Palo Alto

When I called, it'd been too long, wish I didn't need the push
But you're always sharp with the memories, when I ask you about family stuff
When you were out West, in Palo Alto, with your Dad, the admiral
Who took pictures, aboard the warship, but always dreamt of the day he'd run

To Palo Alto
With his sweetheart
And a Camera
Never Being
What he was then
Stuck in a uniform
Taking pictures from high above

Glad you found those old journals and gave me a few to explain
What you never could as a parent, I guess it had to be written out
In those amber waves of dairy, Wisconsin in the 70's
The Davy Crocketts and the cow shit
I kind felt I was meant leave

To Palo Alto
With my sweetheart
And a bicycle
Never Being
What I was then
Stuck in a cornfield

A rural tapestry
I just had one friend
I had one friend
Yeah I just had one friend
And me and that one friend
Me and Joe, we're getting away...

When that sun is sinking
Like bronze in the afterglow
Of a torpedo, a stolen Marlboro
Behind the barn or with a gun

The momentary sanctuary
Of a warm sun sinking low
We all linger in the wonder
Feel lost and want to go

To Palo Alto
With our sweethearts
Via catapult
Never being
What we were then
A whole new atmosphere