If Today Doesn't Do Me In

[Verse 1]
In a heavy rain standing
Off an old county road
'Side a high rolling river so swift
There was a hitchhiking stranger
Quite pale from the cold
On a cane tryin' to thumb down a lift
I pulled up beside him
And let my window on down
To the rain and the bone-chilling wind
Said you look awful warm
In this late-winter storm
Which way are you headed, my friend?

[Chorus 1]
Right up to the spotlight
Drinkin' all that Coke and gin
I'll be suit-wearing man
With gold in my hand
If today doesn't do me in

[Verse 2]
Behind a gas station counter
Moving crates full of things
That looked far too heavy for her
But still a girl with a frown
Said "Let me just set these down
"And I'll be right with you, sir"
I said, "No hurry here
"Take all the time that you want"
She said "A little time and you just wait and see
"Oh I'll be without a care
"When I finally get there"
I said, "Miss, tell me where that might be"

[Chorus 2]
Right up to the spotlight
Drinkin' all that Coke and gin
I'll be a dress-wearing girl
With the heels and the pearls
If today doesn't do me in

[Verse 3]
I got a head-full this morning
Cutting out through the fog
You know I can't help but wonder what's left
From every road that dead-ends
To those old bitter men
Passing time on the old courthouse steps
And there's a feeling you get
Not far from despair
That sometimes sets in on your mind
But if it's all that you've got
Still set the clock
And get up with a reason to climb

[Chorus 3]
[Right?] up to the spotlight
Drinking all their coke and gin
And I'll leave these shadows behind
For a new peace of mind
If today doesn't do me in