When the Coast Is Clear

(for Emery Clark, who paints it better than I can say it)
They're closin' down the hangout
The air is turnin' cool
They'are shuttin' off the "superslide"
The kids are back in school

The tourist traps are empty
Vacancy abounds
Almost like it used to be
Before the circus came to town

(CHORUS)
That's when it always happens
Same time every year
I come down to talk to me
When the coast is clear

Hello mister other me
It's been a long time
We hardly get to have these chats
That in itself's a crime

So tell me all your troubles
I'll surely tell you mine
We'll laugh and smoke and cuss and joke
And have a glass of wine

(CHORUS)
That's where it always happens
Same place every year
I come down and talk to me
When the coast is clear

(INSTRUMENTAL)

It's the only place he knows
Where it always happens
Same place every year
I come down and talk to me
When the coast is clear