I've been to Germany, I've been to Spain, I walked down Beale Street and turned up Maine
When I put her on that last mail train, there was nothing left to lose
I listened to the engine whine when she set off this one last time
She didn't leave a single thing behind, just like Buddy Bolden's blues
There's nothing uptown, no money down, buy the high tension whiskey just to pass around
Faces in the window but I'm standing on the ground and I'm down to twos and fews
The rhythm section is one seat short and you can't get on board without your passport
You knew she took it so you come up short, just one more gig you must refuse
In this town you can't let down your guard, the boys play trumpet but they blow too hard
In the final height you can't get no wild card, just the Buddy Bolden blues
Morning sun on a brown suitcase and soon you too will have to leave this place
Just one more gone without a trace singing Buddy Bolden's blues
Her eyes were closed when she said goodbye and she couldn't see and she didn't try
Still she kissed me and I don't know why but she was never one to leave clues
Trains come to town only to leave and the band plays loud to let the mourners grieve
The heart stays hidden in a rolled up sleeve, empty pockets pay no dues
The sun don't rise in a greasy sky and the rails may call but the roads just sigh
Believe I'll give New Orleans one more try with a spit shine on my walking shoes
Stand on the corner trying to catch a break but good luck these days is too hard to fake
There's nothing left of her but what talk we make just like Buddy Bolden's blues
In this town you can't let down your guard, the boys play trumpet but they blow too hard
In the final height you can't get no wild card, just the Buddy Bolden blues
The morning sun on a brown suitcase and soon you too will have to leave this place
Just one more gone without a trace again, Buddy Bolden's blues
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