Written in the Summer of 1989, 'Sad American Eyes' is overly dramatic and full of poetic waxing - which must be why I still like it so much. It was the last song I would write for 20 years.
lyrics
Its quiet here in this town
Like a house with all of the children gone
And as this darkness settles
It covers all I own, it colors all I’ve done.
I reach out my hand
She is the nearest star
And no matter what I’m thinking
She can always see that far, always see that far
With bated breath
And muted words
I turn to her
And her sad American eyes
Her sad American eyes
Through the shadows softly breaking
I’m bent by the rain.
There she stands like a monument
Untouched by mortal hands.
I follow her eyes up through these storm clouds
And I can dimly see the stars.
And though it isn’t easy
With her help I can see that far.
I can see that far
With bated breath
And muted words
I turn to her
And her sad American eyes
Sad American Eyes
Starlight,
Falling, tumbling from the sky
And as it falls
It greets us where we lie.
The wind through the trees like the ocean
That’s a sound that brings me to my knees
And when she lets me hold her
That’s all I need.
When days are long
And nights are scarce
A voice like song
And her sad American eyes.
Sad American eyes
Sad American eyes
Sad American eyes
Sad American eyes
credits
from Blood&Honey,
released May 13, 2010
Written and performed by Stephen Cluff.
Four indie-pop reflections on growth and loss from the Australian singer-songwriter, sustained by robust pianos and fervent vocals. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 29, 2024