Ballad of a Touring Musician (Playing Music In My Living Room)

Once upon a time I’d travel round the world heading anywhere
That a guitar packed inside a car might take me on the planet out there
Now I only sing for the kids and tupperware lids or for folks out there on Zoom
Playing music in my living room

Once upon a time in a former life I’d spend the evenings smelling sweat
Packed into little spaces, all the knees, armpits and faces, as crowded as could get
Now just the notion of such stench is like a wildflower bloom
Compared to playing music in my living room

Once upon a time, so very long ago, I have to try to remember the scene
This beautiful Earth to which the Big Bang gave birth, as I recall it back in 2019
Who knew how much isolation could make the bleakness loom
Playing music in my living room

Once upon a time I thought I knew a lot but I took everything for granted
Now I never had a permit but my plans to be a hermit have been entirely supplanted
The esteemed position of touring musician I shall someday re-assume
Til then I’ll be playing music in my living room