Binary Star Diner

[Verse 1]
The smell of burnt coffee at the TA east of Yuma.
Two-thirty Tuesday, and she's pouring for a trucker.
Her name tag’s just a ghost of gold that says ‘Maria.’
She moves between the booths like a slow-revolving star, never gets too far.

[Chorus]
She's got a whole universe behind those tired eyes.
A black hole silence where a loving word just dies.
Each lonely sugar packet that she tears in half, you see,
Is a prayer for escape velocity.

[Verse 2]
The trucker from Des Moines asks, "Hey hon, you got a light?"
She clicks a plastic bic and says "'Careful now, it's bright.'"
Her smile's an asteroid belt of secrets she won't say,
A whole light-year from this laminate and faded serving tray.

[Chorus]
She's got a whole universe behind those tired eyes.
A black hole silence where a loving word just dies.
Each lonely sugar packet that she tears in half, you see,
Is a prayer for escape velocity.

[Bridge]
(Percussion and vocal only)
Two stars in the same system
Spinning 'round an empty space.
Close enough to feel the pull,
But never in the same place.

[Chorus]
She's got a whole universe behind those tired eyes.
A black hole silence where a loving word just dies.
Each lonely sugar packet that she tears in half, you see,
Is a prayer for escape velocity.

[Outro]
He leaves a twenty on the table for a two-dollar cup.
The sun is coming up.