Prine john illegal smile lyrics

Illegal Smile

 by John Prine

 

 When I woke up this morning, things were looking bad

 It seemed like total silence was the only friend I had

 A bowl of oatmeal tried to stare me down and won

 And it was 12 o'clock before I realized I was having no fun

 Ah, but fortunately, I have the key to escape reality.

 

 Cho:  And you may see me tonight with an illegal smile

       It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while

       Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone

       No I'm just tryin' to have me some fun

 

 Last time I checked my bankroll, it was gettin' thin

 Sometimes it seems like the bottom is the only place I've been

 I chased a rainbow down a one-way street, dead end,

 And all my friends turned out to be insurance salesmen

 Ah, but fortunately, I have the key to escape reality.

 

    Cho.

 

 I went into my closet with all my overalls

 Tryin' to get away from all the ears inside my walls.

 Suppose the police heard everything I thought: What then?

 Well, I went to court and the judge's name was Hoffman

 Ah, but fortunately, I have the key to escape reality.

 

    Cho.