Lyrics

[verse]
put up your periscope
now put it away
it's time for a new adventure in wasting away
i'm going down to 9th st., i can get a little money there
i don't want you to come with me, you know i hate how they stare

[chorus]
i know it's dark down here, but it'll be better by day
and if i'm not back later, you'll be ok

[verse]
people offer money, they offer dirty glances, they say i shouldn't have you on the street
and they tell me there's help; i know they'd just take you from me
do they think i don't know that already - i shouldn't have you out here?
the nightmares you tell me make it only too clear

[chorus]
i know it's dark down here, but it'll be better by day
and if i'm not back by morning...

[bridge]
23 and penniless was never what i imagined
the world's whirlwind will pick you up and drop you where you never expected
seems so simple that those who have could give to those who haven't
so i wouldn't have to feed you on these scraps that i scavenged

[verse]
now put up your periscope
don't let anybody see
and don't talk to strangers
don't talk to anyone but me
give mother a big kiss now before you go back to sleep
but don't fall away from me, no
don't fall too deep

[chorus]
i know it's dark down here, but it'll be better by day
and if i'm not back later....