melted

a whisper of a pitchpipe

whistle for me, baby, play your opening note

(ooh! the crowd's going wild, can't you hear them?)

everyone adjusts to fit your tune

(the key of c won't unlock everyone's heart, but that's not your job)

your lips plush against the mic

(an audible good luck and a silent goodbye)

make your tone sultry with that opening chorus

(they're melting into your embrace)

give them what they want

(it's not you, but your voice can betray your mind)

remind the audience that they're yours

(oh, they know it all too well)

as they stand up, shine in this spotlight applause

(you've earned your keep)

take it home with you across the subway

(the grime of normal life approaches)

slump against the walls of the station with glitter fallout on your hands

(your dress is torn but it's all you've got)

you're back home again

(starving artists never looked so beautiful)

whisper into your pitchpipe as the work force of today and tomorrow passes you by

(your guitar case is wide open but you are not)

remind yourself as your hands grow calloused and cold

(it will get better)

there's a little girl who gives you mittens on her way to her mother's work

(it's a special day for all)

she smiles at you as the door closes

(you hope her dreams come true)

you fall asleep in the midday light

(when you wake up, it's christmas)

your guitar owns three dollars and a slice of pizza

(maybe the future will be sweet.)