San Francisco

I flew into San Francisco

For a twelve-day business stay

With a suitcase full of silence

And a heart too far away

Hotel lights above the harbor

Felt colder than they shined

And the city looked so pretty

But I was stranded in my mind

I’m lonely where the fog rolls in

Lonely by the bay

But there’s coffee in a church basement

And a chair that knows my name

I don’t need another hit now

I don’t need to disappear

I just need someone to tell me

"Keep coming back, we’re here"

After meetings, handshakes, small talk

I walked Mission Street alone

Saw a guy out on the sidewalk

Smoking from a battered bong

And I felt that old door open

Like it knew just where I’d been

So I searched for something sober

And I dragged my body in

I’m lonely where the fog rolls in

Lonely by the bay

But there’s coffee in a church basement

And a chair that knows my name

I don’t need another hit now

I don’t need to disappear

I just need someone to tell me

"Keep coming back, we’re here"

Golden Gate was burning red

Like the fire in my chest

But I’m still alive, still showing up

Still trying to do my best

So meet me where the fog rolls in

When the night gets hard to bear

I came in lonely, far from home

And found a little mercy there.