Western Avenue Static

[Verse 1]
The little bell chimes on the twenty-four hour door
It’s 3:17, seen your face here before
You’re tracking in rain from the Western Avenue bus
Your knuckles are white, collecting the rust

[Chorus]
And you say, "Don't you sell me a candle, don't you sell me a rose
I need cigarettes and a silence that grows
Don't you tell me 'bout angels, don't you dare say a prayer"

[Verse 2]
"You're shaking," I say, and I don't look away
"¿Necesitas a— something? A place you can stay?"
You laugh and it sounds like a busted car alarm
"Just ring up the damage and keep yourself warm."

[Chorus]
And you scream, "Don't you sell me a candle, don't you sell me a rose
I need poison and pavement and nowhere to go
Don't you tell me he's better, don't you dare say a prayer"

[Bridge]
The freezer case hums a low, flickering drone
A eulogy written on peeling linoleum
You count out the change, and the metal feels cold
A story that I wasn't supposed to be told

[Outro]
You whisper, "He hated the taste of this brand."
And the door shuts behind you, pack clutched in your hand.