When the Bartender Cries - Michael Peterson

This bar has been my home away from her

Used to be, she was missing me

Now she’s moving in with her best friend

And I’m the only one who wants what used to be

I’m here because today I lost it all

I didn’t want to drink at home alone

I just can’t believe all my hopes and dreams are falling

Like a row of dominoes

I thought the man behind the bar

Had heard it all before

My story must have caught him by surprise

'Cause when he handed me my double

There were tears in his eyes

You know you’re in trouble

When the bartender cries

He said, «Last night you swore you’d never drink again»

I said, «Next time, I’m really gonna try»

So if she ever calls for me

Oh, you can finally tell her, «He ain’t here»

And it won’t be a lie

I asked the man behind the bar

What he’d been crying for

He said, «That bottle used to be a friend of mine

Now I’ve stopped drinking doubles

But I pour them all of the time

Son, you know you’re in trouble

When the bartender cries»

As I saw my own reflection staring back at me, I knew

Every single word he said was true

Well, I told the man behind the bar

I thought I’d seen it all before

Till I saw the sadness in his eyes

That’s when I put down my double

And said my last goodbyes

'Cause you know you’re in trouble

When the bartender cries

Oh, you know you’re in trouble

When the bartender cries

© 1997 Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. BMI/Boat Money Music

Song Matters, Inc./Famous Music Corp

ASCAP