Harry Chapin - A Better Place To Be

It was an early morning bar room,
And the place just opened up.
And the little man come in so fast and
Started at his cup.
And the broad who served the whisky
She was a big old friendly girl.
And she tried to fight her empty nights
By smilin' at the world.

And she said "hey bub, it's been awhile
Since you been around.
Where the hell you been hidin' ?
And why you look so down ?"

But the little man just sat there like he'd never heard a sound.

The waitress she gave out with a cough,
And acting not the least put off,
She spoke once again.

She said, "i don't want to bother you,
Consider it's understood.
I know i'm not no beauty queen,
But i sure can listen good."

And the little man took his drink in his hand
And he raised it to his lips.
He took a couple of sips.
And he told the waitress this story.

"i am the midnight watchman down at miller's tool and die.
And i watch the metal rusting, and i watch the time go by.
A week ago at the diner i stopped to get a bite.
And this here lovely lady she sat two seats from my right.
And lord, lord, lord she was alright.

"oh she was so damned beautiful that she'd warm a winter's frost.
But she was long past lonely, and well nigh unto lost.
Now i'm not much of a mover, or a pick-em-up easy guy,
But i decided to glide on over, and give her one good try.
And lord, lord, lord she was worth a try.

"tongued-tied like a school boy, i stammered out some words.
But it did not really matter much, 'cause i don't think she heard.
She just looked clear on through me to a space back in my head.
And it shamed me into silence, as quietly she said,
'if you want me