Famous Blue Raincoat

It's four in the morning

the end of December

I'm writing you now

just to see if you're better

New York is cold

but I like where I'm living

there's music on Clinton Street

all through the evening



I hear that you're building

your little house

deep in the desert

you're living for nothing now

I hope you're keeping

some kind of record



Yes, and Jane came

by with a lock of your hair

she said that you gave it to her

that night that you planned to go clear

did you ever go clear?



On the last time we saw you

you looked so much older

your famous blue raincoat

was torn at the shoulder

you'd been to the station

to meet every train there

you came home

without Lili Marlene



And then you treated my woman

to a flake of your life

and when she came back

she was nobody's wife



Well, I see you

there with a rose in your teeth

one more thin gypsy thief

Well, I see Jane's away

she sends her regards



And what can I tell you

my brother my killer

what can I possibly say

I guess that Imiss you

I guess I forgive you

I'm glad you stood in my way



If you ever come by here

for Jane or for me

Well, your enemy is sleeping

and his woman is free



Yes, and thanks

for the trouble you took

from her eyes

I thought it was there for good

so I never tried



And Jane came

by with a lock of your hair

she said that you gave it to her

the night that you planned to go clear



Sincerely, L Cohen