Drops From The Faucet

Nanci Griffith · Ruby's Torch [2006]

Drops in the faucet like a nervous heart

Beat on my porcelain sink a rhythm avant-garde

I page through the phone book, reach for my fountain pen

Is he comin' in for the holidays to haunt me again?



I call up the Grand central, information please

Is that nickel line on time, oh fine

And it's a hair-do with a wave

We've both forgot and forgave last time



A peddler of pots and pans down on Union Square

Said City Hall wants us off the street

There's no Christmas in the air

Some high-brows were waiting

Carnation bright lapels



Their big cars line the curbs outside those grand hotels

I passed a Marquee, Third Avenue

Ramona with Loretta Young and I swung myself around

And headed uptown to the train



So this is New Year's Eve another year has passed

We wait so patiently, still they come and go so fast

I stand on this platform wait for that basket of light

And the sound of the whistle screamin' out

Like a hot trumpet in the night



And as I'm waitin' I wonder why and where

And what went wrong

But this song don't tell no lies

It was just a quick good-bye

Drops From The Faucet

Nanci Griffith's 'Drops From The Faucet' appears on her 2006 album Ruby's Torch, a record that showcases her enduring mastery of American roots music. Throughout her extensive discography, Griffith has been celebrated for her ability to blend traditional folk sensibilities with contemporary songwriting, often exploring themes of resilience and everyday life. This track fits within a body of work that includes acclaimed albums like Flyer and The Loving Kind, where she frequently collaborates with other songwriters while maintaining her distinctive vocal style. The song reflects the intimate storytelling that has defined her career, offering listeners a glimpse into the quiet moments that often carry profound emotional weight. As part of her later recordings, it stands as a testament to her continued relevance in the folk and Americana genres.