Thirty Year Man

Nobody here yet
From the spotlight that will ring her not a glimmer
Not a finger on its squeaky dimmer
I play piano in a jazz quartet
That works here late with a young girl singer

   And along from the darkened and empty tables
   By the covered-up drums and the microphone cables
   At the end of the room the piano glistens
   Like the rail at the end of the nave

   Thirty years in the racket
   A brindled crew-cut and a silk-lined jacket
   And it isn't my hands that fill this place
   It's a kid's voice still reaching into space
   It's her they're driving down to hear
   And it's my bent-over back she's standing near

Nobody talks yet
From the glasses that will touch soon not a tinkle
Not a paper napkin shows a wrinkle
I play piano in a jazz quartet
That backs a winner while the big notes crinkle

   And along from the darkened and empty tables
   By the covered-up drums and the microphone cables
   At the end of the room the piano glistens
   Like the rail at the end of the nave
   And I play a few things while no-one listens

   Thirty years in the racket
   A brindled crew-cut and a silk-lined jacket
   And it isn't my name that brings them in
   It's a little girl just starting to begin
   It's her they're piling in to see
   And I'd kill that kid if she wasn't killing me

Nobody moves yet
From the tables near the bandstand not a rustle
Not a loudmouth even moves a muscle
I play piano in a jazz quartet
That backs a giver while the takers hustle

And along from the darkened and empty tables
By the covered-up drums and the microphone cables
At the end of the room the piano glistens
Like bones at the end of a cave
And I play a few things while no-one listens
For an hour alone spells freedom to the slave 

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