"That Could Be Me"

Whenever I take my songs too seriously, the result is usually bad lyrics. Not always, but usually, and definitely in this case. Paul Simon once said in an interview that he is embarrassed by the youthful earnestness of many of the early Simon & Garfunkel lyrics. I wish I could blame this one on youthful earnestness, but I was over 30 when I wrote it. The music is nice, though. Here’s the link to a really rough demo recording:

"That Could Be Me" on MelodyFusion

That Could Be Me

© 1995 Brian Hutzell

Saw a couple on the subway late at night

I’d been partying; I was feeling alright

They were kissing & hugging – holding each other tight

Not afraid to display their affection in my sight

And I watched

And I caught myself staring

As I thought…

That could be me in those shoes

That could be me in that hat

That could be me in that place

And the face I’m seeing could be me

Saw a man with a trumpet on my way home

He was in a doorway, playing alone

”St. James Infirmary” – sad and low

Threw him fifty cents, then I had to go

And I listened

And I caught myself humming

As I thought…

That could be me in those shoes

That could be me in that hat

That could be me in that place

And the face I’m seeing could be me

There’s a family living in a box

I see the homeless on my walks

Am I a better man?  Who am I better than?

Am I being compassionate or smug when I think…

That could be me in those shoes

That could be me in that hat

That could be me in that place

And the face I’m seeing could be me

"PyraPerson"

Brian Hutzell