Thirteen Blood Red Rosebuds - Steve Forbert

Hang your hopes on sun

But the ships don’t sail

Storm clouds rule everything

Sailors pack both bars and Marlene works hard

More cheap engagement rings

Thirteen blood red rosebuds

Five weird weekend crimes

Sixteen sincere smiles while

Nobody’s lyin'

Alibis need help when their proofs not clear

Who’ll fake good words to say?

Even Marlene’s eyes can’t disguise cold fear

Now curse your jealous ways

Thirteen blood red rosebuds

Five weird weekend crimes

Sixteen sincere smiles while

Nobody’s lyin'

Things she’d say would tend to make you sad

Lonesome for a past you never had;

Leave a note that lies about your life baby

Your Kampuchea cobwebs and your wife

Think of Marlene’s mouth as a keepsake scar

And close your dockside door

Walk the wet fields fast towards the morning star

And change your name once more

Thirteen blood red rosebuds

Five weird weekend crimes

Sixteen sincere smiles while

Nobody’s…

Thirteen blood red rosebuds

Five weird weekend crimes

Sixteen sincere smiles while

Nobody’s lyin'