After The Bell

AFTER THE BELL Silvio Vinci Chalk on my sleeve, mud on your shoes, You had a song you swore was blues. We took the long way through the park And talked of playing after dark. Your brother’s amp, a broken lead, A borrowed room was all we’d need. They told us, “Think about next year.” We only knew the night was here. After the bell, Out in the street, You brought the trouble, I brought the beat. They had our names, They had our time, But the rest of the day Was yours and mine. You took a job across the sea, Left half your records here with me. We missed a summer, then a year; You had your reasons, I stayed here. Last week you called me out of the blue, Said, “I’ve still got that tape of you.” We laughed about how rough it sounds. You asked if I still played in town. After the bell, Out in the street, You brought the trouble, I brought the beat. They had our names, They had our time, But the rest of the day Was yours and mine. Come down on Friday, Bring that guitar. We’ll start with the old songs And see where we are. After the bell, Back on our feet, You bring the trouble, I’ll bring the beat. Open the windows, Give us a sign. There’s room for your voice Right here next to mine. After the bell… One, two, three— You bring the trouble. Leave the beat to me.