That old woman from Dove Creek Colorado,
On her way to see her mom one more time
Looking for an answer or some kind of cure
For the loneliness she'd had in her heart all her life
You left the hard part up to her, trying to put it all into words
Measuring the miles behind her eyes
Hopin' she don't turn to you, wondering where you're running off to
If she don't ask no questions you won't have to tell no lies
Annabelle, all the stories you tell
Are about bus stations and trains
And all the folks you will never know well
You remember by the names of the places from where they came
I listen like a child, as you recount the trials
Of the strangers who are closer than your own kin
You can leave your coat on, 'cause I know it won't be long
Till you slip out the back door again
Spending all your time in bars, trading smiles for stories of the war
In truckstops and motels I know you can't afford
What would I ever do if I heard something happened to you
Or worse, if I hear nothing at all?
Annabelle, all the stories you tell
Are about bus stations and trains
And all the folks you will never know well
You remember by the names of the places from where they came
I listen like a child, as you recount the trials
Of the strangers who are closer than your own kin
You can leave your coat on, 'cause I know it won't be long
Till you slip out the back door again
You're one of a dying breed who only takes what they need
And leaves the rest to the feast of the fools
When someone else along the way asks you to stop and stay
And tell them a story or two
Tell them the one about this old man from Blue River, Arizona
Who is tall and handsome in spite of his lazy eye
Never found no gold on the trail of old nado
Spent half of his life waiting on that quittin' time whistle to blow
Annabelle, all the stories you tell
Are about bus stations and trains
And all the folks you will never know well
You remember by the names of the places from where they came
I listen like a child, as you recount the trials
Of the strangers who are closer than your own kin
You can leave your coat on, 'cause I know it won't be long
Till you slip out the back door again