They Gave Me a Plate (BBQ in Suburbia)

[Verse 1] They said “It’s casual” They said “Just friends” I wore the suit That never ends I brought a dish Wrapped in lace They asked, “Is that pudding?” I said “No. It’s a phase.” [Chorus] They gave me a plate And a plastic smile They gave me a plate I stayed a while They gave me a plate With meat and sun I gave them a spoon Of Mourning Ambrosia [Verse 2] A child screamed I wasn’t near it Someone said “Hot dogs?” I said “I fear it.” A man in shorts Spoke of his lawn I nodded once Then turned to gone [Chorus] They gave me a plate With things that steam They gave me a plate I gave them a dream They gave me a plate And said “Dig in” I said “I don’t” And did not begin [Bridge – spoken, deadpan] There was a pool I stood beside it I do not swim But I can haunt [Final Chorus] They gave me a plate They liked the beans They said “You’re quiet” I said “I grieve” They gave me a plate I gave them a ghost They said “You should come back” I said “This was my most.”