Taking a Walk

John Prine · Fair & Square [2005]

A man came to our house

I believe it was yesterday

I would have invited him in

But I didn't have a lot to say



His anticipation of me opening the door

Outweighed my apprehension as it never had before

And drove my concentration

Right through that hardwood floor



I'm taking a walk

I'm going outside

I'm taking a walk

I'm just getting by



There's a girl in the white house

I don't even know her name

Her disheveled appearance

Speaks volumes of shame



It's an embarrassing situation

But a situation just the same

The way she walks on others

And never takes the blame

Upsets my constitution

Beyond its mortal frame



Oo-oo a-ha



I'm taking a walk

I'm going outside

I'm watching the birds

I'm just getting by



Found a card in the pocket

Of my worn out overalls

From a girl in Cedar Rapids

Now residing in Idaho Falls



I wish you could have been there

When she opened up the door

And looked me in the face

Like she never did before

I felt about as welcome

As a Wal-Mart Superstore



0o-oo - a-ha



I'm taking a walk

I'm going outside

I'm taking a walk

I don't need a ride



I'm watching the birds

Flying so high