[Verse 1]
Dining alone
Sipping his wine
Watching the door
Checking the time
Is that her?
What to do
False alarm
[Verse 2]
One more glass 'till she shows
Or perhaps someone else he knows
Might try her
Maybe not
Just can't speak
[Refrain 1]
Passing the salt
Without a word
All eyes lowered
Avoiding looks
[Verse 3]
Faces in books
Through the door
Is it true?
Yes, it's her
What to do
Politely smile
Turn away
What to say
[Instrumental Interlude]
[Verse 4]
Passing time takes its toll
Nothing said
Time to go
What to do
Try and joke
Tongue tied
[Refrain 2]
Thinking next day
It's been too long
Eating elsewhere
More friendly types
Trying again
Might make friends
[Verse 5]
Have a drink
Maybe smile
At someone nice across the aisle
Someday, perhaps
Who knows?
[Instrumental Interlude]
[Verse 6]
Dining alone
Sipping his wine
Watching the door
Playing for time
No one comes
Lights turn low
Time to go
Dining Alone was written by John Hunt & Carla Bley.