I earn my daily bread “on the road”, and I’ve spent more nights in hotel rooms than I’d ever want to count. Sometimes going-away seems like a bit of a break, but that wears off quick and then all the hotel rooms seemed cloned and time spent there seems like time robbed out of your life.
At home, we only get one TV channel. (When the kids were young I used to say, “Sure, watch as much TV as you want,” with the result that they grew up reading!) So in a hotel room I turn on the TV with a certain pleased anticipation, wondering what there is to see with all those cable channels. Answer: not much, and often nothing. I usually end up wishing I’d brought my guitar.
47 Channels ©2004 Dave Hadfield
[strong, driving, blues in DADGAD tuning]
Fourty-seven channels… on the TV set.
Haven’t seen anything… I wanted to yet.
One more night… of this hotel room,
And I’ll hit the road… and come back soon.
And I’ll see you… in the morning,
I’ll see you… in the night………..
The only thing we really have is time.
Why in the hell then… do I give up mine.
Spend half the day… played for a fool.
(and) Take my pay… as somebody’s tool.
[bridge]
It would be nice to look a-cross the breakfast table
And you pour coffee in my cup.
Take the dog for a little walk along the river,
And never feel this all used-up.
47 channels… on the TV set.
Haven’t seen anything… I wanted to yet.
One more night… of these talkin’ heads,
And I’ll hit the road… and enter your bed.
And I’ll see you… in the morning.
And I’ll see you… in the night………….
In the night…
In the night…
In the night…