[intro] [Hook] [Verse 1] I once lived above a shop on Ninth, Dust in the windows, city lights. I swore off whiskey, I swore off speed, Took what was broken and tried to be freed. She slipped me a ring from another time, Said she’d stand by me, said she’d be mine. We danced through the night till the break of dawn, Even when hope felt ragged and gone. [Drop] [Chorus] And I’m telling you now, ‘cause the years roll slow, The truth in my heart is the only one I know. I’ve lied for love, and I’ve begged for grace, But time carves the story in an old man’s face. [Interlude] [Pause] [Verse 2] I think of the streets and the smell of grease, Hair slicked back, chasing peace. Had a record once, a sweet refrain, But the player’s gone and the song won’t remain. I went back home when the walls closed in, But the ones I knew were gone in sin. So I turned again to the northern skies, Promised myself I’d make it this time. Chorus And I’m telling you now, ‘cause the years roll slow, The truth in my heart is the only one I know. I’ve lied for love, and I’ve begged for grace, But time carves the story in an old man’s face. [Drop] [Break] [Bridge] If I had the money we burned away, I’d buy me a car for each new day. Wouldn’t sell one, just let ‘em ride, Changing wheels like the changing tide. [Verse 3] Now don’t believe all the tales I spun, No trombone lover, no promised son. I was hungry then, I was cold and sore, Needed some cash for the lawyer’s door. And the bars held me ‘til the roses died, Valentine’s freedom was what I cried. But the years go on, and the nights turn pale, And I’m just a voice with a worn-out tale. [Drop] [Final Chorus] And I’m telling you now, ‘cause the years roll slow, The truth in my heart is the only one I know. I’ve lied for love, and I’ve begged for grace, But time carves the story in an old man’s face. [Outro] [End]
