A threadbare alibi.....a lifetime full of promise

Fell from my Mary's eyes as she saw the screen door swing

The baby never woke......he lay cradled in her trembling

He lay safe and never knowing what my leavin would bring



I draw my pay down on the docks.....I send it off to Mary

I might hold back a dollar to wash this pain out of my back

But the pain keeps getting clearer and Mary your face just keeps on fading

Now the light shines through this bottle....memories all fade to black



(Chorus)

Well I'll see you out on the street tonight

I'm a lover of a drink, a lover of a fight

Hold my own on the dark side of this town

Yes, I'm tough as nails, got a heart of steel

I will never fear, for I will never feel

And one more round would surely set me right

I miss my Mary tonight



They call me the old man in this bar, sleeves rolled up and showin

Faint blue souvenirs of love and places I have been

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