In Amsterdam, I'm cold and it's dark; last night we slept in the park.
Got to find somewhere, a place inside to stay.
Met a guy by the snack machine: he said,
“Come along, better follow me,
I know a place, know a place that's free.”
Not sure if it's a good idea,
But money's tight and we need somewhere to sleep.
Soon we're climbing aboard a boat on the canal;
We've got people to meet.
Four young men, together alone, found a place and made it their own,
For today at least; when tomorrow comes, who knows?
Made their money down beneath the bridge
Where the businessmen look for company -
It's a lonely life in the big city.
They made a space for KC and me,
We smoked and talked as the night slipped away.
Lay down our bags, lay down our heads;
But if our bed was free, there's still a price to pay.
First light, heard low voices again; saw the needle deep in the vein,
Saw the blood run down his arm and leave a stain.
Cold reality drives sleep away.
There's a change in the atmosphere -
Chill of fear, may be danger here.
Back on the street with a sigh of relief,
Pulled my coat round tight to keep in the heat.
That's when I found out that my money was gone,
Three hundred miles from home and nothing to eat.
Down at the station, a desperate plight;
Begging for quarters for food for the night.
Most people look away and hurry by;
Some speak a language I don't understand.
Then someone says “Hi”, an American,
Plays violin in a rock music band.
He wants to know how we got into this state,
We talk for a while then he gives us what we need.
They just performed on a TV show
So they're feeling good and they just got paid.
We bought tickets for the overnight train,
We're going home with food to eat on the way.
Blessings be on you, It's A Beautiful Day,
I swear I'm going to pay you back some day.
credits
from No Time To Lose,
released November 12, 2020
Backing vocal - Andy Cook
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