It's four in the morning, the end of December.
I'm writing you now to see if you're better.
New York is cold, but I like where I'm living.
There's music on Clinton Street all through the evening.

I hear that you're building your little house deep in the desert.
You're living for nothing now.
Hope you're keeping some kind of record.


Yes, and Jane came by with a lock of your hair.
She said that you gave it to her,
On the night that you planned to go clear.
Did you ever go clear?


Last time I saw you, you looked so much older,
Your famous blue raincoat, torn at the shoulder.
Been to the station to meet every train.
You came home alone without Lilly Marlene.
You treated my woman to a flake of your life,
And when she came back, she was nobody's wife.


Well, I see you there with a rose in your teeth-
One more thin Gypsy thief. I see Jane's awake.
She sends her regards.
Mmm... heaha... heh-ha... mmm-mmm...


What can I tell you, my brother, my killer,
What can I possibly say?
Hey, I guess that I miss you, I guess I forgive you,
I'm glad you stood in my way.


If you ever come by here for Jane or for me,
Well, your enemy is sleeping now an' his woman is free.
Well, thanks for the trouble you took from her eyes.
I thought it was there for good, so I never tried.


And Jane came by with a lock of your hair.
She said that you gave it to her,
On the night that you planned to go... clear.
Sincerely, L. Cohen.