The Lonesome
Lyrics & Music: Maureen S. O'Brien, 2/18/98

I'm in the filkroom at the con. I've planned for this all year.
Cajoled 'most everyone I know; 'most everyone is here.
So why is it I feel so sad, so dark and full of fear?
I know I'm not alone, but I'm lonesome.
That's the way it goes, with the lonesome.

All of life is emptiness. My songs are worse than dull.
Other people hurt my heart; their genius makes me crawl.
There's far too many people here, and no one I can call.
Paid an airplane fare to be lonesome.
Best go back upstairs with the lonesome.

Sleep will help, and food will help; the sun will light the storm.
But all the sweaters in the world can't keep my poor heart warm.
I can't let these feelings show. That's why I can't perform.
All I have to show you, is the lonesome.
Everywhere I go to, is the lonesome.

You might ask why I bother. But yesterday was fun.
I love to meet new people, change my sky and get songs done.
The lonesome will be over soon; dark gives way to the sun.
But I could do without all the lonesome.
Envy, fear and doubt, and the lonesome.