Souvenirs.

I keep this note from Mal in a magnetic plastic case on the side of the fridge. An honest friend.

~John Prine and the late great Steve Goodman:

All the snow has turned to water,
Christmas days have come and gone.
Broken toys and faded colors are all that's left to linger on.
I hate graveyards and old pawn shops,
For they always bring me tears.
I can't forgive the way they robbed me of my childhood souvenirs.

Memories, they can't be boughten.
They can't be won at carnivals for free.
Well it took me years to get those souvenirs,
And I don't know how they slipped away from me.

Broken hearts and dirty windows
Make life difficult to see.
That's why last night and this morning
Always look the same to me.
I hate reading old love letters
For they always bring me tears.
I can't forget the way they robbed me,
Of my sweetheart's souvenirs.

Memories they can't be boughten,
They can't be won at carnivals for free.
Well it took me years to get those souvenirs
And i don't know how they slipped away from me.

Earlier version with Steve, in their prime. And if you're a fan, click on the sidelinks for Goodman's BEST.

Vegematic
Talk Backwards

and his most famous

City of New Orleans

"Good morning America -- how are ya? ...
Don't ya know me? I'm your native son."

Willie's more celebrated version.

"The Greatest Country Song Ever."