when it gets dark

sirens wail, the city moans
the winter wind bites your bones
hope and faith just payday loans
counted out in sticks and stones
you want to cry
you want to scream
when it gets dark, dream

well dressed wolves are at the door
fed on fear, warmed by war
us or them, either or
makes you forget what you’re fighting for
let them lie
let them scheme
when it gets dark, dream

hard to believe that once we were kings
now we can’t even buy a spark
the world has turned and now the night it brings
us back to the cave to make our mark
when it gets dark


the money’s gone, the car won’t start
the welcome wagon was sold for parts
no one’s home, but standing guard
the broken toys left in the yard
what used to shine
what used to gleam
super 8 frames of a dream

© 2011 James R Irwin - City Of Trees Music ASCAP