Illegal Smile

by John Prine



When I woke up this morning, things were looking bad

It seemed like total silence was the only friend I had

A bowl of oatmeal tried to stare me down and won

And it was 12 o'clock before I realized I was having no fun

Ah, but fortunately, I have the key to escape reality.



Cho: And you may see me tonight with an illegal smile

It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while

Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone

No I'm just tryin' to have me some fun



Last time I checked my bankroll, it was gettin' thin

Sometimes it seems like the bottom is the only place I've been

I chased a rainbow down a one-way street, dead end,

And all my friends turned out to be insurance salesmen

Ah, but fortunately, I have the key to escape reality.



Cho.



I went into my closet with all my overalls

Tryin' to get away from all the ears inside my walls.

Suppose the police heard everything I thought: What then?

Well, I went to court and the judge's name was Hoffman

Ah, but fortunately, I have the key to escape reality.



Cho.