Early one mornin' the sun was shinin', I was layin' in bed
A
G
D
Wonderin' if she'd changed at all, if her hair was still red
A
G
A
G
Her folks they said our lives together sure was gonna be rough
A
G
D
They never did like Mama's homemade dress, Papa's bankbook wasn't big enough
E
F#m
A
D
And I was standin' on the side of the road, rain fallin' on my shoes
E
F#m
A
D
E
Heading out for the East Coast, Lord knows I paid some dues gettin' through
G
D
A
Tangled up in blue
She was married when we first met, soon to be divorced
I helped her out of a jam I guess, but I used a little too much force
We drove that car as far as we could, abandoned it out West
Split up on a dark sad night, both agreeing it was best
She turned around to look at me as I was walkin' away
I heard her say over my shoulder "We'll meet again someday on the avenue"
Tangled up in blue
I had a job in the great north woods, working as a cook for a spell
But I never did like it all that much, and one day the axe just fell
So I drifted down to New Orleans, where I happened to be employed
Workin' for a while on a fishin' boat right outside of Delacroix
But all the while I was alone, the past was close behind
I seen a lot of women, but she never escaped my mind, and I just grew
Tangled up in blue
She was workin' in a topless place and I stopped in for a beer
I just kept looking at the side of her face in the spotlight so clear
And later on as the crowd thinned out, I's just about to do the same
She was standing there in back of my chair, said to me, "Don't I know your name?"
I muttered somethin' underneath my breath, she studied the lines on my face
I must admit I felt a little uneasy when she bent down to tie the laces of my shoe
Tangled up in blue
She lit a burner on the stove and offered me a pipe
"I thought you'd never say hello," she said "You look like the silent type"
Then she opened up a book of poems and handed it to me
Written by an Italian poet from the thirteenth century
And every one of them words rang true and glowed like burnin' coal
Pourin' off of every page like it was written in my soul from me to you
Tangled up in blue
I lived with them on Montague Street in a basement down the stairs
There was music in the cafes at night and revolution in the air
Then he started into dealing with slaves, and something inside of him died
She had to sell everything she owned and froze up inside
And when finally the bottom fell out, I became withdrawn
The only thing I knew how to do was to keep on keepin' on, like a bird that flew
Tangled up in blue
So now I'm goin' back again, I got to get to her somehow
All the people we used to know, they're an illusion to me now
Some are mathematicians, some are carpenter's wives
Don't know how it all got started, I don't know what they're doin' with their lives
But me, I'm still on the road, headin' for another joint
We always did feel the same, we just saw it from a different point of view
Tangled up in blue
Early one mornin' the sun was shinin', he was layin' in bed
D(vii)
C(v)
D
A(ii)
G
Wonderin' if she'd changed at all, if her hair was still red
D(vii)
C(v)
D(vii)
C(v)
Her folks they said their lives together sure was gonna be rough
D(vii)
C(v)
D
A(ii)
G
They never did like Mama's homemade dress, Papa's bankbook wasn't big enough
Em
Bm
D
A(ii)
G
And he was standin' on the side of the road, rain fallin' on his shoes
Em
Bm
D
A(ii)
G
Em
Heading out for the East Coast, Lord knows he's paid some dues gettin' through
F#m
Em
D
Tangled up in blue
She was married when they first met, soon to be divorced
He helped her out of a jam I guess, but he used a little too much force
They drove that car as far as they could, abandoned it out West
Split up on a dark sad night, both agreeing it was best
She turned around to look at him as he was walkin' away
She said: "This can't be the end, we'll meet on another day, on the avenue"
Tangled up in blue
He had a job in the old north woods, working as a cook for a spell
But he never did like it all that much, and one day the axe just fell
Well, he drifted down to LA, where he reckoned to try his luck
Workin' for a while on an airplane plant loading cargo onto a truck
But all the while he was alone, the past was close behind
He seen a lot of women, but she never escaped his mind, and he just grew
Tangled up in blue
She was workin' in a topless place and I stopped in for a beer
I just kept looking at the side of her face in the spotlight so clear
And later on as the crowd thinned out, I's about to do the same
She was standing there in back of my chair, said to me, "What's your name?"
I muttered somethin' underneath my breath, she studied the lines on my face
I must admit I felt a little uneasy when she bent down to tie the laces of my shoe
Tangled up in blue
She lit a burner on the stove and offered me a pipe
"I thought you'd never say hello," she said "You look like the silent type"
Then she opened up a book of poems and handed it to me
Written by an Italian poet from the thirteenth century
And every one of them words rang true and glowed like burnin' coal
Pourin' off of every page like it was written in my soul from me to you
Tangled up in blue
He was always in a hurry, too busy or too stoned
And everything that she ever planned just a-had to be postponed
She thought they were successful, she thought they were blessed
With objects and material things, but I never was impressed
And when it all came crashing down, I became withdrawn
The only thing I knew how to do was to keep on keepin' on, like a bird that flew
Tangled up in blue
So now I'm goin' back again, I got to get to her somehow
All the people we used to know, they're an illusion to me now
Some are mathematicians, some are doctors' wives
Don't know how it all got started, I don't know what they're doin' with their lives
But me, I'm still on the road, headin' for another joint
We always did feel the same, we just saw it from a different point of view
Tangled up in blue
Early one mornin' the sun was shinin' and I was layin' in bed
C
Am
F
C
G
Wonderin' if she'd changed at all, if her hair was still red
C
Am
F
C
G
Her folks they said that our lives together, well, it sure was gonna be rough
C
Am
F
C
They never did like Mama's homemade dress, Papa's bankbook wasn't big enough
Em
Am
Em
Am
And I was standin' on the side of the road, rain fallin' on my shoes
Em
Am
Em
Dm
G
Heading out for the East Coast, ready to pay some dues gettin' through
C
F
C
F
Tangled up in blue
She was married when we first met, soon to be divorced
I helped her out of a jam, I guess, but I used a little too much force
We drove that car as far as we could, we abandoned it way out West
Splittin' up on a dark sad night, both agreeing that it was best
She turned around to look at me one more time, as I was walkin' away
Sayin' over her shoulder, "Boy, We're bound to meet again someday on the avenue"
Tangled up in blue
I remember stayin' in the north woods, living in a vagabond hotel
One day there in the pouring rain, I could feel how the axe just fell
So I drifted down to New Orleans, and I was lucky not to be destroyed
I almost died of the bulldog clap two miles outside of Delacroix
But all the while I was alone, the past was close behind
I seen a lot of women, but she never escaped my mind, and I just grew
Tangled up in blue
She was dancin' in the Flamingo hotel and I was passin' by, so I stopped in for a beer
I just kept starin' at the side of her face in the spotlight so clear
And later on when the crowd thinned out, I was just about to do the same
She was standing there right behind my chair, toughing me said:
"You know it ain't no accident that you came"
I muttered somethin' underneath my breath, she studied the lines on my face
I must admit I felt a little uneasy, when she bent down to tie the laces of my shoe
Tangled up in blue
She lit a burner on the stove, wearin' a dress made up of stars and stripes
"I thought you'd never say hello," she said,
"You know you look like you could be the silent type"
Then she opened up the Bible, and she started quotin' it to me
Jeremiah chapter 17 from verses 21 and 33
And every one of them words rang true and glowed like burnin' coal
Pourin' off of every page like it was written in my soul from me to you
Tangled up in blue
I lived with them on Montague Street, in a basement down the stairs
There was music in the cafes at night, there was revolution in the air
Then he started into dealing with slaves, and something inside of her froze
She had to sell everything she owned, even her jewellery and her clothes
And when it all came crashing down, I became withdrawn
The only thing I knew how to do was to keep on keepin' on, like a bird that flew
Tangled up in blue
So now I'm goin' back again, I got to get to her and be brave
All the people we used to know, at least the ones that ain't in the grave
Some are brick layers, some are bank robbers
some are burglars and some are truck drivers' wives
I don't know how it all got started, I have no idea what they're doin' with their lives
But me, I'm still on the road, headin' for another joint
We always did feel the same, we just saw it from a different point of view
Tangled up in blue
Early one mornin' the sun was shinin', he was layin' in bed
G
F
C
/b
Am
Wonderin' if she'd changed at all, if her hair was still red
G
F
G
F
Her folks they said that their lives together sure was gonna be rough
G
F
C
/b
Am
They never did like Mama's homemade dress, Papa's bankbook wasn't big enough
D
Em
C
G
C
And he was standin' on the side of the road, rain fallin' on his shoes
D
Em
C
G
C
/b
Am
Heading out for the lone East Coast, radio blastin' the news straight on through
G
C/g
G
Tangled up in blue
She was married when they first met to a man four times her age
He left her penniless, in the state of regret, it was time to bust out of the cage
They drove that car as far as they could, abandoned it out west
Splitting up on a dark, sad night, both agreeing that it was best
And she turned around to look at him as he was walking away
She said I wish I could tell you all the things that I never learned how to say
He said that's alright babe, I love you too
But we were tangled up in blue
He had a steady job and a pretty face and everything seemed to fit
One day he could just feel the waste, he put it all down and split
And he headed down to New Orleans where they treated him like a boy
He nearly went mad in Baton Rouge, he nearly drowned in Delacroix
And all the time he was alone, the past was close behind
He had one too many lovers there, and none of them were too refined, all except for you
But you were tangled up in blue
She was working in the blinding light and I stopped in for a drink
I just kept looking at her face so white, I didn't know what to think
Later on as the crowd thinned out, I was getting ready to leave
She was standing there, beside my chair, saying "What's that you got up your sleeve?"
I said "nothing baby, and that's for sure", She leaned down into my face
I could feel the heat and the pulse of her as she bent down to tie the laces of my shoe
Tangled up in blue
I lived with them on Montague street in a basement down the stairs
There was snow all winter and no heat, revolution was in the air
Then one day all his slaves ran free and something inside of him died
The only thing I could do was be me and get on that train and ride
And when it all came crashing down I was already south
I didn't know whether the world was flat or round
I had the worst taste in my mouth, that I ever knew
Tangled up in blue
Now I'm going back again, maybe tomorrow, maybe next year
I've got to find someone among the women and men whose destiny is unclear
Some are ministers of illusion, some are masters of the trade
All under strong delusion, all of their beds unmade
Me, I'm heading toward the sun, trying to stay out of the joints
We always did love the very same one, we just saw her from a different point of view
Tangled up in blue
Early one mornin' the sun was shinin', he was layin' in bed
G
F
C
Wonderin' if she'd changed at all, if her hair was still red
G
F
G
F
Her folks they said that their lives together sure was gonna be rough
G
F
C
They never did like Mama's homemade dress, Papa's bankbook wasn't big enough
D
Em
G
Gsus4
G
And he was standin' on the side of the road, rain fallin' on his shoes
D
Em
G
C/g
G
D
Heading out for the East Coast, Lord knows he paid some dues getting through
F
C
G
Tangled up in blue
Birmingham 2007
She was working at the Tropicana, I stopped in for a beer
Told her I was going to Atlanta, she said I could stay right here
Cincinnati OH 2012
He had a job and a pretty face, and everything seemed to fit
When he helped her out way down at the race, he just put it all down and he split
And he drifted down, down to New Orleans where they treated him just sure like a tramp
He nearly drowned, running up to Baton Rouge where the weather was cold and damp
All the while he was alone, you know the past was close behind
He seemed lowdown deceiving that world was so defiled, except for you
We were tangled up in blue
Rochester NY 2012
He had a job and a pretty face, and everything seemed to fit
One day he could just feel waste, he just picked everything up and he split
He drifted down to New Orleans where they treated him like a tramp
Every day the doctor sat a while for me when the weather was so cold and damp
Nearly went mad in Baton Rouge, the past was close behind
He seen a lot of fair-weather friends, but none of them were too refined, except for you
We were tangled up in blue
Johnstown PA 2012
He had a job and a pretty face, and everything seemed to fit
Then one day, he could just a-feel the waste, he put everything down and he quit
Then he drifted down to New Orleans, working nights, working every day
Nearly drowned down in Baton Rouge on a cold, on a cold December day
All the while that he was alone, you know the past was close behind
He's seen a lot of women, but none of them were ever too refined, except for you
But you were tangled up in blue
C
Bb
F
C
Bb
F
Early one mornin' the sun was shinin' She was layin' in bed
C
Bb
F
C
Bb
F
Wonderin' if she'd changed at all If her hair was still red
C
Bb
F
C
Bb
F
Folks they said that their lives together it sure was gonna be rough
C
Bb
F
C
Bb
F
Never liked Mama's homemade dress Papa's bankbook wasn't big enough
G
Am
C
F
He was standin' on the side of the road, rain fallin' on his shoes
G
Am
C
F
Gsus4
G
Heading out for the East Coast, radio blasting the news right straight through
Bb
F
C
Tangled up in blue
Early one morning the sun was shining, and he was laying in bed
Wondering if she'd changed at all, if her hair was still red
Her folks they said their lives together sure was going to be rough
They never did like Mama's homemade dress, Papa's bankbook wasn't big enough
He was standing on the side of the road, rain falling on his shoes
Heading out for the East Coast, radio blasting the news, coming through
Tangled up in blue
She was married when they first met, soon to be divorced
He helped her out of a jam I guess, then he let the law take its course
And they drove that car as far as they could, and abandoned it out west
Left it there by the side of the road, somewhere in the wilderness
And she turned around to look at him, as he was walking away
Saying over her shoulder, we're gonna meet again someday, stepping down the avenue
Tangled up in blue
I was working in the Great North Woods where the treetops touched the sky
The days were short, the nights were long, and the mornings passed me by
Then I drifted down to New Orleans, something was happening there
By the time I got to town, everyone had gone somewhere
And all the while I was alone, the past was close behind
Following me like a shadow that I couldn't get out of my mind, sticking like glue
Tangled up in blue
She was working at the Moonlight Lounge, when men put money in her hand
There's always been a certain truth about money that I never did understand
You put things to bed and you call it a day
Sometimes you went along for the ride
You rack your brains and you bury the hatchet
Then you walk on the wild side, nothing you can do
Tangled up in blue
She lit a burner on the stove and swept away the dust
You look like someone I used to know, she said, someone I used to trust
Then she opened up a book of poems, and she said just so you'll know
Memorise these lines and remember these rhymes, when you're out there walking to and fro
And every one of those words rang true and glowed like burning coal
Pouring off of every page like it was written in my soul from me to you
Tangled up in blue
I lived with them on State Street, above the candy store
I tried my best but I never did make it up to the top floor
I could see the world for what it was worth, living from hand to mouth
My eyes could see for a thousand miles, my window was facing south
Sometimes I think I'd been better off if I'd never laid eyes on her
Love grows cold and faces get old, nothing stays for sure, you too
Could be tangled up in blue
Now I'm going back again, got to get to them somehow
Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow might as well be now
Some of 'em went up the mountain, some of 'em down in the ground
Some of their names written in flames, some of 'em, they just left town
Me, I'm still on the road, trying to stay out of the joint
We always did feel the same, depending on your point of view
Tangled up in blue
And watched out for a simple twist of fate
They walked along by the old canal
A little confused, I remember well
And stopped into a strange hotel
With a neon burnin' bright
He felt the heat of the night
Hit him like a freight train
Moving with a simple twist of fate
A saxophone someplace far off played
As she was walkin' on by the arcade
As the light bust through a beat-up shade
Where he was wakin' up
She dropped a coin into the cup
Of a blind man at the gate
And forgot about a simple twist of fate
Instrumental verse
He woke up, the room was bare
He didn't see her anywhere
He told himself he didn't care
Pushed the window open wide
Felt an emptiness inside
To which he just could not relate
Brought on by a simple twist of fate
He hears the ticking of the clocks
And walks along with a parrot that talks
Hunts her down by the waterfront docks
Where the sailors all come in
Maybe she'll pick him out again
How long must he wait?
Once more for a simple twist of fate
People tell me it's a sin
To know and feel too much within
I still believe she was my twin
But I lost the ring
She was born in spring
But I was born too late
Blame it on a simple twist of fate
And watched out for a simple twist of fate
A saxophone someplace softly played
As she was walkin' on by the arcade
She heard the melody rise and fade
The sun was comin' up
She dropped a coin into the cup
Of a blind man at the gate
And forgot about a simple twist of fate
He woke up, she was gone
He didn't see nothin' but the dawn
He got out of bed and put his clothes back on
Pushed back the blinds
Found a note she'd left behind
To which he just could not relate
All about a simple twist of fate
He hears the ticking of the clocks
And walks alone through the city blocks
Hunts her down by the waterfront docks
Where the sailors all roll in
Maybe he'll spot her out again
How long must he wait?
One more time for a simple twist of fate
People tell me it's a crime
To know too much for too long a time
She should have caught me in my prime
She would have stayed with me
Instead of going off to sea
And leaving me to meditate
Upon that simple twist of fate
*** Wembley ***
D
They sat together in the park
F#m
As the evening sky grew dark
D7
She looked at him and felt a spark
G
Tingle to her bones
Gm
'Twas then she felt alone
D
A
G
And wished that she'd gone straight
D
A
D
And watched out for a simple twist of fate
They walked along by the old canal
Down Waterfront Street at the Tolling Bell
Stopped into the big grand hotel
Where the desk clerk dressed in white
With a face as black as night
He said, "Check out time's at eight"
All a part of that simple twist of fate
He woke up and the air was thick
Something there inside was makin' him sick
He heard them boot heels in the hallway click
Pushed the door open wide
And he vomited it all up outside
Everything that last night he ate
And forgot about that simple twist of fate
He walked out where those chilly winds blow
And she looks at him from the street below
He said "I taught you everything you know
Now don't bother me no more
You know where to find the door
Go on, get out of here, before it's too late
And forget about that simple twist of fate"
I'm in the lane and she's in the hall
You wouldn't want him repeating any fall [?]
But you know that there ain't no chance at all
Oh what more can I do?
He said, "Baby I'm leaving my heart here with you
Take good care of it, be on your way"
All about that simple twist of fate
People tell me now that it's a crime
Because she didn't catch me in my prime
But what do I care? I got nothin' but time
And she's got all that she stole
Remember me before you go
And remember that I'm travelling with nothing
All on that simple twist of fate
*** Barcelona ***
Down Waterfront Street by the bell
Stopped into the Riverfront Hotel
He woke up and it sure was dim
He could feel her eyes looking at him
That's all right, but her chance was slim
And in every way came pushing through
He said, "I'm leaving my heart with you
Take good care of it and don't be late"
All about that simple twist fate
Morning comes and she there
He could feel her climb on his hair
But he couldn't see her anywhere
And the dawn was coming up
She dropped a coin into the cup
Of a blind man at the gate
And forgot about that simple twist of fate
Oh, but now times are really slow
He thought about just before she'd go
He said, "I taught you everything that you know"
So don't bother me no more
I don't think you know where to find the door"
She said, "No, I just can't wait
All night for that simple twist of fate"
People say that it's a crime
To look commonly for too long a time
She should have caught me in my prime
She wouldn't leave that way
I'm leaving my heart with you and I can't stay
I'm going where the winds are wet
Always there upon a simple twist of fate
*** Gothenberg ***
Down Waterfront Street by the big old bell
Stopped into the Saint Claire Hotel
She was walking by the street parade
Oh man, but I underpaid
The sun burst through the beat-up shade
Where he was waking up
She dropped a coin into the cup
Of a blind man at the gate
And forgot about that simple twist of fate
Something there inside was making him sick
He hears boot heels in the hallway click
[...] gotta do it quick
All about what you tell
He said, "Baby I wish you well
But today you just came too late
And as for me, I've got that simple twist of fate"
People tell me it's a crime
To remember her for too long a time
She should have caught me in my prime
She wouldn't have stayed with me
Instead of going off to sea
And leaving me to meditate
Upon that simple twist of fate
*** Brussels/Copenhagen ***
Down Waterfront Street by the cathedral bell
Something inside his room was making him sick
He called, but the air sure is thick
Hears those boot heels in the hallway click
Pushed the window open wide
Then throws it all up outside
You know he just could not wait
One more time for that simple twist of fate"
The guy's walking through the city streets
Staring into the face of everyone he meets
Oh, but I'm gonna reach your downtown repaints [???]
He said, "Your fire a date
I'm all like a sailor at sea
He says, "You're mine, and I can't wait
One more time for that simple twist of fate"
*** Rome ***
They walked along by the old canal
Down avenues I remember well
Oh, did you hear that cathedral bell
Blowing down hands of mine [???]
Something about what she left behind [???]
Oh, but it falls down and time can wait [???]
All about that simple twist of fate
Oh madame on the corner there
... her long stranded hair
But, oh, he didn't seem to care
The desk clerk dressed in white
With a face as black as night
He said, "Check out time's at eight"
Remember now about that simple twist of fate
He bust down a room where the doors were thick
He outdoes somebody and they make him sick
He heard them boot heels in the hallway click
The sun was coming up
She dropped a coin into the cup
Of a blind man at the gate
And forgot about that simple twist of fate
Go down easy, baby, and go down slow
Born in Bulgary on your date, don't you know
But he suits himself on the streets, it's all go
While I just walk behind
He said, "You're gonna leave behind"
He said, "You're mine, but I can't wait
No more for no simple twist of fate"
From London, 28-Nov-2013
He woke up and she was gone
He didn't nothin' but the dawn
Got out of bed and put his shoes back on
Then he pushed back the blinds
Found a note she'd left behind, what did it say?
Said, you should have met me back in '58
We could have avoided this little, simple twist of fate
You're a big girl now
Bird on the horizon, sittin' on a fence
He's singin' his song for me at his own expense
And I'm just like that bird, oh
Singin' just for you, mm-mm
I hope that you can hear
Hear me singin' through these tears
Time is a jet plane, it moves too fast
Oh, but what a shame that all we've shared can't last
I can change, I swear, oh
See what you can do
I can make it through
You can make it too
Love is so simple, to quote a phrase
You've known it all the time, I'm learnin' it these days
Oh, I know where I can find You, oh
In somebody's room
It's a price I have to pay
You're a big girl all the way
A change in the weather is known to be extreme
But what's the sense of changing horses in midstream?
I'm going out of my mind, oh
With a pain that stops and starts
Like a corkscrew to my heart
Ever since we've been apart
I can't help it if I'm lucky
People see me all the time
And they just can't remember how to act
Their minds are filled with big ideas
Images and distorted facts
Even you, yesterday
You had to ask me where it was at
I couldn't believe after all these years
You didn't know me better than that
Sweet lady
G
C
G
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your mouth
C
D7
Blowing down the backroads headin' south
G
C
G
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth
C
You're an idiot, babe
D7
G
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe
I ran into the fortune-teller
Who said beware of lightning that might strike
I haven't known peace and quiet
For so long I can't remember what it's like
There's a lone soldier on the cross
Smoke pourin' out of a boxcar door
You didn't know it, you didn't think it could be done
In the final end he won the war
After losin' every battle
I woke up on the roadside
Daydreamin' 'bout the way things sometimes are
Visions of your chestnut mare
Shoot through my head and are makin' me see stars
You hurt the ones that I love best
And cover up the truth with lies
One day you'll be in the ditch
Flies buzzin' around your eyes
Blood on your saddle
Idiot wind, blowing through the flowers on your tomb
Blowing through the curtains in your room
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth
You're an idiot, babe
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe
It was gravity which pulled us down
And destiny which broke us apart
You tamed the lion in my cage
But it just wasn't enough to change my heart
Now everything's a little upside down
As a matter of fact the wheels have stopped
What's good is bad, what's bad is good
You'll find out when you reach the top
You're on the bottom
I noticed at the ceremony
Your corrupt ways had finally made you blind
I can't remember your face anymore
Your mouth has changed, your eyes don't look into mine
The priest wore black on the seventh day
And sat stone-faced while the building burned
I waited for you on the running boards
Near the cypress trees, while the springtime turned
Slowly into Autumn
Idiot wind, blowing like a circle around my skull
From the Grand Coulee Dam to the Capitol
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth
You're an idiot, babe
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe
I can't feel you anymore
I can't even touch the books you've read
Every time I crawl past your door
I been wishin' I was somebody else instead
Down the highway, down the tracks
Down the road to ecstasy
I followed you beneath the stars
Hounded by your memory
And all your ragin' glory
I been double-crossed now for the very last time
And now I'm finally free
I kissed goodbye the howling beast
On the borderline which separated you from me
You'll never know the hurt I suffered
Nor the pain I rise above
And I'll never know the same about you
Your holiness or your kind of love
And it makes me feel so sorry
Idiot wind, blowing through the buttons of our coats
Blowing through the letters that we wrote
Idiot wind, blowing through the dust upon our shelves
We're idiots, babe
It's a wonder we can even feed ourselves
I can't help it if I'm lucky
People see me all the time
And they just can't remember how to act
Their minds are filled with big ideas
Images and distorted facts
Even you, yesterday
You had to ask me where it was at
I couldn't believe after all these years
You didn't know me better than that
Sweet lady
D
G
D
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your mouth
G
Em
Blowing down the backroads headin' south
D
G
D
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth
G
You're an idiot, babe
Em
D
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe
I threw the I-Ching yesterday
It said there might be some thunder at the well
Peace and quiet's been avoiding me
For so long it seems like living hell
There's a lone soldier on the hill
Watchin' falling raindrops pour
You'd never know it to look at him
But at the final shot he won the war
After losin' every battle
I woke up on the roadside
Day dreamin' about the way things sometimes are
Hoofbeats pounding in my head
At break-neck speed and making me see stars
You hurt the ones that I love best
And cover up the truth with lies
One day you'll be in the ditch
Flies buzzin' around your eyes
Blood on your saddle
Idiot wind, blowing through the flowers on your tomb
Blowing through the curtains in your room
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth
You're an idiot, babe
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe
It was gravity which pulled us in
And destiny which broke us apart
You tamed the lion in my cage
But it just wasn't enough to change my heart
Now everything's a little upside down
As a matter of fact the wheels have stopped
What's good is bad, what's bad is good
You'll find out when you reach the top
You're on the bottom
I noticed at the ceremony
That you left all your bags behind
The driver came in after you left
He gave them all to me, and then he resigned
The priest wore black on the seventh day
And waltzed around while the building burned
You didn't trust me for a minute, babe
I've never known the spring to turn
So quickly into autumn
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your jaw
From the Grand Coulee Dam to the Mardi Gras
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth
You're an idiot, babe
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe
We pushed each other a little too far
And one day it just jumped into a raging storm
A hound dog bayed behind your trees
As I was packing up my uniform
I figured I'd lost you anyway
Why go on? What's the use?
In order to get in a word with you
I'd have had to come up with some excuse
It just struck me kinda funny
I been double-crossed too much
At times I think I've almost lost my mind
Lady-killers load dice on me behind my back
While imitators steal me blind
You close your eyes and part your lips
And slip your fingers from your glove
You can have the best there is
But it's gonna cost you all your love
You won't get it for money
Idiot wind, blowing through the buttons of our coats
Blowing through the letters that we wrote
Idiot wind, blowing through the dust upon our shelves
We're idiots, babe
It's a wonder we can even feed ourselves
You're gonna make me lonesome when you go
Dragon clouds so high above
I've only known careless love
It's always has hit me from below
But this time around it's more correct
Right on target, so direct
You're gonna make me lonesome when you go
Purple clover, Queen Anne's lace
Crimson hair across your face
You could make me cry if you don't know
Can't remember what I was thinkin' of
You might be spoilin' me too much, love
You're gonna make me lonesome when you go
A11
D
Flowers on the hillside bloomin' crazy
A11
D
Crickets talkin' back and forth in rhyme
E
(
E7
)
Blue river runnin' slow and lazy
Gadd9
A11
I could stay with you forever and never realize the time
Situations have ended sad
Relationships have all been bad
Mine have been like Verlaine's and Rimbaud
But there's no way I can compare
All them scenes to this affair
You're gonna make me lonesome when you go
You're gonna make me wonder what I'm doin'
Stayin' far behind without you
You're gonna make me wonder what I'm sayin'
You're gonna make me give myself a good talkin' to
I'll look for you in old Honolulu
San Francisco, Ashtabula
You're gonna have to leave me now, I know
But I'll see you in the sky above
In the tall grass, in the ones I love
You're gonna make me lonesome when you go
I've seen love go by my door
Never dressed like this before
It seems to have some special kind of glow
I like your coffee, I like that cream
You're like a midnight summer dream
You're sure gonna make me lonesome when you go
I feel your anger, feel your wrath
You're walking down the garden path
You've got a date with Mr gigolo
You're very strict, you're very sweet
You have made my life complete
You're sure gonna make me lonesome when you go
I see things inside my mind
The things Milton saw after he went blind
There are a lot of things I don't prefer to know
We walked the dog and skinned the cat
I wore your coat, you wore my hat
You're sure gonna make me lonesome when you go
It's a long, long way to Tipperary
You see a lot of things along the way
You don't have to thank me, it isn't necessary
Maybe tomorrow, maybe some other day
The play was over before we knew it
My part was easy, I walked right through it
Can't say we didn't put on quite a show
Don't tease me please my darling pet
My love for you hasn't died down yet
You're sure gonna make me lonesome when you go
It's dog eat dog and it's cheaper by the dozen
It's dry as a bone for you and for me
You go back to your dull and pompous husband
I'll go back to my old-time used-to-be
I don't tell and I don't ask
I wear the magic actor's mask
I hold my tongue and keep my voice down low
We're so alike both you and I
Punch and Judy, puddin' pie
You're sure gonna make me lonesome when you go
By time the snow begins to thaw
They say the darkest hour is right before the dawn
They say the darkest hour is right before the dawn
But you wouldn't know it by me
Every day's been darkness since you been gone
Little rooster crowin', there must be something on his mind
Little rooster crowin', there must be something on his mind
Well, I feel just like that rooster
Honey, you treat me so unkind
Additional unrecorded verse:
The birds are flyin' low babe, honey I feel so exposed
Well, the birds are flyin' low babe, honey I feel so exposed
Well now, I ain't got any matches
And the station doors are closed
Well, I struggled through barbed wire, felt the hail fall from above
Well, I struggled through barbed wire, felt the hail fall from above
Well, you know I even outran the hound dogs
Honey, you know I've earned your love
Look at the sun sinkin' like a ship
Look at the sun sinkin' like a ship
Ain't that just like my heart, babe
When you kissed my lips?
The festival was over, the boys were all plannin' for a fall
D
G
D
G
D
The cabaret was quiet except for the drillin' in the wall
G
D
A
D
The curfew had been lifted and the gamblin' wheel shut down
G
D
A
Anyone with any sense had already left town
D
A
G
D
He was standin' in the doorway looking like the Jack of Hearts
He moved across the mirrored room, "Set it up for everyone," he said
Then everyone commenced to do what they were doin' before he turned their heads
Then he walked up to a stranger and he asked him with a grin
"Could you kindly tell me, friend, what time the show begins?"
Then he moved into the corner, face down like the Jack of Hearts
Backstage the girls were playin' five-card stud by the stairs
Lily had two queens, she was hopin' for a third to match her pair
Outside the streets were fillin' up, the window was open wide
A gentle breeze was blowin', you could feel it from inside
Lily called another bet and drew up the Jack of Hearts
Big Jim was no one's fool, he owned the town's only diamond mine
He made his usual entrance looking so dandy and so fine
With his bodyguards and silver cane and every hair in place
He took whatever he wanted to and he laid it all to waste
But his bodyguards and silver cane were no match for the Jack of Hearts
Rosemary combed her hair and took a carriage into town
She slipped in through the side door looking like a queen without a crown
She fluttered her false eyelashes and whispered in his ear
"Sorry, darlin', that I'm late," but he didn't seem to hear
He was starin' into space over at the Jack of Hearts
"I know I've seen that face before," Big Jim was thinkin' to himself
"Maybe down in Mexico or a picture up on somebody's shelf"
But then the crowd began to stamp their feet and the house lights did dim
And in the darkness of the room there was only Jim and him
Starin' at the butterfly who just drew the Jack of Hearts
Lily was a princess, she was fair-skinned and precious as a child
She did whatever she had to do, she had that certain flash every time she smiled
She'd come away from a broken home, had lots of strange affairs
With men in every walk of life which took her everywhere
But she'd never met anyone quite like the Jack of Hearts
The hangin' judge came in unnoticed and was being wined and dined
The drillin' in the wall kept up but no one seemed to pay it any mind
It was known all around that Lily had Jim's ring
And nothing would ever come between Lily and the king
No, nothin' ever would except maybe the Jack of Hearts
Rosemary started drinkin' hard and seein' her reflection in the knife
She was tired of the attention, tired of playin' the role of Big Jim's wife
She had done a lot of bad things, even once tried suicide
Was looking to do just one good deed before she died
She was gazin' to the future, riding on the Jack of Hearts
Lily washed her face, took her dress off and buried it away
"Has your luck run out?" she laughed at him
"Well, I guess you must have known it would someday
Be careful not to touch the wall, there's a brand new coat of paint
I'm glad to see you're still alive, you're looking like a saint"
Down the hallway footsteps were comin' for the Jack of Hearts
The backstage manager was pacing all around by his chair
"There's something funny going on," he said, "I can just feel it in the air"
He went to get the hangin' judge, but the hangin' judge was drunk
As the leading actor hurried by in the costume of a monk
There was no actor anywhere better than the Jack of Hearts
Additional verse from New York recording:
Lily's arms were locked around the man that she dearly loved to touch
She forgot all about the man she couldn't stand who hounded her so much
"I've missed you so," she said to him, and he felt she was sincere
But just beyond the door he felt jealousy and fear
Just another night in the life of the Jack of Hearts
No one knew the circumstance but they say that it happened pretty quick
The door to the dressing room burst open and a cold revolver clicked
And Big Jim was standin' there, you couldn't say surprised
Rosemary right beside him, steady in her eyes
She was with Big Jim but she was leanin' to the Jack of Hearts
Two doors down the boys finally made it through the wall
And cleaned out the bank safe, It's said they got off quite a haul
In the darkness by the riverbed they waited on the ground
For one more member who had business back in town
But they couldn't go no further without the Jack of Hearts
The next day was hangin' day, the sky was overcast and black
Big Jim lay covered up, killed by a penknife in the back
And Rosemary on the gallows, she didn't even blink
The hangin' judge was sober, he hadn't had a drink
The only person on the scene missin' was the Jack of Hearts
The cabaret was empty now, a sign said, "Closed for repair"
Lily had already taken all of the dye out of her hair
She was thinkin' 'bout her father, who she very rarely saw
Thinkin' 'bout Rosemary and thinkin' about the law
But most of all she was thinkin' 'bout the Jack of Hearts
If You See Her, Say Hello
C
F
C
G
C
/g
/a
/b
If you see her, say hello, she might be in Tangier
C
F
C
Bb
. . .
G
She left here last early spring, is livin' there, I hear
Am
F
C
F
Say for me that I'm all right though things get kind of slow
Am
C/g
F
C
She might think that I've forgotten her, don't tell her it isn't so
We had a falling out, like lovers often will
And to think of how she left that night, it still brings me a chill
And though our separation, it pierced me to the heart
She still lives inside of me, we've never been apart
If you get close to her, kiss her once for me
I always have respected her for doin' what she did and gettin' free
Oh, whatever makes her happy, I won't stand in the way
Oh, the bitter taste still lingers on
From that night I tried to make her stay
I see a lot of people as I make the rounds
And I hear her name here and there as I go from town to town
And I've never gotten used to it, I've just learned to turn it off
Either I'm too sensitive or else I'm gettin' soft
Sundown, yellow moon, I replay the past
I know every scene by heart, they all went by so fast
If she's passin' back this way, I'm not that hard to find
Tell her she can look me up if she's got the time
If you see her, say hello, she might be in Tangier
D
G
D
(
Dmaj7
)
A11
She left here last early spring, is livin' there, I hear
Bm
D
A(ii)
G
Say for me that I'm all right though new things come and go
D
Dmaj7
A11
D
G
D
She might think that I've forgotten her, don't tell her it isn't so
We had a falling out, like lovers often will
And to think of how she left that night, it still brings me a chill
And though our separation, it pierced me to the heart
She still lives inside of me, we've never been apart
If you're making love to her, kiss her for the kid
Who always has respected her for doin' what she did
Oh, I know it had to be that way, it was written in the cards
But the bitter taste still lingers on, it all came down so hard
I see a lot of people as I make the rounds
And I hear her name here and there as I go from town to town
And I've never gotten used to it, I've just learned to turn it off
Either I'm too sensitive or else I'm gettin' soft
Sundown, yellow moon, I replay the past
I know every scene by heart, they all went by so fast
If she's passin' back this way, I'm not that hard to find
Tell her she can look me up if she's got the time
21-Oct-1975
If you see her say hello, she might be in Babylon
She left here last early spring, took a while to notice she was gone
Say for me that I'm alright, things are kind of in a mess
She might wonder where I am by now, if she don't know let her guess
We had a falling out, like lovers sometimes do
And the words that we said to each other that night
Still hurt through and through
But I know it had to be that way, it was written in the cards
But the bitter taste still lingers on, it all came down so hard
I see a lot of people as I circle a ride
But I only think her name at night when the sunlight has died
I never really swallowed it, I kept it in my mouth
And she been a nowhere [??] to live up north, most likely I'll go south
Sundown, yellow moon, I replay the past
I every scene by heart, it all went by so fast
If she's passing back this way, most likely I'll be gone
But if she's not just don't let me know, she best keep moving on
Performed in Tallahassee and Lakeland, 1976.
G
C
G
(
D
)
G
C/g
G
If you see her say hello, she might be in North Saigon
C
G
D
She left here in a hurry; I don't know what she was on
C
G
C
You might say that I'm in disarray and for me time's standing still
G
C
G
Am
G
Oh I've never gotten over her, I don't think I ever will
A bright light from me I saw, a shattering of souls
Just one of them reckless situations, which nobody controls
Well, the menagerie of life rolls by, right before my eyes
And we all do the best we can, which should come as no surprise
If you're making love to her, watch it from the rear
You'll never know when I'll be back, or liable to appear
For it's natural to dream of peace as it is for rules to break
And right now I've got not much to lose, so you'd better stay awake
Sundown, silver moon, hitting on the days
My head can't understand no more, what my heart don't tolerate
Well I know she'll be back someday, of that there is no doubt
And when that moment comes Lord, give me the strength to keep her out
When blackness was a virtue and the road was full of mud
D
A
G
Gadd9
I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form
D
A
G
D
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
And if I pass this way again, you can rest assured
I'll always do my best for her, on that I give my word
In a world of steel-eyed death, and men who are fighting to be warm
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
Not a word was spoke between us, there was little risk involved
Everything up to that point had been left unresolved
Try imagining a place where it's always safe and warm
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
I was burned out from exhaustion, buried in the hail
Poisoned in the bushes and blown out on the trail
Hunted like a crocodile, ravaged in the corn
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
Suddenly I turned around and she was standin' there
With silver bracelets on her wrists and flowers in her hair
She walked up to me so gracefully and took my crown of thorns
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
Now there's a wall between us, somethin' there's been lost
I took too much for granted, got my signals crossed
Just to think that it all began on a long-forgotten morn
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
Well, the deputy walks on hard nails and the preacher rides a mount
But nothing really matters much, it's doom alone that counts
And the one-eyed undertaker, he blows a futile horn
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
Additional verse from the outtake:
Now the bonds are broken, but they can be retied
By one more journey to the woods, the holes where spirits hide
It's a never-ending battle for a peace that's always torn
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
I've heard newborn babies wailin' like a mournin' dove
And old men with broken teeth stranded without love
Do I understand your question, man, is it hopeless and forlorn?
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
In a little hilltop village, they gambled for my clothes
I bargained for salvation and they gave me a lethal dose
I offered up my innocence and got repaid with scorn
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
Well, I'm livin' in a foreign country but I'm bound to cross the line
Beauty walks a razor's edge, someday I'll make it mine
If I could only turn back the clock to when God and her were born
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"
Buckets of rain, buckets of tears
Got all them buckets comin' out of my ears
Buckets of moonbeams in my hand
I got all the love, honey baby, you can stand
I been meek and hard like an oak
I seen pretty people disappear like smoke
Friends will arrive, friends will disappear
If you want me, honey baby, I'll be here
I like your smile and your fingertips
I like the way that you move your lips
I like the cool way you look at me
Everything about you is bringing me misery
Little red wagon, little red bike
I ain't no monkey but I know what I like
I like the way you love me strong and slow
I'm takin' you with me, honey baby, when I go
Life is sad, life is a bust
All you can do is do what you must
You do what you must do and you do it well
I'll do it for you, honey baby, can't you tell?
With Bette Midler
Aaah, aaah
Haaa, sing to me baby, baby!
Nuggets, nuggets of rain
Nuggets of rain, nuggets of tears
Got all them nuggets comin' out of my ears
Buckets of moonbeams in my hand
You got all the love, honey baby, I can stand
I been down, and high like an oak
I seen pretty people disappear like smoke
Friends will arrive, friends will disappear
If you want me, honey baby, I'll be here
Like your smile and your fingertips
Like the way that you move your lips
I like the heavenly way you look at me
Everything about you is bringing me ecstasy
Little red wagon, little red bike
I ain't no monkey but I know what I like
I like the way you monkey around
Stick with me baby, and we will never be found
Life is happy, life is sad
Life is a bust when you think you been had
You do what you must do and you do it bad
I'll do it for you, honey baby, ain't you glad?
