For Suzanne-Darrell Scott

She's been written in song by the greatest of names Steven Foster, Leonard Cohen and Sweet Baby James But I got this feeling this won't be the same My love song for Suzanne There's ghosts in the rear of that showcase of dreams A vortex of hope by the cigarette machine You can pay for the whisky but she'll never come clean You're just holding a loaded hand But the old-school passion is not to be missed The entrance exam is a soul-to-soul kiss The final is tears, clenched teeth and raised fists And a love song for Suzanne Give her the grace to face herself Too long she has languished up on the top shelf The bearskin, the mattress, the judgmental health The prize of another man Give her some wisdom for all she's been through Her dance with the spirits, a lover or two She's been sleeping it off but someday she'll come to This love song for Suzanne And if you get the nod on some cold aimless night From a death-do-us partner preparing for flight You can ride on that carpet, but you best keep your sight On the tender who takes your hand I love her, I love her, I've cried to the moon My orphan in rags said, “You gave up to soon.” I've got twelve years of crazy and this overused tune As a love song for Suzanne Give her the grace to face herself Too long she has languished upon the top shelf The bearskin, the mattress, the judgmental health The prize of another man And give me some wisdom for all that I do My dance with misfortune, a time or two I've been under the weather but the sun's shining through I've been under the weather but the sun's shining through This love song for Suzanne