Lyrics

(M. James)

On the last night of summer, I felt like a mummer
Parading myself across the bright stage
My smile was a mask so that no one would ask
If the tears in my eyes were from sadness or rage

Slow dancers were clinging, I could hear myself singing
Words that were meant to be sweet on the tongue
But they tasted like ash so I sang for the cash
That was promised to me when this torture was done

CHORUS
I fell into the music, I fell into the music, I fell into the music
It happened that quick, like a magic trick, I fell into the music

There were twenty four wines, ladies dressed to the nines
People to revel and people to serve
A grand summer ball, but it all seemed so small
From the stage high above I could only observe

Then I saw him stand there just beyond the grandeur
Of the ornamentation and the dazzling sights
A contrast in starkness, brightness to darkness
Like he reached out his hand and turned off the lights

CHORUS 2
I fell into the night, I fell into the night, I fell into the night
So far from the light and the smiles polite, I fell into the night

On the faint scent of jasmine came something that had been
A memory hidden in the dark of my soul
A night in the past that the days can’t outlast
And dark eyes that burned like embers of coal

Was I dreaming his face or was he here in this place
Just a flicker away from the party light’s glow
Was he here in disguise or a trick of my eyes
A man, a dream, or just a shadow

CHORUS 2

He moved through the crowd, wore the night like a shroud
As they cheered and applauded my last curtain call
Then the crowd seemed to sway and he faded away
On this last night of summer before the fall