I Sat Down in This Damnable Chair

My Grandpa playing the harmonica - 1984

I sat down in this damnable chair
two weeks ago now it was.
I can't lie down, I don't want to sit up
SPEAK UP I CAN HEAR YOU TALKIN'
It's my family that hovers over by the door
just out of ear shot
I know what they're whispering about
I JUST HAD THE SUIT CLEANED

I hate the idea of spending money to clean a suit
They're just going to bury me in.
When they close the lid it'll smell like dry cleaning
I HAVEN'T EVEN BEEN TO CHURCH
Not in 2 years have I worn the thing - except to two funerals
That was last fall, I didn't think about it then...
I kinda wish I could take some of the wrinkles with me
I GOT THOSE AT MY BOY'S FUNERAL

Haven't been a deacon in 30 years or sat in church
for I forget how long now.
I wish they'd say something to me besides
ARE YOU COMFORTABLE, DAD
No, I'm not comfortable. Would you be in my place?
Everybody whispering about burying me!
I just said it and I don't feel anything like I thought
I would when I was 12.
BURY ME?

When I think of myself as a child I'm always 12.
Don't know why. It was a good age I guess
I was a boxer then, listened to matches on the crystal set.
I HEARD DEMPSEY WHIP TUNNEY
Used to let people hit me in the heart, big fellows
Gonna show 'em how tough I was
I heard someone tellin' that story in the kitchen just now
MAYBE I'D LIKE TO HEAR THAT STORY TOO!"

My heart's finally payin' me back; givin' up on me
Just when I figured it all out.
Nobody listens, though, they figure it's pain medication.
MAKES PERFECT SENSE IF YOU'LL LISTEN
I have! I've figured out what it was I really wanted
when I was a thick headed 12 year old.
Now nobody listens, and I can't get it out.
I WANT SOME BREAKFAST,
THE DAY'S JUST STARTIN'

"Dad, it bedtime, now. How about some soup......?"

(c) 1989 by Tom King