Gloria Jean / Somebody Else’s Problem

Way back then in ‘77
I met this girl who spoke of heaven
she caressed my soul with those little things
showed me the joy that a real love brings
and for a while there, no chill winds blew
hey Gloria Jean – you lovin’ machine
what did I do to deserve you?

The time’s slipped by so far away
when I looked in those eyes both green & gray
now days I find I can’t even compete
joke’s on me, the slow burn’s complete
and just like before I don’t know the score
hey Gloria Jean – you exotic Marine
could you point me toward the door, please?

Stampeding buffalo, glorious glow
pick up your feet, boy; you’re movin’ too slow
straight ahead vision, undaunted mission
no holds barred stomps Gloria Jean
and one more foolish what’shisname
fell not far from where you’ve been

Change swirls around you, beauty surrounds you
the eternal grace of a girl I once knew
well what can I do?
this internal resentment of the feeling it’s through
is not passing quickly that doesn’t ring true
‘coz I see all the people who constantly prove
that love isn’t something so easily moved
can a heart that’s been broken be decently soothed?

Delicate brave sorrow for this crazy planet Earth
even undecided you find room for 2 cents worth
and I’ll always love you, Gloria Jean
American gypsy, my natural queen
things ain’t been the same
since you split the scene
but I’ve already begged you 
and I feel unclean

Never again to hear you sing
in dire disarray - what more can I say?
‘cept thanks again for everything

*   *   *   *   *   *  *  *  *  *  *

What else can I say?
well how about there will come a day
when it feels as though a truck rolled over you
you don’t have to do things the way that you do
it’s justice you’re depriving
know that I will not be driving
that loaded truck – all over you

Because you’re somebody else’s problem now
drop one step back and take a bow
for Motherhood, that’s understood
you said I’d forget but you didn’t say how
how how how - - - - 
I possibly could

So I’ll chalk this one up to experience
with misery in the present tense
mock laughter marks the cavity
that must be filled with eloquence
since since since - - - - 
I hit gravity

Fresh sunshine shrouds the lunacy
the little green men who follow me
have centered up their sharp spike
swoop down to kill my courtesy
see see see - - - - 
what it’s been like

Turn around if you’re lookin’ for clues
smoke 2 packs a day with my quota of booze
I manage to crawl to a long distance call
get a one-sided version of good news
you know the only reason you ever left me, girl?
was so just another white boy could bring home the blues
well it sure seems by now I’d’ve long paid my dues
but here I go suffering bruise after bruise 

Hearts are never wrong
and the good ones never do stay long
so long, my friend; I give this heart to you
you don’t have to do things the way that you do
I’m not anticipating 
I will soon be celebrating
a hot romance – all over you

Because you’re somebody else’s problem now
keep peace among yourselves somehow
I’m just a little loose end getting tight
pardon your next wrong lifelong vow
how how how - - - - 
is Mr. Right?


Poway, California
Bryans Road, Maryland
05/1980 - 2/8/1981