A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor

Leaves That Are Brown Turned to Green
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Listen

It was half an hour ago when I wrote this song.
I'll sing it for you and it won't take me long
Time hurries on.
And the leaves that are brown turn to green,
The world looks bright and clean,
Like a travel magazine.

Once I thought of moving to the south of Mexico
But I couldn't 'cause of kids and a spouse
And a mortgage on the house
And the leaves that are brown turn to green
And all the snow is gone
And I ought to mow the lawn.

Once we stayed up late and wondered who we are
Now we know and we're sorry we found out
Cause we're too old to change
And the leaves that were brown turned to green
We're in an older crowd
We never twist and shout

My son is grown and he still lives at home
I wonder when he'll go off on his own
And pay back the loan
And the leaves that are brown turn to green
He stays in his room
He'll be forty in June.

Last night my wife suggested I retire
She said, why not just quit while you're ahead?
I am full of grief and dread
And the lights that were green have turned to red
I won't need to retire
Today I got fired.

Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello,
Here is my latest resume
Don't need that much pay
A couple bucks an hour is fine with me
Won't you think about me, please?
I am good at raking leaves