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The Road's Inglorious End

from Tides of Time by Liz Stringer

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lyrics

I watched the ripples push out wide
Cutting through that old lake’s tide
Just like the moon pulled me away from you
My head was on the blink
My concentration down the sink
My every vein fortified wine running through

As that key sunk ‘neath the surface
So too did my life’s purpose
To keep you for my very, very own
But a more honest girl than me
Stole your heart and now I see
I am destined to spend my next years alone

You found me beside a road
With a heavy, heavy load
This guilt I carry with me weighs a tonne
One trembling hand folded in yours
You helped me up and through the doors
Could it be my wandering life is nearly done

Took me where it was warm and dry
Tenderly you asked me why
My face was stained with hot fat tears
And we drank your finest wine
You told your story, I made up mine
And I felt as if we’d known each other years

You were wealthy I could see
First time it didn’t interest me
For love’s rich jewels were shimmering in my eyes
I was prepared to hang up spurs
Keep my hand from your fat purse
And even shut up my old shop of lies

Before long it was clear
There was another you held dear
A farmer’s daughter was the apple of your eye
Despite everything I tried
Your love for her was strong and wide
And I knew it was a waste of precious time

But I would not leave empty handed
A job as your servant girl I landed
You trusted me with all of your affairs
You told me how you’d become rich
Risen up from your poor father’s ditch
Showed me where you kept the safe under the stairs

I took this key from that safe’s lock
Left before the sun rose up
And clambered over fencing wire in the dawn
I was heading roughly east
Like some demented wildebeest
Until I came across that lake by the rows of corn

And so my love my words are true
All this love I had for you
Transcended my illicit urges all
But you decided on that girl
Chose to share with her your world
My resignation a jilted drunken lover’s scrawl

My reputation left unmarked
The safe I buried in the yard
The key I threw into that shining lake
For I don’t want your golden money
But now you and your sweet honey
Will have nothing a new life with which to make

Every steep hill, turn and bend
Until the road’s inglorious end
I’ll continue on my wicked, wicked way
If I combust or I fade
There will be no grand parade
The satisfaction of your life ruined pays my wage

credits

from Tides of Time, released April 16, 2010

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Liz Stringer Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne born musician Liz Stringer is one of Australia’s most respected and versatile songwriters and instrumentalists. A lauded guitarist and vocalist, Stringer has released 5 full-length albums since 2006, her powerful and emotive live performances and melodically rich, story-based songs delighting fans and festival-goers throughout Australia and a growing audience in North America + Europe. ... more

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