Three Little Words
Three little words come rushing
Tumbling out amid the gushing and the blushing
Three little words that run around the ear
Cried out in a way that you thought you’d never hear
The first time he said them I was taken by surprise
By the words and by the river that was roaring from his eyes
I thought, “How do I answer? How do I resist?
How do I get him to let go of my wrist?”
Three little words once uttered
Even if they are barely muttered or stuttered
Three little words that sink like a stone
Make up a lonely phrase that can’t be left alone
So, of course I repeated exactly what he said
Felt it on my tongue and nearly spat it at his head
Oh, I meant them then as surely as I do today
Thought lately they’ve become so goddamned hard to say
It’s simpler just to call out “Take care then!”
To the closing door each morning
“Be careful now” and make it
Sound as if it’s not a warning
Safe phrases like “see you later” and “I’ll be home by nine”
Are easier than wrenching out
“I’m so fucking glad you’re mine!”
Three little words gone missing
Somewhere between the hissing and the dissing
Three little words, once bandied in the spring
A couple of seasons later seem to lose their ring
But though they somehow sort of now refuse to sing
They’re three little words that still
Mean everything
All words and music by Dave Hall ©
Publisher: Row House Music PRO: ASCAP
