Too Much Green

Fourteen hours of too much green
Racking the balls til it brings out the sheen
Such a long time to waste playing pool
Fourteen hours of being the fool

The leather creaked as the nine-ball dropped
Ending all hope for a comeback pop
Fourteen hours of chalk-up and play
Nothing to show except the light of day

A sigh of relief as I broke my cue
This day at last was long overdue
As I laid out the bills on the mahogany rail
The money was crumbled and the green looked pale

Well, look at this, I didn't lose it all
There's two bucks left for a power ball
My hands were shaking from cramps and fatigue
I'm playing a loser that's not in my league

Yes, that's the price when you're past your prime
When age catches up and slows the mind
Little things creep in about a sordid past
Your stroke has a glitch, confidence can't last

But you keep on going, 'cause that's all you know
Keeping it together for the one big show
You look for the big one, the easy run
The Charlie Tuna who gambles for fun

Fourteen hours of hill-hill play
When the word gets out I know what they'll say:
"The Duke lost his roll to a Farmer John,
He couldn't make it until the break of dawn."

I rattled the keys to my Chevy truck
Headed for the door muttering, "Just dumb luck"
But I knew in my heart that the Duke was through
Gone was the Duke with the velvet cue

Well, maybe it's time for a turn in the road
Someone once said you're never too old
Fourteen hours of competitive play
Can I find someone to show me the way?

I walked past the truck and straight up the street
Slowed when a stranger said, "Duke, you look beat."
I know a spot where we can rest a spell
It's a quiet place where they don't raise no hell

We stopped at a storefront with a dark green door
Flourescent lights and an old wood floor
Folding chairs, a table or two
A handful of people, no one I knew

Pete poured me a coffee and pulled out a chair
"Sit here, Duke, and try not to stare
These are all folks who have lost their way
Some come and go, some come and stay

"It's a private place, won't ask you you're name
Give it a rest, don't replay the game
Let your mind flow free, there's no crystal ball
Maybe say a short prayer, but give it your all"

He picked up a guitar and started to play
A song about Jesus lighting the way
As the words rang clear, I started to cry
My hands gripped the table, and I let out a sigh

Fourteen hours of cat-and-mouse pool
Wasting my life playing the fool
Here is my answer, clear as a bell
Here's my escape from this living hell

Pete sang his ballad in a soft quiet voice
The first time in my life I have a real choice
To give up the green, start a brand new life
Go home to my family, go home to my wife

Pete witnessed the change, and stopped his song
"There's one thing left, Duke, and it won't take long
Just bow your head and repeat after me
I accept you as my Savior, Jesus set me free"

Fourteen hours of doubt-ridden pool
The words gushed out, and I felt like a fool
But my heart felt light, felt free as a bird
And I just didn't care if I was heard

Saying, "Thank you, Lord, for letting me play"

A race to nine and I'll spot you the seven
I'll bet you my life if you get me to heaven

A race to nine and I'll spot you the seven
I'll bet you my life if you get me to heaven

A race to nine and I'll spot you the seven
I'll bet you my life if you get me to heaven