Been Here Once Before
Words and Music by Tom May


(Originally released on the Iris Records album. Vignette (out of print) 1978)


The chairs all look the same, but I’ve forgotten all the names
That used to know me when my chin was draggin’ low
Leaving open wounds behind, I found the road to be a kind
Of explanation to the questions in my soul
But since the answers never last, because you travel far too fast
And the fatal explanation comes too late
That the woman of your dreams, isn’t quite what she seems
And she leaves you standin’ naked at the gate

So I stand here once again, just like a beggar or a friend
Who seeks approval and some wine and somethin’ more
And I can tell by the tables that some places never change
I can tell, I’ve been here once before

Out of all the towns I’ve known, I’ve left behind so many loans
In the hope that someday I’ll make ‘em all good
Sometimes when lookin’ back, I’d like to modify the facts
But I wouldn’t change tomorrow if I could
Even though the smoke is getting’ thick
The noise is getting loud, and the waitress here would like to waste my time
After all that I’ve been taught, its pretty clear that this is not
Just another ending, but a stop along the line

So I stand here once again, just like a beggar or a friend
Who seeks approval and some wine and somethin’ more
And I can tell by the tables that some places never change
I can tell, I’ve been here once before

Repeat

©1974 Blue Vignette Publishing, ASCAP