Happy Birthday, Johnny

Remember one Christmas I gave you Jim Carroll Intended it as a cautionary tale You said you saw yourself inside there Dog-eared it like a how-to manual Remember one summer we walked in Times Square I showed you the zombies with hundred-inch stares You took a Bic, set your hotel on fire We took the blame, took the bags to the train Happy Birthday, Johnny Wherever you are Happy Birthday, Johnny Wherever you are The last time you called it was on New Years' Eve You asked me for dough to get somethin' to eat Since we last spoke, you live on the street Yeah, I wouldn't believe all the shit that you seen Happy New Year, Johnny Is it 23? Happy New Year, Johnny Are the lights on the trees? When I said, “Let me think,” and you yelled through your teeth Accused me of actin' like all royalty Always for show, no true charity You saw me on magazines and TV But if they only knew the real version of me Only you know the secrets, the swamp, and the fear What happened to blood, our family? Annie, how could you do this to me? Of course, I blame me When you get free, Johnny I hope you find peace