Central Square - Tom Paxton

Five roads led from Central Square, but only one led home.

While down the other four, there lay a world I’d never known.

I saw three stars among the clouds — a good sign, some might say.

I saw the road that led to home, but I took another way.

I met the girl I came to love one night in Central Square.

I loved the way she sang her song;

I loved her auburn hair.

I heard her sing The Water Is Wide and Johnny’s Gone to Sea

And Spanish Is the Loving Tongue, while she looked right at me.

I took her home with me that night;

I carried her guitar.

I gave to her my only bed while I lay on the floor.

She kissed me when she went to bed;

I lay awake past three,

And I was nearly sleeping when I heard her call to me.

We lived together all that year until we drew apart.

For I was younger than my years and did not know my heart.

I sang along with her one night in quiet harmony,

Until I realized this song was her farewell to me.

I made the worst mistake of all;

I turned and left her there.

And winter had come in when I stepped out in Central Square.

I saw three stars among the clouds — a good sign, some might say.

I saw the road that led to home, but I took another way.

I saw the road that led to home, but I took another way.