Well the last lights of day are fading
over city, man and beast.
There’s a glowing redness in the west.
There’s darkness in the east.
It’s a gravely road that we walk down,
but even bad luck doesn’t last.
I’ve been wearing the soles of my shoes down
limping away from the past.
A good friend ain’t easy to find these days,
The lucky only get three of four.
I’ve found no relief, but I’m cutting my teeth
and I won’t be a fool anymore.
I lost everything in 5 card stud poker
to Blacktop John and to Marley the Creep.
There’s no beginners luck with them around.
In Texas they all play for keeps.
I’ve got nothing but this tarpaulin I’m carrying
to keep out the wind and the rain.
I feel like a septuagenarian
in this twentysomething’s game.
I ran out of money and luck and tobacco.
I washed up naked and friendless on your shore.
I went all in when you gave me your hand,
but I won’t be a fool anymore.
Well I never have said that I missed you,
not even for a moment or two.
If you’d have given your lips I’d have kissed you.
Not everyone is as holy as you.
If I told you I’d be home for Christmas
you know I’d be telling a lie.
If you don’t find me on your wishlist
we’ll just meet in the sweet bye and bye.
It’s an ugly last thing to remember,
when I left and put a hole in your door.
I was a fool back then, but I’m at it again
and I won’t be a fool anymore.
No I won’t be a fool anymore.
credits
from The Best Of The Bantam Years,
released January 22, 2013
Pete Lanctot- Vocals, Guitar, Accordion
Gene Perla- Bass
Paul Wells- Drums
Kenny Bean- Trumpet
Emily Sipes- Saxaphone
Nate Reit- Trombone
Jonny Peppers- Bass Sax
Tom Heyman documents life in San Francisco circa 2023, refusing to succumb to easy characterization & instead capturing the city’s nuance. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 22, 2023