Ruby warbler

I was really wild
Thought I knew how to act
Getting high in the bathroom and bored
in the red leather booths at jacks

And I rarely smiled
And I often laughed
At the way that the world and the war of love
Was kicking my ass

And I had a motto
I’d try anything twice
And if it was still hurting and wrong I’d keep trying
Till I got it hurting right

And I still dream of her
Girl I used to be
She’s still packing all the wrong things for the trip
Afraid to speak lest she let something slip
Out of orbit she’d fall and be calling
But the call of the wild no longer suits my ruby lips

I’m a ruby warbler
Don’t look so wild but I’m not tame
I’ll be here all the winter come summer
I’ll be somewhere cooler again

I’m a ruby warbler
Don’t look so wild but I’m not tame
I’ll be here all the winter come summer
I’ll be somewhere cooler again

I’m a ruby warbler
And blood rich my song rings
With the trills and the clicking and ticking
Of time and waiting in the wings
In the wings

Fall 2000
New Orleans