TATTOO
(GORDON LIGHTFOOT)

As recorded Gordon Lightfoot 1983


Whatever you think of me, I'm still your friend
So other than nothin' what's new
The water's still flowing, through the rose on my skin
This here tattoo is for you.

The boys at the parlor downtown
Didn't waste any time puttin' it down
Time has been wasting away I can see it
Go sailing on by as it slips through my fingers.

The bow and the wave never wait for tomorrow
They just keep on rolling as straight as an arrow
Goodnight.

Girl of my dreams, you get better each day
I wish I could see you somehow
Girl that I love is there no other way
This here tattoo is for now.

I'd been out drinking all day
I got carried away at the parlor last night
This summer rose is for you it's no wonder
I bothered to wander back into the parlor.

It's red and in bloom and it's more than one color
It lives on forever for just a few dollars
Good night.

Whatever you think of me, I'm still your friend
So baby whatever you do
Now that it's taken its permanent home
This here tattoo is for you.

The boys at the parlor downtown
Didn't waste any time puttin' it down
Time has been wasting away, you know time doesn't
Wait for nobody to find what they're after.

It just keeps on rolling on down the deep canyons
And through the green meadows into the broad ocean
Good night.

Whatever you think of me, I'm still your friend
So other than nothin' what's new
The water's still flowing, through the rose on my skin
This here tattoo is for you.

The water's still flowing, through the rose on my skin
This here tattoo is for you.



(Transcribed by David Story - March 2013)