An Escape to Nowhere

        There's a place that I know where people can go,
        mainly to have a good time.
        They can drink all their beers and have all their cheers,
        and occasionally get out of line.

        They can speak loud and sputter, they can drink lots and stutter,
        as they look for a place to sit down.
        Some will slowly get blitzed as they quietly sit,
        or be playing the role of a clown.

        Some people drift in to hear the band,
        still others to make the scene.
        Some seem so lonely as they search for somebody,
        the ones that can fulfill their dreams.

        An old friend stops by and he acts so surprised,
        as he sits down and orders a drink.
        He asks, "How've ya been?  Haven't seen you since when?
        It must have been high school, I think?"

        I reply with a nod as I put down my glass,
        I finish the last of my rum.
        I said, "I'm just home from school with no summer job,
        playing the role of a bum."

        I ask, "How 'bout you?  Still playing it cool?
        Are you still going out with that babe?"
        He said, "No I got married and I now have two kids.
        I'm working the 11 o'clock grave."

        His mind seemed to wander at the words which he blundered,
        thinking of good things to say.
        I could tell by his face that this wasn't the case.
        It was said in that unspoken way.

        As he finished his drink he said he had to go greet
        some old friend that he saw at the bar.
        Even before the last call he picks up some doll
        and they go out and get in his car.

        People's thoughts are so clear as they stare at their beer.
        Still there's emptiness deep down inside.
        Then they look up and give you this saddened, fake smile,
        'cause it's their feelings they're trying to hide.

        I ask myself what are they doing here?
        There's got to be more to life.
        Than staying out late on the weekends.
        Fighting internal strife.

        Some people can be raised to be winners
        and to live a good life if they choose.
        Others can be raised to be sinners
        but it's both kind in the end that can lose.