[Verse 1] The dinner wasn't on the square; They hired a room with silverware. I worked beside the kitchen door While waiters crossed the marble floor. [Chorus] They auctioned off the open hand That swore to serve us all. The highest bidder took his seat; The rest stood in the hall. A promise made to everyone Was sold before the night was done. [Verse 2] A builder wanted river ground Where public access could be found. He pledged a gift to help the race; They promised him a private place. [Verse 3] Outside, a nurse had come to plead For staff her crowded ward would need. They checked her name and shook their heads; Inside, they toasted growth instead. [Chorus] They auctioned off the open hand That swore to serve us all. The highest bidder took his seat; The rest stood in the hall. A promise made to everyone Was sold before the night was done. [Bridge] The nurse's note was left unread. It asked for hands beside a bed. By closing time, the room was bare. Her unread letter waited there. [Final Chorus] They auctioned off the open hand That swore to serve us all. The highest bidder took his seat; The rest stood in the hall. A promise made to everyone Was sold before the night was done. [Outro] A promise made to everyone. (Was sold before the night was done.) © 2026 The Shady River Bard. All rights reserved.
