When The Coast Is Clear

(for Emery Clark, who paints it better than I can say it)

They're closin' down the hangout

The air is turnin' cool

They'r shuttin' off the "superslide"

The kids are back in school

The tourist traps are empty

Vacancy abounds

Almost like it used to be

Before the circus came to town

(CHORUS)

That's when it always happens

Same time every year

I come down to talk to me

When the coast is clear

Hello mister other me

It's been a long time

We hardly get to have these chats

That in itself's a crime

So tell me all your troubles

I'll surely tell you mine

We'll laugh and smoke and cuss and joke

And have a glass of wine

(CHORUS)

That's where it always happens

Same place every year

I come down and talk to me

When the coast is clear

(INSTRUMENTAL)

It's the only place he knows

Where it always happens

Same place every year

I come down and talk to me

When the coast is clear