I used to wake and run with the moon –
I lived like a rake and a young man.
I covered my lovers with flowers and wounds –
My laughter the devil would frighten.
The sun she would come and beat me back down,
But every cruel day had its nightfall.
I’d welcome the stars with wine and guitars –
Full of fire and forgetful.
My body was sharp, the dark air clean,
And outrage my joyful companion.
Whisperin’ women, how sweet did they seem,
Kneelin’ for me to command them.
And time was like water, but I was the sea –
I wouldn’t have noticed it passin’.
Except for the turnin’ of night into day
And the turnin’ of day into cursin’.
You look at me now, and don’t think I don’t know
What all your eyes are a sayin’–
“Does he wants us to believe these ravings and lies –
They’re just tricks that his brain’s been a’playin’?
A lover of women he can’t hardly stand –
He trembles, he’s bent and he’s broken.”
I’ve fallen it’s true, but I say to you,
“Hold your tongues til after I’ve spoken.”
I was takin’ my pride in the pleasures I’d known,
I laughed and thought I’d be forgiven.
But my laughter turned ‘round, eyes blazing and
Said, “My friend, we’re holdin’ a weddin’.”
I buried my face, but it spoke once again,
The night to the day we’re a’bindin’.
And now the dark air is like fire on my skin
And even the moonlight is blindin’.
Now the dark air is like fire on my skin
And even the moonlight is blindin’.
From the 1971 album Delta Momma Blues
For more on Townes visit http://allmusic.com/artist/townes-van-zandt-p133926
