The Wish (Studio Outtake - 1987)

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 getting ready for work

The sound of your make-up case on the sink

And the ladies at the office, all lipstick, perfume and rustling 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 crawling through

And if it's a funny old world, ma, where little boys' wishes come true

Well I got a few left 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

Alright now

Well, it was me in my Beatle boots, you in pink curlers and matador pants

Pulling me up off a coach 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 bought us

And I laid awake thinking 'bout the other things it's brought us

Well, tonight I'm taking request 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

Come on now

Oh, one more time now