Dog Stay Down

(Dog, stay down)
I watched the red clouds fold back behind the depot
Watched my own coat-tails disappear down the street
Left myself in the lurch but what was worse still
Was the look on Anna's face when I turned to concrete

Because I hadn't been to town, not since the pageant
I was sicker than a general at the sight of blood
But nature forced me on the wagon, now I'm rolling
Through the rain that's falling sadly on bad love

And oh, I'll be alright
If the dog stays down tonight
But if the gate's untended long
In the morning, in the morning I'll be gone

Oh, please forgive me for my bloated invocation
Of roses as a ruse to cover me
I'm bleeding like a pig into the water
Oh, when will I be free?

How did I let a submachine-gun tell my fortune
Or let me think that wanting was enough?
Like windfall fruit I'm coursing down the river
In the wake of insubordinate bad love
Dog, stay down
Dog, stay down

And oh, I'll be alright
If the dog stays down tonight
But if the gate's untended long
In the morning, in the morning I'll be gone