Karaoké A Better Place to Be Harry Chapin

It was an early mornin' barroom and the place just opened up

And the little man come in so fast and started at his cups

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 a while 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 a cough and actin' not the least put off she spoke once again

She said

I don't wanna 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 rustin' 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 damn beautiful that she'd warm a winter frost but she was long past lonely and well nigh on to 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 schoolboy

I stammered out some words but it did not really matter much 'cos 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 to come with you then that's alright with me

'Cos I know I'm goin' nowhere and anywhere's a better place to be

Anywhere's a better place to be

I drove her to my boardin' house and I took her up to my room

And I went to turn on the only light to brighten up the gloom

But she said Please leave the light off

Oh I don't mind the dark

And as her clothes all tumbled 'round her

I could hear my heart

The moonlight shone upon her as she lay back in my bed

It was the kind of scene I only had imagined in my head

I just could not believe it

To think that she was real

And as I tried to tell her she said

Shhh

I know just how you feel

And if you want to come here with me then that's alright with me

'Cos I've been oh so lonely

Lovin' someone is a better way to be

Anywhere's a better place to be

The mornin' come so swiftly but I held her in my arms

But she slept like a baby

Snug and safe from harm

I did not want to share her with the world or break the mood

So before she woke I went out and brought us both some food

I come back with my paper bag to find that she was gone

She'd left a six-word letter

Sayin' It's time that I moved on

The waitress took her bar rag and she wiped it across her eyes

And as she spoke her voice came out as somethin' like a sigh

She said I wish that I was beautiful or that you were halfway blind

And I wish

I weren't so doggone fat

I wish that you were mine

And I wish that you'd come with me when I leave for home

For we both know all about loneliness and livin' all alone

And the little man looked at the empty glass in his hand

And he smiled a crooked grin

He said I guess I'm outta gin

And I know we both have been so lonely

And if you want me to come with you then that's alright with me

'Cos I know I'm goin' nowhere and anywhere's a better place to be