18th of december

I get that itch for leaving
There sure is a lot to see
When I hear those big jets winding
It makes me wanna leave
I've never been to Paris
Still never been to Maine
I sure like California
I could leave on the next plane

When I hear your voice a-call me
Begging me to stay
I'm torn and I'm tattered
The sky is turned to gray
My mind is numb and I haven't slept
And my heart it aches for you
If I stay here, my darling
I don't know if I'll make it through

On the 18th day of December
That's when I did go
I packed my bags and I headed south
I walked right out the door
All alone in that dwelling place
As cold as cold could be
Not a soul inside that evening
Just this feeling of relief

She's as fine as the evening sun
That, I would not lie
But I would not give my life to her
No matter how hard I tried
I may never find another
I've come to realize
But you can't hold back a roaming man
Darling, I apologize

I broke her heart so suddenly
Like a thief in the night
But as sure as the morning comes
I know what I did was right
I did not mean to lead you on
For that you won't forget
This heart of mine is breaking
And I'm filled with regret

It breaks my heart to know, dear
I couldn't ever say goodbye
But I know, my darling
You'd be unhappy as my bride
You'll surely find another man
Who will take you as his wife
And I'll be alone, my dear
Living the bachelor's life