Hope Road

So these are circumstances

Leading to my sorry tale

I was in a town I didn't know

I'd arrived there by rail

It all began a week before-

The joys of Saturday night-

An invite to a party

Or watching The Price Is Right

Opting for a soiree

For the first time in a year

Mixed badly with the revellers

Mixed Bacardi, wine and beer

The room moved back and forwards

The dancers did the same

Found refuge in a corner

That's when he asked my name

Well this is very nice, I thought

Smiling through the haze

As we talked of Auguste Rodin

Through to Harold Pinter's plays

Said he played piano

Said his name was Steve

And in that situation

Why shouldn't I believe

That he really lived so far away

Had to make a move for home

Scribbled down his address

Said he didn't have a phone

Would I like to come to dinner

On Friday of next week

To this i said I'd love to

As he kissed me on the cheek

That night I felt so happy

Excited through and through

See! The company of strangers

Doesn't always leave you blue

Stumbled home contented

Like a cat that got the cream

Wake up a little weary

But I knew it was no dream

The next few days were anxious

What could I find to wear?

What happens if I arrive

And there is no Hope Road there?

My friend said don't be silly

No one does things like that

Now will you get a move on

And take off that stupid hat!

Made sure I set out early

Made sure I caught the train

Got out at the right station

Then of course came down the rain

Followed the directions

Excactly as he said

Asked people if they knew Hope Road

But they just walked on ahead

I turned left at the junction

Took the fork off to the right

Straight over at the crossroads

Then down to the traffic lights

Must have walked those streets for hours

In the dark and in the cold

Before I really could accept

There was no place called Hope Road

So here I am alone again

Indoors by myself

The TV, plants, books and I

All neatly on the shelf

Next time I'll be more cautious

Next time I won't be fooled

It's another of those basic things

You're never taught at school

Let this be a warning

As you wander through the world

It makes no difference who you are

Be you boy or be you girl

Be very, very careful

When people seem so nice

It's not now that it's expensive

Later on you pay the price

There's no Hope Road