[Verse 1]
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
[Pre-Chorus]
The dancing smoke curls through the air
And every breath, I swear—
[Chorus]
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
[Verse 2]
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
[Pre-Chorus]
The filter burns down to the end
Still feels like losin’ a friend—
[Chorus]
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
[Outro – Spoken or Softly Sung]
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...