Just Me and My .44

Le Désespéré (1843–45) by Gustave Courbet

I swear to God and the devil too

I never saw it coming ‘til it was through.

She left me there in our old, red Ford,

Her smiling face still on my dashboard.

My best friend told me I ought move on.

That best friend is now good and gone.

But what the hell am I to do now?

I ain’t never broke no vow.

The lawyers say that she gets half.

I’d give it all just to hear her laugh.

But I suppose he’s got jokes too;

I’m one of his best, I know it’s true.

She took our girl to his new place.

When I close my eyes I see her face.

Don’t fret, lil Darlin, Daddy’s here.

Don’t take your first step without me there.

God, why? Why do I cry?

Oh, why? Ought I better to die?

I forgot how to sleep alone.

The doctor’s pills make me feel stoned.

This living is hard and it makes me think

I might could find company in a little drink.

This house is haunted, I can tell.

If the ghost is me, then I guess oh well.

For months I tried to win them back,

Trips to their house, there and back.

Each time the sheriff gave me a word

Till they put me in a cage just like a bird.

When I fly free I’ll go once more

Just me and my .44