Loretta

by Townes Van Zandt

Oh Loretta she's a barroom girl

wears them sevens on her sleeve

Dances like a diamond shines

Tell me lies I love to believe

Her age is always 22

Her laughing eyes a hazel hue

Spends my money like water falls

Loves me like I want her to

Oh, Loretta, won't you say to me

Darling, put your guitar on

have a little shot of booze

play a blue a and wailing song

My guitar rings a melody

My guitar sings, Loretta's fine

Long and lazy, blonde and free

and I can have her any time

Sweetest at the break of day

preattiest in the setting sun

she don't cry when I can't stay

'least not till she's all alone

Loretta, I won't be gone long

keep your dancing slippers on

keep me on your mind a while

I'll be back, babe, to make you smile