The dogs are barking at shadows, Tommy Maybe they know I'm thinking of you and putting pen to paper Well, I'm in it up to my elbows now, Tommy You were right when you said this town was hell's acre Could you send me some cash? Or a gun—just for protection? It's getting tough to be good around here Tommy, you never knew how hard it was to watch you walk away I won't say it was love, you won't believe me Tommy I'll tell the truth, I wish I'd fought a bit for you that day Instead of telling your mama to tell you goodbye We all still meet on Thursdays, Tommy But it just ain't the same without you by the bar with a High Life And since they razed the mall by the throughway, Tommy Everyone's drunk or stoned or looking for a sideline Do you think you'll come through town? I need help with the boys from steel plant Half of them been out of work for half a year Tommy, you never knew how hard it was to watch you walk away I won't say it was love, you won't believe me Tommy I'll tell the truth, I wish I'd fought a bit for you that day Instead of telling your mama to tell you goodbye