Mano a Mano

Wrapped up in my sadness, today I think of you and see that you've been
In my poor, struggling life, just a good woman
Your presence, a real gem, brought warmth to my nest
You were kind, consistent, and I know you cared for me
Like you never cared for anyone, like you never will again.

The game of life played out when you, poor girl,
Dodged poverty in that boarding house:
Now you're a real catch, life smiles and sings at you,
You toss the cash from the fool to the vendor
Like a sly cat plays with a miserable mouse.

Today you have your cup full of empty dreams
You've been fooled by the idiots, your friends, the big talkers
The dance among the big shots with their crazy temptations
Where dreams succeed and fail, the dancers' ambitions
Have burrowed deep into your poor heart.

I owe you nothing, we’re even now,
I don’t care what you’ve done, what you do, or what you’ll do;
I think I’ve paid back the favors I received
And if I’ve forgotten some small debt without meaning to
Just add it to the fool’s tab you keep.

Meanwhile, may your victories, poor fleeting victories,
Be a long line of riches and pleasure;
May the guy who’s got you have lasting cash
So you can shine in the spotlight with the smooth-talking dancers
And let the guys say: "She’s a good woman."

And tomorrow when you’re just a worn-out old piece of furniture
And you have no hopes left in your poor heart
If you need a hand, if you need some advice
Remember this friend who’ll risk it all
To help you in any way he can when the time comes.