Hey Washington

March 30, 2007

On the eve of war we marched half a million strong
But she and I weren’t quite getting on.
She said something’s come between us
But it'll be OK
When we get to Washington, Washington.

The storm marked the march's end
That February and
The trains could not take her home.
So we danced in the drifts
But I said something I cannot recall
And lost her somewhere in the snow.

I might fight for her, knowing my mistake
Just to show her we could change, people change.
I might ask her to try again today
But she wed a better man
So there's not much I can say.

Hey Washington, make me a better man
Its 3 years I been gone, I've been gone.
Hey Washington, make me a better man
This time I lost someone, lost someone.

Am I coming home?

In my time out west I witnessed beauty, I guess
But I still walk alone.
And I’ll seek purpose in the city
From Shaw to U Street
Through Washington, Washington.

On a vent before the White House
Lying in the streets
Ancient men who might as well be me
Their tattered coats tell the tale of contrast in a country
Sleep the soul of America in Washington, D.C.

Hey Washington, make me a better man
It is 3 years I been gone, I've been gone.
Hey Washington, make me a better man
This time I lost someone, lost someone.

We need dignity, some way to stand tall.
Without love, I'll find another call.
I should hand out blankets to my brothers on the mall
Who sleep under names on the Vietnam wall.

Am I coming home?  Not at all.

Hey Washington
Hey Washington
Hey Washington, make me a better man
This time I lost someone, lost someone
Washington.