Baby Blue

My mother went with fever first, My father drowned in the drink, they left me in a world that eats The young before they think. I had yellow hair and blue, blue eyes, A smile too soft to keep... And men can smell a lonely girl Like wolves can scent weak sheep. I slept in alleys, begged in yards, Learned hunger has no shame, Then older men with polished boots Came asking for me by name. I was sweet once, shy once, Still believed what people said... Street life took that tender child And left cold steel there instead. Now they call me Baby Blue, With my satin and perfume, But silk can’t tell the story Of the dirt that made it bloom. Every smile’s a business deal, Every kiss a point of view... I learned love is cheapest sold In a dress of baby blue. I saw Miss Murphy’s printed ad Nailed crooked to a Texas town light: “Good wages paid in Silver Creek, Room and board each night.” So I stole a rancher’s fastest horse And rode till we both near died, Hit Murphy’s door in ragged clothes With nowhere else to ride. She looked me over cool and sharp, Then poured me something strong. Said, “Girl, you’ve got surviving eyes... You’ll likely get along.” She opened up a cedar trunk, Pulled satin smooth and new... And dressed the wreck the road dragged in In shining baby blue. Now they call me Baby Blue, And line up thick as flies, Miners with their gold dust hands, Preachers with their lies. I let them dream I might be theirs, As every smart girl knew... A woman starves on honesty But thrives in baby blue. I meant to wed the richest man, Whichever purse was wide, A banker, judge, or cattle king To keep me warm inside. Then in walked One-Eyed Joe one night, Sun-browned, broad, and slow, Half his sight was gone to hell... The rest could melt the snow. He laughed like he remembered joy, Drank like he forgot, Held the room with his piano hands And songs he never forgot.. Oh but by the wall my unknown cowboy who sat silent in the gloom... his dark eyes gleamed with malice danger lined his handsome face Well the bad boy aura loomed... One man offered steadiness, One man offered fire... And I had spent my whole young life Mistaking both for higher. Yes they call me Baby Blue, Queen of candles, hearts, and schemes, But underneath the powder paint Still lives a girl with dreams. I chased a ring, I chased escape, As broken women do... And found myself still bargaining Inside that baby blue. They saw the dress... Nobody saw the road.