A ballad, no chorus, trying to tell a years-long
story in a few minutes.
Someone once called my songs "acoustic punk in slow motion." To most people it just seems folky but with some vinegar.
Story behind the song
A friend was having a real hard time getting out of an abusive marriage, getting nothibng but crap from her family.
Lyrics
Twenty years ago she came with Davey to my door
Sunglasses like a bad disguise
She stepped inside, I lit the light
And only then I saw
The green and purple rings around her eyes
And she said she really didn't feel like talking
Then she started talking anyway
All she told me late that night
Is all I can think about today
She said, I'm getting scared and now
He's starting in on the baby
And I wonder could we stay awhile with you
Mama, he can't stop and I can't make him
And I wish to God I knew what I should do
I held my grandson Davey while I listened
He was sweet and smart and full of baby charm
And he flew into a fury and he kicked my hands away
When my fingers brushed the bruises on his arm
I said, a wild boy like Davey needs his daddy
A woman with her child needs a man
I can't help you pay your bills
On what I make alone
I can't help you get this child in hand
And your husband never hits without a warning
And he's kinder than your father was to me
Can't you learn to stop the things
That set him off so bad?
Girl, you know how stubborn you can be
Now Davey and his pretty bride live down the road
She walked right by, she would not turn my way
Davey, tell me why your lady's got to move so slow
Sunglasses on such a gloomy day
I called her, come on in, sit down beside me
Bring your children, you can stay
All she told me late last night
Is all I can think about today
