Song for One Left Behind

The dove's-breast sky
On the threshold of winter
I can still hear your voice
And remember
And still here I am
On the streets you grew up on
I've come and gone
And come and gone

Past the school
Less school than factory
I was so gunshy
Tongue-tied and hackneyed
And it's no use to wait on
Someone who gave up on
You years ago
So many years ago

So farewell to the girl
With the orchids and pearls
And lapis lazuli
Pinned in her black hair
And give her my kiss
Tell her she's missed
When the scent of fall's on the air, boys
When the scent of fall's on the air

At the window
With the evening grande champagne
Tracing gossamer frost
On the window pane
And for a moment you're here
In the late evening shadows
And I'm years ago
I'm years ago

My time was up
Your number was leaving
My boot-black heart
Was battered and bleeding
But wounds heal my dear
And as roots stir under the first snow
I'll come and go
And come and go

So farewell to the girl
With the orchids and pearls
And the moon tangled
In her black hair
And give her my kiss
Tell her she's missed
When the scent of fall's on the air, boys
When the scent of fall's on the air