At Christmastime

[Verse 1]
I stayed in town too long, I guess
I can't afford regrets
I saw the writing on the wall
We all pinned our hopes upon
The politician's song
But all is silent in the empty union hall

[Verse 2]
Was a time when factories hummed
Enough for everyone
We didn't notice what we had
Today, I'll drive to the Dollar Tree
I work from eight to three
And then the nursing home to check on Mom and Dad

[Bridge]
Sister married, moved out west
Took the civil service test
Delivers bills and junk mail
On the streets of the big city now
Younger brother joined the Corps
And on deployment number four
Took some shrapnel in his knee
And puts up with the pain somehow

[Verse 3]
And as for those who moved away
I wonder if they'd say
They think about this place they left behind
This old house is all that's left
A family once so blessed
The memories echo off the walls at Christmastime
The memories echo off the walls at Christmastime