i was screaming in my head or mouthing help me, help me
repeatedly
all those people hanging out
while looking over my shoulder at the older, taller man saying "no,no,no!"
all those people hanging out
in a place I did not recognize
he was filling up a clear plastic box with colored candy, colored nuts
all sold by the weight
here's where it all begins

i guess i'm stayin' here tonight
so shut the door and shut off the light
i guess i'm stayin' here tonight
it's been a long time

my first painting in class.
i'll be late
he took one to finish it, painting white on the background
i got upset
so don't stay up and wait
the painting didn't end up in the show, he told me later
it was because the teacher said it wasn't good at all
we were pretending this in the lobby earlier
but i don't play bass!
i'll come back here to you
as my grandmother pointed out 4 crocodiles
(or maybe they were alligators)

i guess i'm stayin' here tonight
so shut the door and shut off the light
i guess i'm stayin' here tonight
it's been a long time

all those people hanging out
i'll be late
don't stay up and wait

i guess i'm stayin' here tonight
so shut the door and shut off the light
i never made it home last night
it's been a long time
it's been a long time
it's been a long time