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Penny Spades

from Songs of St. James by Anthony LaLota

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lyrics

“What’s the plan tonight, Francine?” she smiled as I asked
Like tonight was any different than the several hundred last
Penny spades and Black Watch from used plastic cups
I’ve lost all week, tonight I ride with lady luck

Bare bones in Greenmount West in ‘89
Just the stove for heat and a stack of scratched up 45’s
Then the rains came, like Big Sambo said they would
Our parents drowned; would they have saved us if they could?

The sounds of errant gospel fill the air
From the bowels of Greenmount West to the heights of Union Square

The barefoot preacher cries
“Bow your head & close your eyes
All you need to live the Lord provides”
But our confidence is tainted like the blood flow in our veins
It’s a miracle just to breathe the morning air
So deal another hand

Francine, my valentine; my childhood crush
Soul food took her health, the nightlife claimed her son
Not one day of work would she have missed
If there was work for patients on dialysis

The sounds of errant gospel fill the halls
And ripple through the sheets that hang in place of walls

“There are angels everywhere
They keep us safe & hear our prayers
The good lord only gives what we can bear”
But our confidence is shaken, like our faith in city hall
It’s a miracle when both feet touch the ground
So deal another round

It speaks volumes when folks are more surprised
To see us alive & well than to hear that someone died
It’s hard to find somewhere to put your faith
Most days it’s just Black Watch and penny spades
Most nights it’s just Black Watch and penny spades
Most years it’s just Black Watch and penny spades
It’s just Black Watch and penny spades

credits

from Songs of St. James, released October 15, 2021
Ryan Douglas Rose - piano / programming
Anthony St. James - vocals / acoustic guitar

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Anthony LaLota Pennsylvania

Anthony LaLota writes soulful story songs & folk ballads with the vibe of a worn acoustic guitar found on the floor of CBGB's. Since 2008 he’s performed in cafes, clubs, bars, theaters, festivals, book stores, record shops and radio stations throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. His debut album 'Songs of St. James' was released in October 2021. ... more

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