City sidewalks

i used to be the brains
behind the whole damn thing
but the alligators got me
and they stole my wedding ring
every time i get somewhere
i lose my starboard wing
and all the raging elephants
they try but just can't sing

so here here you are again
with those ice cubes in your purse
and your golden Buddha veils
like the curtains in a hearse
and when you come out swinging
time goes from bad to worse
now the big policemans yelling
that we really must disperse

when i try take the sidewalk
its full of broken glass
i need to hurry down the street
but the guard won't let me pass
the church bells loudly ringing
the priest has sung the mass
in a bright Hawaiian shirt
he just ain't got no class

i tried to make the difference
but the moon got in my way
someone said to try again
on a helicopter day
grizzly bears and Hottentots
can't help me i should pray
i'm heading for the downtown lights
with my backpack of dismay

New Years Day 2000