a song from George Manupelli

For Cindy: A Song


When I was a young man
they shuffled the deck,
they dealt me a hand,
said, “That’s all you get.”

So I played my hand
one card at a time,
but never could figure
why the cards never rhymed.

              (chorus)

We’ll glide and we’ll swirl
till the band says we’re through,
still I will have had
my last dance with you.

Now if anyone knows
what it’s all about,
please tell me now
so I’ll have no doubt.

When they draw the dark curtain
and close the big door,
I won’t be wonderin’
if there’s anything more.

              (chorus)



Now I’m an old man,

hobbled and gray,

blind as a stone

with nothing to say



except to give you

these words of advice:

“Never look back,

never think twice.”



             (chorus)













Now there’s no light

at the end of the hall,

my memory’s all shot.

I’ve hit the brick wall.



But one cigarette

and one whiskey more,

and I’ll leave it all

on that empty dance floor.



            (chorus)



When the ashes are spread

and the last kind word said,

the committee agreed,

he made his own bed.



     (chorus variation)



We hugged and we kissed

till the music was o’er,

if I can I’ll be back

for one two-step more.



If I can I’ll be back

for one two-step more.



George Manupelli