Vampires in Heat

Raymond James was his name given at birth, but everybody called him Ray.
He lived nearby to me when I was growing up. Never had a lot to say.
Ray’s old man came home from the war in 45. Met a girl named Gwen, began to date her.
They were married soon & bought a little house.Ray came along just one year later.
All the kids in the neighborhood would meet at Ray’s. There was a vacant lot next door.
We played games until it got too dark to see. The next day we’d come back for more.

Ray never strayed too far from that old neighborhood except for those 2 years he was in ‘Nam.
Everyone that knew him knew that he was good. You’d be hard pressed to find a better man

When Ray came home from ‘Nam he settled in to stay. Went on a date with Mona Dunn.
First love is the best, they say, and that was true for Ray. The first, the last, the only one.
Ray and Mona built a house next door to mom & dad. His dad gave him that piece of land.
They worked well together built that house with their own hands, with just a little help from Uncle Sam.
Mona died from cancer, it was nineteen eighty one. Both his parents died in eighty-three
Ray stayed on in that old house, he said, “I’ll never run, this is still my house, makes sense to me.

Ray never strayed too far from that old neighborhood except for those 2 years he was in ‘Nam.
Everyone that knew him knew that he was good. You’d be hard pressed to find a better man

Found out yesterday that Ray had passed away last month. We all are struggling with our grief.
There’s been a pall on the whole damned neighborhood. No one knows what to believe.
You know they didn’t even have a service when he died, like they did for his wife, Mona.
None of us could have attended anyway. Thanks, again, Corona.
And so tonight we’re gonna celebrate the way we can. Hide’n Seek in the neighborhood.
The kids will all be playing – even moms and dads. Here’s to you, Ray, you were good.


You Were Good

Michigan

For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti

The Spirit Moves (Deluxe Edition)

Changes

Our Endless Numbered Days

Naked as We Came

Such Great Heights

Passing Afternoon

Live at Bangor Abbey

Be the Song (Live)

Passing Afternoon

Iron and Wine