#98 ALL THE TELLINGS
#98 ALL THE TELLINGS
(Americana)
(DEMO)
(Full Arrangement)
"You see the best in everyone Anna!"
Mama smiled as she brushed my hair.
Rainy August morning, start of first grade,
Told me to tell 'em if they don't know -- only fair.
Thirty years later I'm outside our house,
Sorry -- I mean yours, since I moved out.
Early morning, car-crying -- heavy snow,
Reliving all the times I opened my mouth.
The world doesn't know how special you are,
You can do anything -- just reach for the stars!
Fake treasure for the young from the old,
All the tellings I have been told.
Age fourteen, finish second in the science fair,
Mama says "Go congratulate the girl in first place."
She then leans over and whispers I should,
Tell her blend the make-up line, left side of her face.
The snow picks up strength -- still no sign you're awake,
Kleenex pack empty, my shame now complete.
Thump both hands on the steering wheel, put the
Car in drive, head off slowly down the street.
Never be afraid to speak your mind,
Sometimes, you have to be cruel to be kind.
Rule book handed down by the old,
All the tellings I have been told.
Jennifer's wedding -- we both had to go,
See you up next to the groom -- shrugging, slight smile.
You see me -- you pause, then look away.
I sit way in the back, next to the aisle.
Around a corner, reception hallway, I hear
Jennifer ask why you're no longer with me.
You say "Anna doesn't ask. Annabel tells."
I turn, walk away fast, tears flowing free.
I told you money doesn't grow on trees,
And you just can't see what I see.
My words were poison, dressed up as gold,
All the tellings that I have told.
All the tellings that I have told.