Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis

Hey Charlie, I'm pregnant and living on 9th Street

Right above a dirty bookstore off Euclid Avenue

And I stopped takin' dope, and I quit drinkin' whiskey

And my old man plays the trombone and works out at the track

He says that he loves me even though it's not his baby

He says that he'll raise him up like he would his own son

And he gave me a ring that was worn by his mother

And he takes me out dancin' every Saturday night

And hey Charlie, I think about you every time I pass a fillin' station

On account of all the grease you used to wear in your hair

And I still have that record of Little Anthony and the Imperials

But someone stole my record player--now, how do you like that?

Hey Charlie, I almost went crazy after Mario got busted

I went back to Omaha to live with my folks

But everyone I used to know was either dead or in prison

So I came back to Minneapolis, this time I think I'm gonna stay

Hey Charlie, I think I'm happy for the first time since my accident

I wish I had all the money we used to spend on dope

I'd buy me a used car lot, and I wouldn't sell any of 'em

I'd just drive a different car every day, dependin' on how I feel

Hey Charlie, for chrissakes, if you want to know the truth of it

I don't have a husband, he don't play the trombone

I need to borrow money to pay this lawyer, and Charlie, hey

I'll be eligible for parole come Valentine's day