Ragged Queen from Stardust County by Nancy Louise Freeman

Look at what the cat dragged in -
Thought I'd never see your face
But here you come riding like a ragged queen
On a landrigger out of the desert waste
You sailed up to this lighthouse -
What did you think I'd do?
Well I hope this hits:
I've got a wife and kids,
I've got my self-respect, and I don't need you.
You've been away just a little too long;
Things have changed around here, Nimue John!

Do you recall we were both eighteen
And I thought you were a star?
I taught you how to play smooth licks
On your magick fancy-ass guitar.
When I woke up one morning,
You used strings were all I could find.
I failed the test -
You know the rest -
But that's OK; you're not my kind.
You've been away just a little too long;
Things have changed around here, Nimue John!

My mother always said make no apology for survival.
I did what I had to do;
Shelter for one night is all I ask of you,
Then I'll be movin' on.
Have pity on a hurtin' and troubled soul...

We can't deny you shelter,
Or a meal for pity's sake,
But I can't forget the men you left
Like a trail of orange rinds in your wake;
They showered you with knowledge
And you treated them like dirt -
You want sympathy?
You'll get none from me;
I think if's about time you're the one who got hurt.
You've been away just a little too long;
Things have changed around here, Nimue John!

We can't deny you shelter,
Or a meal for pity's sake,
I have no fear;
I know the difference between a threat
and a memory,
Ancient history.
Things have changed around here...

My mother always said make no apology for survival.
I did what I had to do;
Shelter for one night is all I ask of you,
Then I'll be movin' on.
Have pity on a hurtin' and troubled soul...

We can't deny you shelter,
Or a meal for pity's sake,
But I can't forget the men you left
Like a trail of orange rinds in your wake;
They showered you with knowledge
And you treated them like dirt -
You want sympathy?
You'll get none from me;
I think if's about time you're the one who got hurt.

You've been away just a little too long;
But you can stay a little while, Nimue John!

• Folk
• acoustic folk
• filk
• Oro Valley