Orphan Child

Long away

Far ago I had what I thought was the best

I watched it slip, fall and fade

I watched perfection become transgress

I ripped up my roots, I changed my name

I lived between polluted shores

Strain my ears to hear the wind

Tell me, why was I born?

I'm an orphan, honey, I'm a no-name nomad

Living in this great unknown

This place as good as any and I've been to so many

I'm an orphan child

Yes, I'm an orphan

But I'm better on my own

Why this race, this blood, this face

These hands, these eyes and this mouth?

Between the graves this city plagues

To seek the ease of empty smiles

Friendships fought for, then betrayed by a kiss in the solemn night

And money that was gone before it was made

And hunger that lost his appetite

I'm an orphan, honey, I'm a transient soul

My family tree's on fire

And I don't belong here or any place near

I'm an orphan child

Well, I'm an orphan

With a heart of barbed wire

I used to walk these streets amazed

Had a blaze in every town

I used to study every new face, now I keep my gaze to the ground

Why this language and why these dreams?

And why must I hate what I create?

And why this mind for twisted vines

Lifelines and fates I can't escape

I'm an orphan, honey, I'm a passing stranger

I don't have that much to say

There's part of me you'll never see

I'm an orphan child

Yes, I'm an orphan

Home still far away