I Didn't Stay
There was a time I met a woman
And we hit it off okay,
We shared a place and some affection,
But when I came home one day
She'd actually nailed my Carolinas
Into the hardwood floor,
As if those boots gave cause to wander,
And I should somehow love her more...
I didn't stay.
[chorus 1]
I couldn't say, although I wondered
As I walked over to the door:
Is this the way that God intended,
And what my parents raised me for?
As if I'd drawn the role of Judas,
In some pathetic Passion Play,
Between the sting of accusation
And how she carried on that way...
I didn't stay.
There was a time I worked in Nashville
With the fortunate and few,
I lucked into a staff position
And I judged a song or two.
But every barroom had its martyr,
Every office had its mask,
And all the drinks and pretty smiles
Were favors waiting to be asked...
I didn't stay.
[chorus 2]
I couldn't say, although I wondered
As I walked over to the door:
Is this the way that God intended,
And what my parents raised me for?
As if I'd drawn the role of Pilate,
In some pretentious Passion Play,
Between the pain of feigned politeness
And canned replies throughout the day...
I didn't stay.
Now the years have been collected
With indifference to the game,
Other jobs and other women
Being pretty much the same.
I've seen no Satan nor a Savior,
Nothing worthy of the name,
No place or love that ever made me
Sorry afterwards to claim:
I didn't stay.
[chorus 3 - finale]
I couldn't say, but will I wonder
Until I face that final door:
Is this the way that God intended,
And what my parents raised me for?
As if I'd drawn the role of soldier
In the eternal Passion Play,
Casting lots for ragged garments
Just to pass the time away.
Neither wiser, nor repentant,
Ever afterwards to say:
I didn't stay.
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Composition