King of the Bolero

[Verse 1]
Outside full moon straight overhead
It's moon high noon—I'm not in my bed
There's a large human being at the back of the bar
Pulling visceral sounds from a no-name guitar

[Verse 2]
In the flickering murk he could be tricky to see
Planted on a bench like the trunk of a tree
A densification of darkened air
Solid but you wonder if he's actually there

[Chorus]
But who is it plays like that?
Who is it plays like that?
Freight rolling down the track
Got a double chin all the way 'round his neck
And a pot belly in the back

[Verse 3]
Sweat running into a size-thirty collar
It's not Minnesota Fats or Domino or Waller
Or Arbuckle or anybody painted by Botеro
Sign says "Tonite: King of the Bolero"

[Chorus]
But who is it plays likе that?
Who is it plays like that?
Freight rolling down the track
Got a double chin all the way around his neck
And a pot belly in the back

[Bridge]
His baby was bad, took all he had
Left him a mule to ride
He didn't catch on 'til she was long gone
Now humiliation wrestles with pride
He's wide, he's tall, he's a cannonball
Makes his big archtop axe look small
The tone is a crunch—packs a Joe Louis punch
Pokes at the heart like a saddlemaker's awl

[Chorus]
But who is it plays like that?
Who is it plays like that?
Freight rolling down the track
Got a double chin all the way 'round his neck
And a pot belly in the back

[Accordion Solo]

[Outro]
Outside full moon straight overhead
It's moon high noon—I'm not in my bed...