| When you said, «Good-bye,» I thought I would cry |
| Or at least feel a dark that’s a deep shade of blue. |
| I would have to attend to a heart on the mend, |
| And would fight back memories of you. |
| You affected my life, oh, I cannot deny it. |
| You made me believe that life’s not for free. |
| But anger and scorn are not what I’m built for, |
| So, my darling, I’ll leave that for you. |
| I sat one night in the glow of fire light, |
| And I played all my favorite tunes you disliked. |
| Some friends made a call, «Let's go casual; |
| Tonight is the Calico Ball.» |
| Now I’m feeling alive with a man on each side, |
| With my heart leaning torward the most apropos. |
| And each swing 'round the room lifts and spins off the gloom |
| And every step takes me further from you. |
| That night at the dance, after our long romance |
| Made me feel like a woman in bloom. |
| Romance, it is true, it is useful for youth, |
| But for me, now, my star is truth. |
| Then a man came to me, I said, «Yes, I am free.» |
| And I undid the clasp on my gold ball and chain. |
| I danced in his charms, was completely disarmed, |
| Now I’m riding along on a Calico Train. |
| Sorrow and Strain, they can both long remain, |
| They can take you and leave you alone and in pain. |
| But freedom’s in sight, if the road in the night, |
| Is lit by the light of the Calico Train. |
| Joy is the word now that’s guiding my life. |
| My step is much quicker since you said goodbye |
| The blood flowing through me has turned to champagne, |
| Now I’m riding along on the Calico Train. |