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Skinny Trees of Mississippi

from Tips & Compliments by Matt Harlan

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lyrics

The skinny trees of Mississippi are dancing past the window,
& I’m trying to gauge the distance between their swaying limbs & mine.
We’re both tied down by the truth of how our lives change as the wind blows,
But my roots have turned to wheels – all my blood, it turned to wine.

I’ve known lovers like the autumn leaves, too early on the ground.
Then there’s those that crossed their fingers
While they swore to stick around.
Right now I’m feeling empty as the gas can in my trunk.
All my pistons fire slowly, my engine’s turned to junk.

The dashboard started shaking, still I laid the pedal down.
Then the whole thing started trembling, & my resistance came unwound.
The damn thing just gave out on me when I needed it the most –
Too many miles from where I’m bound, too many more to go.

Love is like a fast car on the highway
Breaking down on you all unaware.
Some times you have to pull it to the shoulder.
You gotta slow it down to make a few repairs.

I hear hard rain on the soft top, I smell White Rain in the air.
It feels just like you’re with me, it’s almost like you’re there.
Then the tow truck pulls behind me as you turn your head to speak,
& I’m alone out on the interstate with a quickly fading dream.

So we pull into the station & the driver pulls away.
My head winds like a spindle, wondering what I’ll have to pay
They’re inspecting & detecting all my cables, belts & fans.
I am left here holding pieces of all my best-laid plans.

The skinny trees of Mississippi are dancing in the wind –
Their swaying limbs releasing all their leaves to grow again.
In every waking moment we learn better ways to grow,
But then, in every moment after, we destroy each truth we know.

Love is like a fast car on the highway
Breaking down on you all unaware.
Some times you have to pull it to the shoulder.
You gotta slow it down to make a few repairs.

credits

from Tips & Compliments, released October 19, 2009

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Matt Harlan Houston, Texas

Matt Harlan is a troubadour of the first degree, bringing songs of bus-stops, coffee-shops and lives overlooked to stages across his home-state of Texas, the USA and Europe. His expressive vocals recall Chris Smither and Chris Knight, shading his poignant songs with soaring heart and aching grit. ... more

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