Foreign Affair Songtext

von Tom Waits

When travelling abroad in the continental style
It's my belief one must attempt to be discreet
And to subsequently bear in mind your transient
Position allows you a perspective that's unique

And though you''ll find itinerary's blessing
And curse
Your wanderlust won't let you settle down
And you'll wonder how you ever fathomed that
You'd be content to stay within the city limits of a
Small Midwestern town

Most vagabonds I knowed don't ever want to find
The culprit that remains the object of their long
Relentless quest
The obsession's in the chasing and not the
Apprehending
The pursuit you see and never the arrest

Without fear of contradiction "bon voyage" is
Always hollered in cunjunction with a handkerchief
From shore
By a girl who drives a Rambler and furthermore is
Overly concerned that she won't see him anymore
Planes and trains and boats and busses
Characteristic'ly evoke a common attitude of blue
Unless you have a suitcase and a ticket and a
Passport
And the cargo that their carrying is you

A foreign affair juxtaposed with a stateside and
Domestic'ly approved romantic fancy
Is mysteriously attractive due to circumstances
Knowing it will only be parlayed into a memory