Early on in my marriage, Robin and I hit a bump and it was a while until we could find a mutual language to communicate in. This song was written during that time. The guitar part was me channeling the great guitarist Danny Kalb’s playing on Phil Ochs’ Power and Glory. It’s a bit beyond my grade level. Eventually, I got my lifelong buddy, Pete Wernick (aka Dr. Banjo, whose band Hot Rize has been performing for over 30 years) to add a banjo part to the mix.
Lyrics
Train Wreck
Last night you woke up screaming and you told me you’d been dreaming of your dad
And you were sad that he had been the cad that drove you mad
You asked for my analysis I said this kind of malice isn’t right
And that despite your insight you still delight in the fight
That’s a first rate explanation so I look for confirmation from the bed
But you’re all hot and bothered ‘cause that’s just the thing your father’d often said
This is a train wreck, and it’s a big one
The TV newsmen say the governor’s on his way
What we’re both needing is to stop the bleeding
But there ain’t no use you asking me for help
‘cause I can’t help you darling ‘til I’m able to help myself
Without resorting to invective let me give you my perspective on what’s new
‘cause I am through with the view it’s only you to whom love’s due
And though it may sound greedy I am every bit as needy in my way
And we just may be okay if we belay the repartee
These fears that separate us have created this hiatus this we know
And I’m ready now to trust you but you tell me that it’s just too far to go
This is a train wreck, and it’s a beauty
The TV newsmen say now the president’s on his way
What we’re both needing is to stop the bleeding
But there ain’t no use in asking me for help
‘cause I can’t help you darling ‘til I’m able to help myself
Since we are working on solutions tell me what’s your contribution to this mess
You say at best it’s a test then you divest from the rest
And when I question your resistance you insist now how I’m distancing my soul
And how I told you my role was to hold on to control
You’ve got to understand that we are working hand in hand now on this deal
But we’re doomed from the get-go until one of us can let go of the wheel
This is a train wreck someone call Guinness
FEMA’s throwing fits, YouTube’s had a million hits
Stop the insanity, oh, the humanity
We’ve got to put this baggage on the shelf
‘cause I can’t help you darling ‘til I am able to help myself