Runaway Train

I dreamt last night you were running
straight at an on-coming train
and as the collision approached you said "it's funny
that my screwed up life would end this way"

I saw you stumble today
and you had that same look on your face
a fake smile to mask the tears your eyes
are too dry to bring to life.

And when I beg you to stop
running toward that train
your answer is so simple
but it brings me so much pain

you say you just want one more pill
to drink one more round
one more needled arm to bring that thrill
then you'll turn yourself around

I give a sad nod and try to understand
the pain you feel; it crashes harshly on my soul.
You're damaged and broken, but I can't
bring myself to accept that you'll never be whole.

I hold out hope for you, my friend-
it's a fool's hope, so it knows no end.
You know if you call, I'll be at your side
and I won't betray your trust, I'll never lie.

So I'm telling you the truth when I beg you to stop
step off the rails, get off the track!
The train's gaining speed and you're right in its path
but I'm telling you, it's not too late to turn back.

but you say you just want one more pill,
just to drink one more round,
just one more needled arm to get your fill
and then you'll turn yourself around.

and I opened the door to your darkened apartment
and saw you lying, still on the floor
your vacant eyes stared unseeing at the ceiling
and the needle was still in your cold, pale arm.

well, you swallowed your last pill
you drank your last round
the needle gave you your last fill
and it's too late for you to turn around.