Shot in the Dark

If you ask how it burns

I picked the wrong night to learn

Concerned, I'm sure

I walked a straight line

Said you swerved, but you turned

If the promise was fake

Like the rent check was late

Or the shotgun you saved

From the fire, to survive

Left the damn thing engaged.

--

Left to my lonesome-y ways

Right from the spark

Keep a close watch for first thoughts of flame

Like a shot in the dark

--

Took the town just to date

Forged the debt that was paid

Found a ring I could save

I bought you a new life

Said it's better with age

Got blessed by the church

Did it by the Lord's word

Raising sons is hard work

I fought with the wife

Over minimum-wage

--

But this tattoo "I Love you, Irene"

Is where you left your mark

Like a candle still burning the flame

Of a shot in the dark

--

I only came for the lunch

You know, potatoes and such

She comes burstin' on in like

I gave her a line

She gave me a suckerpunch

Took the short way to my place

Showed her how I was raised

But the grin on her face

When she said she was late

I only had to hear once

--

I asked if you wanted to dance

You asked if I wanted to park

We never once really had a chance

Just a shot in the dark