When Will My Ships Come In

Smoky slow-tempo blues with female vocals; brushed drums, warm upright bass, and a weary piano walking under a reverb-soaked hollow-body guitar, Intimate verses stay close-mic and conversational; chorus swells with organ pads and stacked harmonies, slight grit on the vocal, Subtle bends and blue notes in the melody, ending on a lingering unresolved chord that hangs in the air, blues, female vocals

[Verse 1] Got a coffee can of wishes On the top shelf Gatherin' dust All these half-paid bills and dishes In a one-room house of rust Mama said “keep on believin’” Like a song she used to hum But I been watchin’ this horizon And nothin’ ever comes [Chorus] When will my ships come in? I been standin’ by this waterline Lost my shoes in the mud again Still I’m prayin’ for a change of tide I keep sayin’ “it’ll turn It’ll turn” As the waves roll out again Lord I’m tired But I’m holdin’ on When will my ships come in? [Verse 2] Turnin’ pockets out at midnight Countin’ quarters Countin’ fears Smilin’ at the neighbor’s porch light So they don’t see these heavy years Tell my friends “yeah I’m doin’ fine” (mm-hmm) Like I’m talkin’ ‘bout the rain But every forecast in my mind Keeps callin’ for the same old pain [Chorus] When will my ships come in? I been standin’ by this waterline Lost my shoes in the mud again Still I’m prayin’ for a change of tide I keep sayin’ “it’ll turn It’ll turn” As the waves roll out again Lord I’m tired But I’m holdin’ on When will my ships come in? [Bridge] Maybe they sank in the dark somewhere Maybe they missed this broken pier Maybe they’re slow ‘cause they’re heavy with gold That’s what I tell myself So I don’t let go (hold on, hold on) [Chorus] When will my ships come in? I been standin’ by this waterline Barefoot Shiverin’ in this wind Still I’m hummin’ that old hopeful line I keep sayin’ “it’ll turn It’ll turn” Though the sky goes black again If you’re out there Mercy Send a sign When will my ships come in?

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