Matchbooks

This morning's cigarette tasted like last night
And last night like the one before
I made my bed in the morning when I woke up
I picked my clothes up off the floor
I rode the train like a ghost in the graveyard
I walked the streets like a criminal's son
I pulled my hat real low
I had apologies for everyone
I wished I could make the city silent
I wished all I could hear is my breath
I would lay myself down on the sidewalk
Let the city whisper secrets as I slept
I called my sister up long distance
To see if she remembered me now that she's grown
Her laugh sounded just like our mother's
And I wished that I was going home

It's gonna get so much better
Everybody's gonna get their turn
Count the matches that's left in the matchbook
One of these is gonna burn

Leaving like the first day of summer
The stars are getting restless hiding out of sight
I've never seen a bus or a train in the daytime
But this one's gonna get me home tonight

Everybody's leaned back with their eyes closed
My fingernails are dirty like I dug out of a prison
And I try not to think about what everything could mean
'Cause I've never been much for symbolism

I've seen this street too many times now
And the trees all nod like they agree
I leave the door open on my way in the apartment
Like somehow that's enough to make me free

And the last thoughts I have are the pretty ones
The last split second I'm awake
And I've never been afraid and the dark don't scare me
'Cause some things you can never take away

It's gonna get so much better
Everybody's gonna get their turn
Count the matches that's left in the matchbook
One of these is gonna burn