Outside the window in my memory snow is coming down I can smell the cedar and the cider all over town The reality comes back and shakes me from my bed The sound of rattling cages takes me out of my head I won't be home for Christmas this year Just like the one before and the one before I'm here In this cold steel and concrete I'll be spending Christmas day With plenty of company and this debt I have to pay Every year at this time I think about what's fair And why I didn't play that way and why I didn't care I'd give what's left of this stale life for one last breath to share One moment with you frozen in the chill of Christmas air I won't be home for Christmas this year Just like the ones before and the ones to come I fear This icy prison yard is my winter wonderland My innocence left footprints in the west taxes sands