"Once"- Richard Buckner

[enigmatic]

As far as I'm concerned, other than Richmond Fontaine's Willy Vlautin, Richard Buckner is the greatest songwriter in North America. Evocotive lyrics, a haunting, cracked-grain voice, and some of the most haunting melodies around. This song is one of my favorites..


Once I was dug up I was sinking
I was longing to be saved
I lapped up to the bay bar
And I saw her bobbing like a wave
And I slowed down
Just six months this summer since I've known her
That she's been away
And sometimes I still answer to the gone ghosts that only suckers make

Slow down and hold on hold on
Even my heroes are almost gone
Almost folding from the flame

But how low how can your fuse glow
And warm you until your torch begins to fade
I dreamed of a couple dancing close and drunk
In the spray of lights they made
And once I was dug up
I was sinking but now I'm longing to be saved....