ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ !

CHRISTMAS CARD FROM A HOOKER IN MINNEAPOLIS

Charlie, I'm pregnant
Living on 9th Street
Above a dirty book store
Of Yukeland Avenue
Stopped taking dope
Quit drinking whiskey
My old man plays a trombone
Works out at the track

He says that he loves me
Even though it's not his baby
Says that he'll raise him up
Like he would his own son
He gave me a ring
That was worn by his mother
Takes me out dancing
Every Saturday night

Charlie, I think about you
Everytime I pass the fillin' station
On account of the grease
You used to wear in your hair
Still have that record
Little Anthony and the Imperials
Someone stole my record player
How do you like that?

Charlie, I almost went crazy
After Mario got busted
Went back to Omaha
To live with my folks
And everyone I used to know
Is either dead or in prison
Came back to Minneapolis
This time I think I'm gonna stay

Charlie, I think I'm happy
The first time since my accident
Wish I had all the money
I used to spend on dope
Buy me a used car lot
And I wouldn't sell any of em
Just drive a different car everyday
Depending how I feel

Charlie, for Christ's sakes
If you wanna know the truth of it
I don't have a husband
He don't play the trombone
I need to borrow money
To pay this lawyer, Charlie, hey
I'll be eligable for parol
Come Valentine's Day


TOM WAITS