Ticker Tape Blues

Monday morning, coffee's black as night Flipped on the terminal, bathed in pale blue light Futures looked friendly, gave a little wink and a smile Thought, maybe this week, I'll be happy for a while She started climbin' slow, a sweet and gentle hum Forgot all the times that she left my portfolio numb But that's the Ticker Tape Blues, it's a game you never win She gives you just enough hope before the pain begins A flash of green's a memory, a flash of red's a fact

She's a cold-hearted lover, and she ain't comin' back Yeah, the bell's gonna ring, and I'll be countin' up my tears again Wednesday came a-callin', heard a rumor from the Fed Felt that old familiar buzz of foolishness in my head Went all in on a promise, a whisper on the breeze Then she turned on a dime, brought me right down to my knees The Dow took a tumble, the NASDAQ hit the floor Just like every single time she's done it before And that's the Ticker Tape Blues, it's a game you never win

She gives you just enough hope before the pain begins A flash of green's a memory, a flash of red's a fact She's a cold-hearted lover, and she ain't comin' back Yeah, the bell's gonna ring, and I'll be countin' up my tears again Thirty years I've watched this screen, seen the bulls and the bears Traded all my dark brown hair for a head of silver fears They say a wise man learns, but I guess I'm just a fool Still comin' back for more, breakin' my own golden rule It ain't about the money now, it's the thrill and the fight

Prayin' for the morning, and dreadin' Friday night Oh, the Ticker Tape Blues, it's a game you never win She gives you just enough hope before the pain begins A flash of green's a memory, a flash of red's a fact She's a cold-hearted lover, and she ain't comin' back Yeah, the bell's gonna ring, and I'll be countin' up my tears again