From the recording There Goes Rhymin' Pie Man
I was inspired to write this song for several reasons, not the least of which is that I have gotten myself in trouble over my life, drinkin'. Hardly drink at all anymore. Probably don't have the gene for alcoholism. Maybe 7/8 of it. Probably also not hard to imagine that I have had quite a few friends who have gotten in deeper trouble than me with the drink. I had one friend in mind for sure when I was writing this song, which took awhile, years really. Circa 1987ish. Always liked this song, there is an updated version of it on my cd "Who Come Down?"
Lyrics
Well I wish you were here, but I see that you're not
And once again I'm alone with my beer and my pot
I've got tunes on the deck, but they don't sing like you
Maybe I should go inward like 12-steppers do
Is it these vices I grip, that make you afraid
To be part of my trip
Oh I …..Maybe I'll quit
Well if ya think I'm bad karma, and ya think I'm black death
If you think I'm abusive with booze on my breath
Then I wish you'd just say it, well…maybe you did…
And I sure miss my family,. my wife and my kid,
Is it these vices I grip, that make you afraid
To be part of my trip, Oh I ….maybe I'll quit
Solo
I guess I'm bent on destruction, and it may happen soon…
I've been hopin' you'd forgive me…at the saloon
So I promise I'll change… I'll just summon my will
I'll abstain from the booze and the pot and the pills, oh lover…
Is it these vices I grip, that make you afraid
To be part of my trip, Oh I guess….tomorrow, I'll quit
Tomorrow, I'll quit
Tomorrow, I'll quit
Oh tomorrow, I'm gonna quit