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These Cold Fingers

by Mark Erelli

on Milltowns (2014)

Gina left town with the first snow of the year
He drove her to the airport in his Ford
He tried to propose as he ordered one more beer
The P.A. drowned his words and it was time for her to board

So he walked her to the gate, he took his hat off as he kissed her
He needed one more drink to take the chill out of his soul
He said a quick good-bye, then spent two hours in the bar
Finally paid his tab and kept a dollar for the toll

Everything slips through these cold fingers
Like trying to hold water, trying to hold sand
Close your eyes and make a wish and listen to the singer
One more round bartender, pour a double if you can

It's four O'clock and the sun's gone down the drain
It's still late Winter, but they say it's early Spring
Lewis reads the gas-pumps, Rossi counts the oils
But me, I'm done, so punch the clock and "See you in the morning"

There's nothing back at home that ain't gone greasy from the stove
I never laughed so hard as when that old typewriter broke
Think I'll stop along the River Road for a half-pint and some beer
Well, everything would be okay if those old dreams would disappear

Everything slips through these cold fingers
Like trying to hold water, trying to hold sand
Close your eyes and make a wish and listen to the singer
One more round bartender, pour a double if you can

The dog can't move no more, surprised he made it till the Spring
His pain won't go away and the pills don't do a thing
You've known that old hound longer than you've known any of your friends
And no matter how you let him down, he'll always take you back again

So it's one tall glass of whiskey, one last drink for old-times sake
The dog just lays in bed and watches every move you make
Wrap him in his blanket, hold him once more close to you
Lead him out behind the barn with a borrowed twenty two

Everything slips through these cold fingers
Like trying to hold water, trying to hold sand
Close your eyes and make a wish and listen to the singer
One more round bartender, pour a double if you can