In a distant land Where even English fades Street signs look like drawings I was never taught to read I point, I smile, I trace the air Asking where to go It somehow works But it takes more out of me Than I let it show Songs still say “Anywhere is fine” Like time is on our side But I don’t sing along so loud these days I just let the line go by When I left, my heart was full Of things I couldn’t name Hopes that felt important then But never stayed the same What waits for me at the end of the road Is only what is real This isn’t quite the life I drew But it’s the one I feel There’s a quiet, illegal casino On a narrow street at night I lost the money I made today Under flickering lights Even when no one’s watching I still keep within the lines Guess the shape of who I am Was decided long before my time No matter how far I walk I stay the same somehow I don’t become someone new I just learn to bow On the way back home Regret brushes past my chest I pack a little more reality With the things I loved the best This collection I carried so long Like stones inside my coat Would it feel lighter if I let them go? Nothing changes if I stand still So maybe I’ll place one bet At that quiet casino in town Where the rules are gently bent They’re probably cheating, I know But I’ll leave my extra weight behind I’m not asking for dreams or hope Just a road that doesn’t mind A road without a reason Isn’t such a bad design
