Track 10 of the album Last Call, Low Light · 2007
Telegram from the Coast
“There was a time when news came in a little yellow envelope and you read it standing in your doorway. I closed the first record on that feeling, tender and a bit afraid.”
jazz ballad · chanson-tinged · torch song · 4:11
Lyrics
A little yellow envelope Slid beneath my door Four words and a seaside stamp I read them o'er and o'er You said the tide is turning You said the wind is kind You said come down by morning And leave the town behind Telegram from the coast Salt upon the page Telegram from the coast You wrote it like a sage I fold it in my pocket Where the old love likes to stay Telegram from the coast Say it once more, then away I sang the last set lonely Then I walked into the rain The streetlights held your letters In their yellow, wavering chain I pictured you on the harbour wall With your collar to the sea Saying my name to the seagulls As if they'd carry it to me Telegram from the coast Salt upon the page Telegram from the coast You wrote it like a sage I fold it in my pocket Where the old love likes to stay Telegram from the coast Say it once more, then away I'm too old to run for trains But not too old to go Some words you answer slowly Because the heart is slow So I'll pack a single suitcase And a song for the ride I'll watch the grey fields passing Till the water's open wide And if you're on the harbour wall With your collar to the sea I'll walk the whole long jetty Just to hear you say to me Telegram from the coast Salt upon the page Telegram from the coast You wrote it like a sage I fold it in my pocket Where the old love likes to stay Telegram from the coast You said come, and so I may