Once I loved a pretty girl
But she don’t live round here no more
Ventured out into the world
To keep her pride and settle scores
I remember brighter days
Full of song and open seas
Then mid-September’s chill gave way
We can’t refuse our destiny
Seasons changed – feelings, too
Suddenly she’s out of touch
Portraits of our dream won’t do
Now as I paint, I lick the brush
After hours at the bar
Chewing fat and catching eyes
Often wonder where you are
Or if that’s you dressed in disguise
Once I loved another girl
But not the same one as before
Like a clam without a pearl
She was a shell without a core
I tried to help; I gave her love
Favors, ***, and cash to burn
Everything I could think of!
And asked for nothing in return
Then I fell into a hole –
Funny how these things turn out –
In need of but a gentle soul
To lift me up above the clouds
But when I asked for her to care
To show the warmth of open arms
She offered nothing but a stare
And only time could break her guard
Once I healed a broken heart
Brought about by foolish charm
Gave it my all right from the start
Unraveled like a ball of yarn
Days went by and turned to months
Drawing close to my twine’s end
So I sought out familiar fronts
To seek the love of kin & friends
My heart grew warm and full of joy
I leaped with faith and did good deeds
My shaded past would not destroy
The man that only I could be
The months grew closer to next year
As one by one I placed the stones
That built the path to facing fear
And taking on the world alone
Once I triumphed over evil
Choked the devil til he died
Oh, he’ll be back, there’s no doubt he will
But never more shall steal my pride
Once I learned that Love is Evil
Now she’s back to claim her prize
But I won’t let my heart be refilled
Without the whole piece of the pie
Once