Track 6 of the album Last Light on 40 · 2020
Unpacking Boxes at Fifty-Three
“Fifty-three years old, a rented place by a slow river, and a stack of boxes I didn't want to open. Starting over is mostly unpacking.”
rock ballad · rock ballad · second-chance song · 4:27
Lyrics
Rented a place on the edge of a town Where the river bends slow and wide One suitcase, a toolbox, my old guitar And a life I left on the other side The boxes sit stacked in the living room Marked kitchen, books and shoes One's got no label, I don't know what's inside Might be nothing I'm ready to lose Fifty-three and I'm starting again Hanging my hat on a different nail Fifty-three and I'm learning to begin Hope's a long road, but it don't go stale Unpack a little, leave a little in the box Let the old pain sleep till the morning clock Fifty-three and I'm starting again Home's a thing you make, not find The neighbour brought over a plate of cornbread Said, welcome, we keep the porch light on I told her I'd been a driver all my life She said, then you know how to come home Fifty-three and I'm starting again Hanging my hat on a different nail Fifty-three and I'm learning to begin Hope's a long road, but it don't go stale Unpack a little, leave a little in the box Let the old pain sleep till the morning clock Fifty-three and I'm starting again Home's a thing you make, not find There's a photograph at the bottom of the pile Me and the one I lost I set it on the shelf by the window light And I didn't count the cost Fifty-three and I'm starting again Hanging my hat on a different nail Fifty-three and I'm learning to begin Hope's a long road, but it don't go stale Unpack a little, leave a little in the box Let the old pain sleep till the morning clock Fifty-three and I'm starting again Home's a thing you make, not find Home's a thing you make Home's a thing you make