I’m not as lonely as I seem
There’s a café by the cathedral
Where they ring the bells
We would go on Sunday morning
And drink Kir Royales
She said she loves that sound
Then Monday came around
We kissed and said see you later
But we never did
As we drifted I thought there goes the woman of my dreams
Don’t feel sorry
I’m not as lonely as I seem
At a party in Miami
Where I was by chance
I met a girl from Costa Rica
She asked me to dance
But when the music got too loud
The police shut the party down
All she left was the perfume
Still on my skin
As she faded I thought there goes the woman of my dreams
Don’t feel sorry I’m not as lonely as I seem
In the hot night
I thought there goes the woman of my dreams
Don’t feel sorry
I’m not as lonely as I seem
I’m not as lonely as I seem
There goes the woman of my dreams
12. BLUE MARY
She had a mouthful of tequila blonde wig and push up bra
She gave me her number but she got the number wrong
Blue Mary left me here alone
I miss her like the Mississippi River misses Saint Paul
I heard she was in Baton Rouge but didn’t stay there long
When we caught up in Memphis I got a tattoo of her name
Blue Mary with a heart inside in a chain
We spent some time together moved in way too fast
I told her that I love her she didn’t say it back
She went out for a cigarette that quick she was gone
Blue Mary come back where you belong
I miss her like the Mississippi River misses Saint Paul
I heard she was in Baton Rouge but didn’t stay there long
We caught up in Memphis I got a tattoo of her name
Blue Mary with a heart inside a chain
How Mary got so blue she never let on
I guess she’s just happier gone
I miss her like the Mississippi River misses Saint Paul
I heard she was in Baton Rouge but didn’t stay there long
Now I’m stuck in Memphis a tattoo of her name
Blue Mary with a heart inside a chain
A bar tab that I work off a tattoo of her name
Blue Mary with a heart inside a chain
Blue Mary with a heart inside a chain
13. COUNTRY CLUB
There’s a rub and a scrape where the wild things run
Got holes in my jeans on both the knees
And don’t bother asking if you can’t say please
Got my ass in a tree just before daylight
Got a little bit of neon in my Friday night
Got sleeves on my shirt and I’m dressed up
Man I love this country club
Here’s why we love our country club
The dues we pay are an honest work day
the poolside bar is a cooler and a guitar
That’s why we love our country club
Got your heels in your hand toes in the mud
A little bit of back woods in the blood
Sitting on the tailgate of my truck
Shooting Cuervo from a Dixie cup
We give thanks for our meals
Every time a tractor plows these fields
And God always provides enough
That’s why we love this country club
That’s why we love our country club
The dues we pay are an honest work day
the poolside bar is a cooler and a guitar
That’s why we love our country club
We don’t lose sleep if the Dow Jones falls
The bucks we chase hang on our walls
That’s why we love our country club
The dues we pay are an honest work day
the poolside bar is a cooler and a guitar
That’s why we love our country club
Anyone can join everybody gets in
If you’re not family that means you’re a friend
That’s why we love our country club
That’s why we love our country club
14. COUNTRY RUNNING IN MY BLOOD
The same farm his dad got passed to him
Mother raised 11 children
One to be an angel and the rest to get crops in
It isn’t always easy but I never thought of leaving
I got country running in my blood F150 Ford kicking up mud
Got country running in my blood
I got country running in my blood
Spring and fall I hunt these hills
Every night sit down to family meals
Corner store sells hot dogs and beer
Friday night you’ll find a party there
Yes I was raised here that’s not why I stay here
I got country running in my blood F150 Ford kicking up mud
Got country running in my blood
I got country running in my blood find that Nashville station crank it up
Got country running in my blood
I got country running in my blood
I could get more places faster if I traded in this tractor
But there’s nowhere else I got to be
I got country running in my blood F150 Ford kicking up mud
Got country running in my blood
I got country running in my blood find that Nashville station crank it up
Got country running in my blood
I got country running in my blood plastic bobber jumping in the sun
Got country running in my blood
I got country running in my blood
I got country running in my blood
15. DOLLAR CHICKEN DOLLAR RICE
When the party ends I say goodbye to my new friends and have dinner for one
Dollar chicken dollar rice
A glass of diet coke with lipstick stains and too much ice
On days when nothing comes without a price I get by on dollar rice
I could’ve drove a truck if only my eyes were good should’ve been an engineer
What good’s a book of unpublished poetry if it won’t buy the beer
Dollar chicken dollar rice
A glass of diet coke with lipstick stains and too much ice
On days when nothing comes without a price I get by on dollar rice
Dollar chicken dollar rice
One day I woke up I was 39 knew every stop on the Gray Hound line
Took a room back home ‘till I got back on my feet again
Some people sit and watch the waves roll in I pity those who won’t get wet
Even if I lie in an unmarked grave I won’t lie with my regrets
Dollar chicken dollar rice
A glass of diet coke with lipstick stains and too much ice
On days when nothing comes without a price I get by on dollar rice
I get by on dollar rice
Dollar chicken dollar rice
16. FISHING
Driving up the coast from Tampa first the sky is black then it’s clear
Clicking like a metronome the medicine is dripped into the vein
You drift like a fishing boat farther out than you can hear my name
Telephone rings by the bed I hold the earpiece to your head It surprises me the strength
You have to push my hand away Nurses who keep dropping by say let’s give this
Another try it’s just one drop of blood we need it’s just another pinch
And I’m ‘gonna take you fishing when I get you out of here Stop for donuts on the way
And walk down to the pier sit with you all afternoon drifting out a line And we’ll be
Doing okay just catching us some time We’ll be doing okay catching us some time
I’m ‘gonna take you fishing when I get you out of here
The wind has shifted and the currents bring these tiny boats back to their ports
You could be in Levittown 40 years ago building tree forts You sit up and look around
Ask if anyone has fed the cat She squeezes your hand tenderly says It’s good to have
You back But when I look around the room I just see tubes and red balloons You look
Ten years younger in the green glow of the TV I can almost feel the heft of the souls
Who never left This is someone else’s bed I hope that you can hear that
I’m ‘gonna take you fishing when I get you out of here Stop for donuts on the way
And walk down to the pier sit with you all afternoon drifting out a line And we’ll be
Doing okay catching us some time We’ll be doing okay catching us some time
I’m ‘gonna take you fishing when I get you out of here
‘gonna take you fishing when I get you out of here
I’m ‘gonna take you fishing
‘Gonna take you fishing
I’m ‘gonna take you fishing
17. GOD’S GOOD SIDE
Maybe it’s the paint that’s cracked and peeling off the door
I fold her lawn chair lean it up against the wall
Sit in mine and drink another beer
Is God out there at all
I tried the best I can to be a better man
The one she always prayed I’d become
Somehow I fell from grace if I could just reclaim my place
Maybe she would stop and change her mind
If I could get back on God’s good side
A plastic bat and baseball glove made for little hands
Over by the garbage bag that’s filled with silver cans
A bicycle with training wheels no one’s there to ride
Maybe God just needed some more time
To get her His reply
I tried the best I can to be a better man
The one she always prayed I’d become
Somehow I fell from grace if I could just reclaim my place
Maybe she would stop and change her mind
If I could get back on God’s good side
Tire tracks in hard mud dirty snow in the driveway
I get out of bed to make a deal with God today
Keep the house and bank account but let me see the kids
And leave me just to be the man you made
And no one takes the blame
I tried the best I can to be a better man
The one she always prayed I’d become
Somehow I fell from grace if I could just reclaim my place
Maybe she would stop and change her mind
Lesser children ask for more but I’m not one for keeping score
So I don’t care and I’ll be doing fine
When I get back on God’s good side
When I get back on God’s good side
When I get back on God’s good side
18. FAMILY MEALS
I learned here nothing heals like sitting down to family meals
Tonight why don’t you pick the movie
I’ll pour us both another drink
Steam rises windows fog standing here I stir the sauce
Time passes it don’t show on you Red leaves give way to snow
As the years get tossed I stir the sauce
Curtains hang by the stove out of feed sacks that you sewed
Watching you move in this place always still lights up my face
Tonight why don’t you pick the movie
I’ll pour us both another drink
Steam rises windows fog standing here I stir the sauce
Time passes it don’t show on you Red leaves give way to snow
As the years get tossed I stir the sauce
Lawn smells of fresh cut grass rain clouds pause then they pass
Dough gets rolled apples peeled a mason jar with flowers from the field
A mason jar with flowers from the field
Steam rises windows fog standing here I stir the sauce
Time passes it don’t show on you Red leaves give way to snow
Steam rises windows fog standing here I stir the sauce
Time passes children grow now they come and they go
As the years get tossed I stir the sauce
As the years get tossed I stir the sauce
I burnt a few pots and pans can’t count the times I cut my hands
I learned here nothing heals like sitting down to family meals
19. I’LL WORK THROUGH THE NIGHT
She said keep your grades up you can get that paper route
Riding down dark sidewalks throwing papers up on lawns
Earned those couple dollars that went in my bank account
I always thought a life worth living is one where you got what was earned not given
Every drop of sweat was worth the prize
From the day I saw you coming I always knew it was you I wanted
Just to feel your body next to mine I’ll work through the night
You were barely twenty three first time that you looked at me
I wore steel toe boots you wore cut-off jeans
You laughed when I tried to dance I took you out every chance
Till I learned to hold you without stepping on your feet
I always thought a life worth living is one where you got what was earned not given
Every drop of sweat was worth the prize
From the day I saw you coming I always knew it was you I wanted
Just to feel your body next to mine I’ll work through the night
I’ll work through the night
Other guys will chase you just like I did
They’ll tell you what you want to hear
Men are what they do not what they say
I’ll be with you when those guys are sleeping off their beer
I always thought a life worth living is one where you got what was earned not given
Every drop of sweat was worth the prize
From the day I saw you coming I always knew it was you I wanted
Just to feel your body next to mine
From the day I saw you coming I always knew it was you I wanted
Just to feel your body next to mine
I’ll work through the night
I’ll work through the night
I’ll work through the night
20. IT JUST DOES
You never get an answer but you still kneel down to pray
And you still know I love you when I don’t have much to say
And I know what you’re thinking when you look at me that way
You make the meal I’ll do the dishes
What keeps airplanes in the sky why do onions make me cry
Why do shots of whisky seem to make me smarter
We’re not the same people as the ones who fell in love
I don’t know why it works it just does
The jersey that you’re wearing of the home town football team
It’s never been your favorite but you sure look good in green
And aint fond of yoga ‘cause I don’t bend that way
So how come all you do is ask and I go anyway
You pick the song I’ll pick the guitar
What keeps airplanes in the sky why do onions make me cry
Why do shots of whisky seem to make me smarter
We’re not the same people as the ones who fell in love
I don’t know why it works it just does
Let’s disagree you can’t stay mad at me and it’s so sweet to make up
What keeps airplanes in the sky why do onions make me cry
Why do shots of whisky seem to make me smarter
We’re not the same people as the ones who fell in love
I don’t know why it works it just does
We’re not the same people as the ones who fell in love
I don’t know why it works it just does
I don’t know why it works it just does
21. K MART POP UP TENT
Folgers can with a little couch change enough for ice cream or a movie if it rains
Or we could get two folding chairs see if that mattress still holds air
How about we sleep tonight in a K Mart Pop Up Tent
On the bank of that clear running creek where we met
A bottle of strawberry wine a Bic lighter to see
Remember when we were just eighteen in a K Mart Tent
In a K Mart Pop Up Tent
Find the poles I’ll get the truck we’ll be eating trout for dinner with some luck
Cooling in that swimming hole bring the suntan oil leave the suits at home
Your tan body when it’s wet is close to heaven as life gets
How about we sleep tonight in a K Mart Pop Up Tent
On the bank of that clear running creek where we met
A bottle of strawberry wine a Bic lighter to see
Remember when we were just eighteen in a K Mart Tent
In a K Mart Pop Up Tent
Sitting round that campfire we learned what life’s about
All the rain in Florida can’t put that fire out
How about we sleep tonight in a K Mart Pop Up Tent
On the bank of that clear running creek where we met
A bottle of strawberry wine a Bic lighter to see
Remember when we were just eighteen
How about we sleep tonight in a K Mart Pop Up Tent
On the bank of that clear running creek where we met
We could play a kissing game one where we both win
Remember when we were just eighteen
Remember when we were just eighteen in a K Mart Tent
In a K Mart Pop Up Tent
In a K Mart Pop Up Tent
22. LAST THING ON MY MIND
My you sure look good
I don’t know why we didn’t
Keep in touch like we said we would
Now you’re here with someone, I’m the other guy
He’s looking at his phone, we’re saying goodbye
If he wants to know you’re the last thing on my mind
It’s true
Last thing on my mind is gonna be you
That swing in your walk and the little tattoo
You got when we were drunk on Tennessee shine
The way you laugh until you cry
Those whiskey lips and heartbreak eyes
Big as that blue Midwestern sky
You’re the last thing on my mind
I didn’t expect to see you
At this rooftop bar
Dancing there all by yourself
Looking like some kind of star
My date’s in the bathroom fixing up her hair
She can’t help but notice I can’t help but stare
If she wants to know you’re the last thing on my mind
It’s true
Last thing on my mind is gonna be you
That swing in your walk and the little tattoo
You got when we were drunk on Tennessee shine
The way you laugh until you cry
Those whiskey lips and heartbreak eyes
Big as that blue Midwestern sky
You’re the last thing on my mind
I’m not looking just to hookup
Girl you were too hard to find
I just pray there’ll come a time
I’m the last thing on your mind
Last thing on my mind is gonna be you
That swing in your walk and the little tattoo
You got when we were drunk on Tennessee shine
The way you laugh until you cry
Those whiskey lips and heartbreak eyes
Big as that blue Midwestern sky
Last thing on my mind is gonna be you
In faded jeans that stick like glue
And have me stop and turning on a dime
The night that we don’t say goodbye
Because we’ll be saying goodnight
That’s the night I dream about all the time
You’re the last thing on my mind
You’re the last thing on my mind
Where's Dave
1. SEASIDE HEIGHTS
He’s stringing lights around the rain gutters and window sills
He’s got a competition with the neighbor going on
Wait till he sees the reindeer lit up on our lawn
He stops just to appreciate his work
Dad does his sit-ups on the living room floor
Tells us stories of his armor how it wins the war
Campaigns for Humphrey who is that
Takes me to work and lets me wear his railroad conductor’s hat
Who needs a week in Mexico or Paris France
Too far to drive, too much to fly (why even take the chance)
I need a weekend in the sun take me away to Seaside Heights
Take me away to Seaside Heights
There goes Mom up on the roof
She’s having coffee with the devil who dresses like the neighbor’s wife
She’s waiting for my fever to break
Sends me off to school then slips into her room to wait
The day slides by like a freight train
Pammy bites a Christmas ball
She cries and spits out blood Mom’s frantic don’t know who to call
and says she gave us quite a scare
When we got home that night our presents were already there
Who needs a week in Mexico or Paris France
Too far to drive, too much to fly (why even take the chance)
I need a weekend in the sun take me away to Seaside Heights
Take me away to Seaside Heights
There I am up on the roof
both my Mom and Dad wonder what’s come over me
But that’s where I meet my wife
I send her off to someplace warm to dance with Walt Disney
She sends her kisses in the mail
Now my daughter runs my life
Can’t use the bathroom, the TV or the car tonight
But there are angels and she’s proof
She hits me up for ten bucks, tells me she’ll be on the roof
Who needs a week in Mexico or Paris France
Too far to drive, too much to fly (why even take the chance)
I need a weekend in the sun take me away to Seaside Heights
Take me away to Seaside Heights
Take me away to Seaside Heights
I need a boardwalk and some fun take me away to Seaside Heights
2. CHARITY
Charity was sleeping in her car
with the windows down I could hear the sound
of my own heart beating
When she woke it was beautiful
it was chronicled by time that stood still
Her hair was such a lovely mess
the sunrise on her breath
She trades promises for smiles
We walked along the railroad tracks for hours
And with every New Jersey mile
our silences grew into stories
Promises for smiles
She trades promises for smiles
In the quarry by the power lines
there’s a swimming hole where we washed
Stepping out September wind
Charity wrapped in a hotel bed sheet
Then she said that she loves this place
and she looked away with a little shiver
I heard singing in the trees
it was Charity’s song
She trades promises for smiles
We walked along the railroad tracks for hours
And with every New Jersey mile
Our silences grew into stories
Promises for smiles
She trades promises for smiles
I was playing at the Quiet Night Inn
Charity was on my mind
3. NO PLACE HOME
but if you could look inside my heart when you were gone it would be dark there
I’m so happy when you’re here
Don’t you know my aim is true my devotion’s just to you
I’m so happy when you’re here
Don’t go calling no place home
‘cause if you’re not in this bed I’m better off alone so Darling
don’t go calling no place home
and when you open up your eyes if you don’t see me act surprised
Don’t go calling no place home
Think of me and crack a smile
phone sex is a lot of fun a thousand miles can seem like just one
Think of me and crack a smile
Let my love keep you warm when the nights are cold and dark around you
Think of me and crack a smile
I could hold you ‘till I die
take care of you when you get sick this love of mine is made of brick I could hold you ‘till I die
One day I just realized tomorrow’s that place in your eyes
I could hold you ‘till I die
I could hold you ‘till I die
Think of me and crack a smile
Don’t go calling no place home
4. WATER IN YOUR HANDS
You taste like water but you’re gin
You cross my lips
it starts out warm and then fills in
Your body flows
down to your painted toes
You’re like Van Gough’s Starry Night
Or like a friend
who comes from out of town
and always makes you feel right
I am a letter in your slot
I am the arrow who will hit your spot
I am the mood you feel today
I am a habit that you can’t resist
I am the fire that will scorch your lips
I am not the road that takes you home
Hold me tight because I am water in your hands I could stick
to your brown magnetic eyes
I would fall
through your green poetic skies
Your body flows
down to your painted toes
You’re like Van Gough’s Starry Night
Or like a friend
who comes from out of town
and always makes you feel right
I am a letter in your slot
I am the arrow who will hit your spot
I am the mood you feel today
I am a habit that you can’t resist
I am the fire that will scorch your lips
I am not the road that takes you home
Hold me tight because I am water in your hands
I am a letter in your slot
I am the arrow who will hit your spot
I am the mood you feel today
I am a habit that you can’t resist
I am the fire that will scorch your lips
I am not the road that takes you home
Hold me tight because I am water in your hands
5. WHERE'S DAVE
I want to call but it’s getting too late
so I sit back down e Sometimes I wonder how far
I can slip into this guitar
‘till I’m made of sound
I lose my train of thought
I lose my cool
and I’ve been wondering where’s Dave
It’s getting late and now they’ve
closed the pool
But has anyone seen Dave
Where’s Dave
Where’s Dave
Does anyone know
Bones to bones dust to dust
is there anyone that you trust
can you go back home
There’s a smell reminds me of a time when I couldn’t be stopped and love was blind
It’s a time you know
I lose my train of thought
I lose my cool
and I’ve been wondering where’s Dave
I haven’t seen him on the
bus to school
I hope he isn’t sick
Where’s Dave
Where’s Dave
Where’s Dave
Does anyone know
I lose my train of thought
I lose my cool
and I’ve been wondering where’s Dave
It’s getting late and now they’ve
closed the pool
but has anyone seen Dave
Where’s Dave
Where’s Dave
Does anyone know
Does anyone know
Does anyone know
Does anyone know
Does anyone know
6. MOUNTAIN OF SNOW
We could stand and shout but that never works
Like a slap
the thought of you comes rushing back
Like a cool drink you take away my thirst
You’re an angel but somebody clipped your wings
You could be
the warmest current in the sea
or a mountain of snow
I may be wrong but then it wouldn’t be the first time that I was
It’s just part of my misfortune
when we agree
things that look so hard come easy
When you’re smiling it’s hard for me to frown
You’re an angel but somebody clipped your wings
You could be
the warmest current in the sea
or a mountain of snow
As an opponent you can bring out all the best I have to give
As a lover you weaken me
If I rise
to your sun it’s no surprise
I know you’ll tell me when it’s time to leave
You’re an angel but somebody clipped your wings
You could be
the warmest current in the sea
or a mountain of snow
You’re an angel but somebody clipped your wings
You could be
the warmest current in the sea
or a mountain of snow
7. DEPTHS OF DEVOTION
What I needed was something familiar what I found was something new
Hey what do you say when the ghost comes knocking at your door
It’s a little bit funny yeah It’s a little bit funny, hey hey
See the music on the picture screen with the surreal round sound
Talk to the girl in the Lower East Village with the hair ‘hangin down
Far away in her stare is your open diary
There’s a million stars out
one of them’s wishing on you
Put the blame on fate now it’s too late she’s down to her last vow and you feel yourself sink lower by the hour
to depths of devotion
depths of devotion
Baby
depths of devotion
In the crack in the sidewalk in the heat in the air
In the letter that I got last week How you ‘doin over there
In between the lines I read about the change in us
Yes I still love you
What was the question again
I was talking monosyllabic when I finally woke up
and looking hard once around the room I couldn’t tell where I was
Oh the freedom in this Quixotic insanity
Take off these handcuffs
You’ll make this saint a sinner
Put the blame on fate now it’s too late she’s down to her last vow
and you feel yourself sink lower by the hour
to depths of devotion
depths of devotion
Baby
depths of devotion
Baby
Baby
Baby
Baby
Baby
Baby
Baby
Baby
Baby
Baby
Put the blame on fate now it’s too late she’s down to her last vow
and you feel yourself
Sink lower by the hour
to depths of devotion
8. FORGET ME FRIDAY
I’m on a ride and I can’t hold on
If this is love then I’ll outgrow it
‘cause I’m just a kid playing on your lawn
I should’ve seen this whole thing coming
You’re back was turned and so was your head
But you’re not ‘gonna keep me running
while chasing you from bed to bed
You tried to tutor me but this dog’s hard to teach
but don’t think you wasted my time
Wasting time’s just a figure of speech
Nothing matters quite much now like a wheelbarrow in the rain
don’t cry for me ‘cause I’m okay
tomorrow’s just another day It’s
forget me Friday or it’s Tuesday I’ve got time
Suicidal Saturday night doesn’t fit the crime
Catatonic Monday’s just a half heartbeat away
Without you loving me
It’s just another day
It’s just another day
You never put your eggs together
in one case that might get dropped
you don’t believe that love’s forever
but you don’t want it to stop
But when you wake up I won’t be here
You might not notice anyway
Don’t pretend you’re losing something
‘cause you really Don’t want me to stay
Don’t worry that I’ll be lost ‘cause I can read a map
and don’t leave a trail for me ‘cause you know that I won’t follow that
nothing matters quite much now like a wheelbarrow in the rain
Don’t cry for me ‘cause I’m okay
tomorrow’s just another day
It’s forget me Friday or it’s
Tuesday I’ve got time
Suicidal Saturday night doesn’t fit the crime
Catatonic Monday’s just a half heartbeat away
without you loving me
It’s just another day
It’s just another day
It’s just another day
9. ELECTRICITY
or move across the room
the curve of your back
under a full-lit moon
I never sat down
to write a love song it was kind of a mistake
like electricity it makes my heart go pop
you are my oxygen
it makes my heart go pop
knowing you’re there
Don’t ever want to stop
being your lover boy
I could never wash you out of my hair
It’s the same song
but it’s a different verse
I’m singing the hook
without your love I’m cursed
I’m just a guy
you’re a superlative
I hold out my hand
And electricity
makes my heart go pop
you are my oxygen
it makes my heart go Pop
knowing you’re there
Don’t ever want to stop
being your lover boy
I could never wash you out of my hair
I start up my car
your perfume fills the air
I drive through my life
I find you everywhere
I never sat down
to write a love song it was kind of a mistake
Like electricity
it makes my heart go pop
You are my oxygen
it makes my heart go Pop
knowing you’re there
Don’t ever want to stop
being your lover boy
I could never wash you out of my hair
It makes my heart go pop
you are my oxygen
It makes my heart go Pop
knowing you’re there
Don’t ever want to stop
being your lover boy
I could never wash you out of my hair
10. THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE
The march to Tannenberg was painful wet and slow
We wet our lips with melting snow
The rations that we captured ran out days ago
And this infection in my leg is spreading
I fear that I may lose my strength
I’d go to any length
to get a letter to my wife to tell her I’m alive
And I don’t know what I’m doing wide awake in this strange place
But if I’m the one then Your will be done and by Your holy grace
spare my children from this greatest war
Artillery rained from the sky
Young second lieutenant shrapnel just below his eye
As he died he squeezed my hand
I stood up in the trench and spit out into No Man’s Land
And through the curved fields of new wheat that ran in waves before the wind
I saw a single light
then I saw another one
and still there were more
And I don’t know what I’m doing wide awake in this strange place
But if I’m the one then Your will be done and by Your holy grace
spare my children from this greatest war
A Christmas quiet as a corpse
The Germans started singing softly then with greater force
I heard it clearly Silent Night
by the time they finished we slowly lost the will to fight
and there appeared an unarmed soldier brave and holding up a flag of truce
Soon others followed suit
We traded whiskey and photographs from home
And I don’t know what I’m doing wide awake in this strange place
But if I’m the one then Your will be done and by Your holy grace
spare my children from this greatest war
News about this Christmas truce
reached and sent a shudder running through the high command
who declared it treasonous
and tried and sentenced Calhoun commander of the troops on land
But George the Fifth granted him clemency
thereby sparing him his life
By March the drum and fife
led us back to battlefields by our rotting boots And I don’t know what I’m doing wide awake in this strange place
But if I’m the one then Your will be done and by Your holy grace
Spare my children from this greatest war
11. YOU’RE A METAPHOR
it would be a retrospect in gray
or a tarnished statue
in Gramercy Park
If I had a poet as a houseguest
and he wrote down everything he saw
when he pieced it together
it would look like you
You’re a metaphor
A kiss in the dark
Now I found out what you’re for
You’re here to help me make a new start
You’re a metaphor
You’re a metaphor
A kiss in the dark
Now I found out what you’re for
You’re here to help me make a new start
You’re a metaphor
When I got too homesick for a lover
You were right here with the cure
We could’ve been old friends
if I’d known you at all
In the cheapest hotel in the city
there’s a room where we both liked to meet
in the plot of a movie
or is it a dream
You’re a metaphor
A kiss in the dark
Now I found out what you’re for
You’re here to help me make a new start
You’re a metaphor
You’re a metaphor
A kiss in the dark
Now I found out what you’re for
You’re here to help me make a new start
You’re a metaphor
12. SWEET SURPRISES
You’re the great outdoors
You’re a feather on the wind that blows me off course
You’re the milk in my coffee
the evening sun
the ink in my pen you’re the lead in my gun
This life’s a work in progress my dear
Take off your glasses they don’t make it clear
That coffee cup is no crystal ball
Fill it with sweet surprises
and drink it all oh Molly
You don’t like the crack of the thunder
it makes you afraid
But the lights
always come back on the dark fades away
It’s two in the morning
you’re not going far
It’s the second time you locked the keys in your car
This life’s a work in progress my dear
Take off your glasses they don’t make it clear
That coffee cup is no crystal ball
Fill it with sweet surprises
and drink it all oh Molly
Take me out
put me on your arm
Take me apart
Put me together with a piece of your heart
Mesmerize me with your green eyes
Sing me a song
Tell me a story that’s 100 years long
This life’s a work in progress my dear
Take off your glasses they don’t make it clear
That coffee cup is no crystal ball
Fill it with sweet surprises
and drink it all oh Molly