From the recording The Cafe at the End of the World
Thanks to Michael Henchman, bass and acoustic guitar, and Courtney Von Drehle, accordion
Lyrics
Ever since you was a young thing they fed you a fable ‘bout what happens at the end of your life
You ascend into heaven or descend into darkness, there ain’t nothing about that that’s right
That’s why I’m here to paint you a more faithful picture ‘cause this is what happens instead
You walk out your front door, your face full of sunshine, you don’t even know that you’re dead
At the end of the street there’s a sweet little cafe crowded with family and friends
There’s Nina and Billie and old Uncle Jimmy, they’re so happy to see you again
Inside the children run wild around the tables, screaming and squealing with unbridled glee
While outside in the distance the church bells are ringing, sounding out loudly for you and for me
There’s no red states, no blue states, no classes, no colors, no urban, suburban, no rural
Everybody's welcome to the great conversation at the cafe at the end of the world
In the corner there’s a fella playing pretty good guitar, strummin’ out melodies and memories for free
And occasionally someone puts a buck in his tip jar and he tips his hat and says, Thank you, kindly
By the door stands Jerome, he’s as tall as a tower, the most beautiful blue man you’ve ever seen
With biceps like tree trunks and a smile that’ll blind you, he’s there to keep watch on the scene
He screens out the cheaters and the liars and the haters, makes ‘em sit on rough benches outside in the weeds
Where they sniff the fresh pastries and the bacon and the coffee and contemplate the consequence of their earthly deeds
Everything’s free here and nothing costs nothing—no rubies, no diamonds, no pearls
You just say please and thank you and they’ll say you’re welcome at the cafe at the end of the world
I know you’re tired, I can see that you’re weary, come and walk with me now to the end of the street
To a sweet little place where everyone is waiting to hold you and kiss you and make you complete
I’ve got to go now, my song’s nearly over, say goodbye to my good boys and good little girls
And I’ll meet you later at our table in the corner of the cafe at the end of the world
And one day, I promise, I’ll meet you at our table at the cafe at the end of the world