"Laura"—Crooked Timber

(If that doesn't work, click here.)

Laura

(Music and lyrics by Scott Ryan)

Laura's lived a long life in the same small town;
She's seen it all and then some, but she likes it just so.
It used to be so lovely back before they tore it down;
Oh, of course you're too young to know.
Ask and she'll show you pictures.

There used to be a river in the city park
Where Laura and her family took their evenings to go,
But now they've dammed the river and they close the park at dark,
Oh, and now the river won't flow.
Ask and she'll show you pictures.

          To reach inside a moment and dissect the moment out,
          You trap the thing in amber and you don't let it age.
          There's never any movement, and there's never any doubt
          As long as it's pinned there on the page;
          As long as it's pinned there on the page.

Laura's husband always used to treat her right;
He was the sweetest, kindest man you're ever likely to know.
And my, he looked so handsome, and he wore the strangest light—
Oh, how his face seemed to glow!
Ask and she'll show you pictures.

But now the house is empty, and it's not by choice;
She just hates to be a burden when the kids have to go.
Sometimes in the silence she can almost hear his voice;
Oh, it seems a long time ago.
Ask and she'll show you pictures.

          To reach inside a moment and dissect the moment out,
          You catch it like a cricket in a Kodachrome cage.
          There's never any movement, and it never flits about
          As long as it's pinned there on the page;
          As long as it's pinned there on the page.

It's church and Sunday breakfast at the corner café,
Where that pretty little waitress smiles her weekly hello.
Laura tucks her jelly in her purse to take away;
Oh, it's for the grandkids, you know.
Ask and she'll show you pictures.