When you said goodbye, I thought I would cry
Or at least feel the dark of a deep shade of blue
I would have to attend to a heart on the mend
And would fight back memories of you.
You affected my life, oh I cannot deny that
You made believe that life's not for free.
But anger and scorn are not what I live for
So my darling I'll leave that to you.
I sat one night, in the glow of firelight
and I played all my favorite tunes you dislike.
Some friends made a call, let's go casual;
Tonight is the Calico Ball.
Now I'm feeling alive with a man on each side
with my heart in tow is the most apropos
and each swing round the room lifts and spins off the gloom
and every step takes me further from you.
That night at the dance, after all our romance
Made me feel like a woman in bloom.
Romance it is true, it is useful for you
But for me now my star is true.
Then a man came to me, I said yes I am free
And I undid the clasp of my gold ball and chain.
I danced in his charms, was completely disarmed,
Now I'm riding along on the Calico Train.
Sorrow and strain, they can both long remain
They can take you and leave you alone and insane.
But freedom's in sight, if the road in the night
Is lit by the light of the Calico Train.
Joy is the word now, that's guiding my life.
My step is much quicker since you said goodbye.
The blood flowing through me has turned to champagne,
Now I'm riding along on the Calico Train.