THE WISH

Dirty old street all slushed up in the rain and snow
Little boy and his ma shivering outside a rundown music store window
That night on top of a Christmas tree shines one beautiful star
And lying underneath a brand-new Japanese guitar

I remember in the morning, ma, hearing your alarm clock ring
I'd lie in bed and listen to you gettin' ready for work
The sound of your makeup case on the sink
And the ladies at the office, all lipstick, perfume and rustlin' skirts
And how proud and happy you always looked walking home from work

If pa's eyes were windows into a world so deadly and true
You couldn't stop me from looking but you kept me from crawlin' through
And if it's a funny old world, mama, where a little boy's wishes come true
Well I got a few in my pocket and a special one just for you

It ain't no phone call on Sunday, flowers or a mother's day card
It ain't no house on a hill with a garden and a nice little yard
I got my hot rod down on Bond Street, I'm older but you'll know me in a glance
We'll find us a little rock 'n roll bar and baby we'll go out and dance

Well it was me in my Beatle boots, you in pink curlers and matador pants
Pullin' me up of the couch to do the twist for my uncles and aunts
Well I found a girl of my own now, ma, I popped the question on your birthday
She stood waiting on the front porch while you were telling me to get out there
And say what it was that I had to say

Last night we all sat around laughing at the things that guitar brought us
And I layed awake thinking 'bout the other things it's brought us
Well tonight I'm takin's requests here in the kitchen
This one's for you, ma, let me come right out and say it
It's overdue, but baby, if you're looking for a sad song, well I ain't gonna play it

Recorded for the Tunnel Of Love sessions on 22 Feb 1987 at Thrill Hill Recording. Debuted during the Christic Institute Benefit shows on 16 and 17 Nov 1990 at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA.

Played 18 times during The Ghost Of Tom Joad tour and later published on Tracks. Played during the Conventional Hall shows in 2003 and during the Devils & Dust tour.

Reported to be rehearsed by Bruce with his Seeger Sessions Band on 13 Apr 2006 at the Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ, bridged into THE MAN ON THE FLYING TRAPEZE. Some comments from the people who listened to the rehearsals:

• "The surprise of the day! of the year! It started out as 'The Wish'. We could make out some lyrics. Then all the sudden Bruce shifted directions and went into 'Those Daring Young Men on the Flying Trapeze'. Yes, the song with these lyrics:
  He floats thru the air with the greatest of ease,
  The daring young man on the flying trapeze,
  His actions are graceful, all girls he does please,
  And my love he has stolen away.
  Really incredible! It was a lot of fun and had us all laughing. Some accordion and violin along with it. You never know what Bruce might pull out!" [13 Apr]