Where You Need to Be

Tom practiced his speech all the way from town
Saddlesore, sweat and dust made mud on his brow
But the hardest part was still ahead

Told Sal he signed up-she didn't yell, she didn't cry
He heard the seconds pass, the resignation in her sigh
She turned toward the window

Go if you want to
Go where you need to be
Don't let me stop you
Don't let me get in your way

Sal proved an able captain and kept the farm afloat
'Til, months after the armistice, Tom disembarked the boat
But that frightening, bloody movie kept playing in his head
She tried to soothe the nightmares but he always pushed away
And years of fraying tempers tore one Wednesday after tea
Her suitcase by the doorway

Go if you want to
Go where you need to be
Don't let me stop you
Don't let me

Fifty years together and apart
Though love is not a science
Maybe practice can perfect
This darkest of the arts

A white room with a window looking out on spindly trees
Tom shrank into a nest of wires and machines
With Sal on sentry duty beside his bed
She held his pale hand that used to be so strong
That twirled her 'round the dancefloor
Caressed her longing skin
She kissed his cheek and whispered

Go if you want to
Go where you need to be
Don't let me stop you
Don't let me

Go if you want to
Go where you need to be
Don't let me stop you
Don't let me get in your way
Don't let me get in your way