man in the smoke

There I was, sittin’ on that porch, all alone

Night was quiet, wind had gone

Only company, the cherry glow

Of a cigarette burnin’ slow

The dancing smoke curls through the air

And every breath, I swear—

The dancing smoke makes my thoughts choke

At the thought of you, runnin’—gone

You left like wind through an open door

Now I'm talkin' to ghosts and the cold front

The man in the smoke says move on

But I can’t—

'Cause now you're gone

I was the man of smoke,

Wishin’ on ashes and broke-down hopes

Told myself you might turn around

But silence is the loudest sound

The filter burns down to the end

Still feels like losin’ a friend—

The dancing smoke makes my thoughts choke

At the thought of you, runnin’—gone

Another cigarette hits the floor

And I ain't sure what I’m livin’ for

The man in the smoke says hold on

But I can’t—

'Cause now you're gone

[Bridge] (slower, softer)

I watch that gauge push ninety-nine

Chasin’ memories down that double line

But the man in the smoke whispers low:

“She’s long gone, boy—time to let go”

[Chorus – Final] (builds emotionally)

But the dancing smoke still makes me choke

At the thought of you, runnin’—gone

That last cigarette's burnin’ slow

And I’m still sittin’ here, alone

The man in the smoke’s movin’ on

But I can’t—

'Cause now you’re gone

Cigarette butt on the floorboard glows...

I know now—I’ll never come home

The dancing smoke makes my thoughts choke

At the thought of you, runnin’—gone...