This song was inspired by Alice Munro's harrowing short story, "The Bear Came Over the Mountain," which tells the tale of a man facing the horrors of having to watch his wife sink into dementia, as she not only begins to forget him but also to forge a new relationship with another man at her assisted living facility.
lyrics
do you remember where we met
that little luncheonette?
here's a photograph of you
just a mess at 22
I won't forget
do you remember when we kissed
I would trade my life for this
the sky was full of stars
One moment, only ours
and I won’t forget
I was holding your hand and
you were holding my heart
you were scared it would end
and I was scared to start
scared to speak my heart
and now I look in your eyes
and you look just the same
you’re every bit as surprised
that you don’t know my name
and now I’ve got to let you go
sweet calico
do you remember our first place?
I was such a hopeless case
When we signed the bottom line
all I saw were dollar signs
but you saw a home
and now they're saying I should go
have I said my last hello?
let me sit with you awhile
remember how you smile
once more for me
I was holding your hand and
you were holding my heart
you were scared it would end
and I was scared to start
scared to speak my heart
and now I look in your eyes
and you look just the same
you’re every bit as surprised
that you don’t know my name
and now I’ve got to let you go
sweet calico
credits
from Small Stars,
released January 8, 2021
from Small Stars, released January 8, 2021
Doug Davis: vocals, acoustic guitar, piano
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