Lyrics Don't Waste Away (Live: Cactus Cafe, Austin TX 1991) - James McMurtry

Is that smile for me?
Did You come by it honestly?
Can I show you around?
Can I help you tear your fences down?
'Cause I know you foster few illusions, suffer no fools
You don't leave much to chance
But you're out past the breakers, driftin fast
I can see it at a glance

You've been a long time locked inside
Long time all alone at night
Prisoner of wisdom, prisoner of pride
Don't just waste away
Don't just waste away

Is that smile for me?
Have you kept it hidden consciously?
Just like an old time movie queen
Always noticed, rarely seen
And I got no answers, no magic cures
And I got no plans
But I know the darkness that haunts your eyes
And I know those tremblin hands

You've been a long time locked inside
Long time all alone at night
Prisoner of wisdom, prisoner of pride
Don't just waste away
Don't just waste away

You've been a long time locked inside
Long time all alone at night
Prisoner of wisdom, passion, and pride
Don't just waste away
Don't just waste away