Nighthawks' Jewels

Stepping streets of windswept rain, destinations crossed
With tomorrow sitting in a bag across the shoulder tossed
Stale cologne of cigarette & whisky on my breath
You carry life inside your eyes; A half-time game of chess

I guess that I could buy a drink for you & one for me
To toast the present hour & the coal from willow trees
& the door I'm trying to open with the skin of my teeth
& the corridors where you slowly haul your suitcase full of memories

But you seem to own this city & you seem to know these streets
While I shuffle lost between the houses in a neon swelling heat
& clumsily dodge taxi-cabs & feign knowledge of where I am
I see you stride the great divide & skip upon your tram

Yes, I guess that I could buy a drink for you & one for me
But we've never passed the time of day & never shared a dream
So I'll put out my cigarette & I'll finish up my beer
'Cause I'm terrified of seeing inside spent days of joy & fear

Your eyes say that you know the world & still don't really care
The dirty streets, the dire domes, the chilly neon glare
& me, too old for my ideas, I sit here like a child
A boy brought up by wolves & taken just in from the wild

Yes, I guess that I could buy a drink for me & one for you
But after a "Cheers!" I'd still sit here, not knowing what to do
My head would start searching but my words would be a fool's
& after a clink, you'd finish your drink & join the guys for pool
As mist & rain play soft refrains for
Nighthawks' Jewels

Words & Music by
TK Berg © 2004