It's four in the morning

the end of December

I'm writing you now

to see if you're better

New York was cold

but I like where I'm living

there's music on Clinton Street

all through the evening



I hear that you're building

your little house

deep in the desert

you're living for nothing now

I hope you're keeping

some kind of record



Yes and

Jane came by with a lock of your hair

she said that you gave it to her

that night that you planned to go clear

did you ever go clear?



The last time I saw you

you looked so much older

your famous blue raincoat

was torn at the shoulder

you'd been to the station

to meet every train

you came home alone

without Lili Marlene



You treated my woman

to a flake of your life

and when she came back

she was nobody's wife



well I see you

there with a rose in your teeth

just one more thin gypsy thief

I see Jane's awake now

she sends her regards



what can I tell you

my brother my killer

what can I possibly say

I guess that Imiss you

I guess I forgive you

I'm glad you stood in my way



If you ever come by here

for Jane or for me

your enemy is sleeping now

and his woman is free



thanks for the trouble you took

from her eyes

I thought it was there for good

so I never tried



Jame came by with a lock of your hair

she said that you gave it to her

on the night that you planned to go clear



Sincerely, L Cohen