Too Much Green

Fourteen hours of too much green

Racking the balls til it brings out the sheen

Such a long time to waste playing pool

Fourteen hours of being the fool

The leather creaked as the nine-ball dropped

Ending all hope for a comeback pop

Fourteen hours of chalk-up and play

Nothing to show except the light of day

A sigh of relief as I broke my cue

This day at last was long overdue

As I laid out the bills on the mahogany rail

The money was crumbled and the green looked pale

Well, look at this, I didn't lose it all

There's two bucks left for a power ball

My hands were shaking from cramps and fatigue

I'm playing a loser that's not in my league

Yes, that's the price when you're past your prime

When age catches up and slows the mind

Little things creep in about a sordid past

Your stroke has a glitch, confidence can't last

But you keep on going, 'cause that's all you know

Keeping it together for the one big show

You look for the big one, the easy run

The Charlie Tuna who gambles for fun

Fourteen hours of hill-hill play

When the word gets out I know what they'll say:

"The Duke lost his roll to a Farmer John,

He couldn't make it until the break of dawn."

I rattled the keys to my Chevy truck

Headed for the door muttering, "Just dumb luck"

But I knew in my heart that the Duke was through

Gone was the Duke with the velvet cue

Well, maybe it's time for a turn in the road

Someone once said you're never too old

Fourteen hours of competitive play

Can I find someone to show me the way?

I walked past the truck and straight up the street

Slowed when a stranger said, "Duke, you look beat."

I know a spot where we can rest a spell

It's a quiet place where they don't raise no hell

We stopped at a storefront with a dark green door

Flourescent lights and an old wood floor

Folding chairs, a table or two

A handful of people, no one I knew

Pete poured me a coffee and pulled out a chair

"Sit here, Duke, and try not to stare

These are all folks who have lost their way

Some come and go, some come and stay

"It's a private place, won't ask you you're name

Give it a rest, don't replay the game

Let your mind flow free, there's no crystal ball

Maybe say a short prayer, but give it your all"

He picked up a guitar and started to play

A song about Jesus lighting the way

As the words rang clear, I started to cry

My hands gripped the table, and I let out a sigh

Fourteen hours of cat-and-mouse pool

Wasting my life playing the fool

Here is my answer, clear as a bell

Here's my escape from this living hell

Pete sang his ballad in a soft quiet voice

The first time in my life I have a real choice

To give up the green, start a brand new life

Go home to my family, go home to my wife

Pete witnessed the change, and stopped his song

"There's one thing left, Duke, and it won't take long

Just bow your head and repeat after me

I accept you as my Savior, Jesus set me free"

Fourteen hours of doubt-ridden pool

The words gushed out, and I felt like a fool

But my heart felt light, felt free as a bird

And I just didn't care if I was heard

Saying, "Thank you, Lord, for letting me play"

A race to nine and I'll spot you the seven

I'll bet you my life if you get me to heaven

A race to nine and I'll spot you the seven

I'll bet you my life if you get me to heaven

A race to nine and I'll spot you the seven

I'll bet you my life if you get me to heaven