STOLEN CAR

a.k.a. SON YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE

Outtake version 8

I found me a little girl and I settled down
in a pretty little town
we got married and promised never to part
then I fell victim to a restless heart
and I feel like I'm driving a stolen car
through a pitch-black night and I'm doing my best
to make it through, and I'm just sitting down here at the Staton light
I want to get caught but I never do

At first I thought it was just restlessness
that would fade as time went by
and our love grew deep
but in the end it was something more I guess
that tore us apart and made her weak
And I'm driving a stolen car
through a pitch-black night
I keep telling myself
everything's going to be alright
but I drive by night
and I travel in fear
that in this darkness
I might just disappear.

She asked if I remembered the letters I wrote
when our love was young and we were bold
she said she read those letters last night
and they made her feel hundred years old
there's a river that runs by that little town,
down into the sea
it was there in the shade I laid my body down
as she flowed on so effortlessly
now there'll be dancing tonight down at county line,
there'll be a party out at seven trees
and from these banks I can see those party lights shine
maybe she's there, maybe she's looking for me.

Last night I dreamed I made the call
I swore to return to stay forever more
once again we stood on the wedding steps at Victory Hall
and walked arm in arm through the chapel door
I can remember how good I felt inside
when the preacher said son you may kiss the bride
but as I leaned over to touch those pretty lips
I felt it all slip away through my fingertips
and I'm driving a stolen car
through a pitch-black night
I keep telling myself
everything's going to be alright
but I ride by night and I travel in fear
no matter what I do or where I drive
nobody ever sees me when I ride by.

Many other versions also exist: The River version, Tracks version, outtake version 1, outtake version 2, outtake version 3, outtake version 4, outtake version 5, outtake version 6, outtake version 7, outtake version 9, and the harmonies version.

Available on:

1. The River (disc 2- track 5)
2. Tracks (disc 2- track 14)
3. Tribute 1997: One Step Up / Two Steps Back: The Songs Of Bruce Springsteen (disc 2- track 4), performed by Elliot Murphy