Phil Keaggy - Too Much Green lyrics

Fourteen hours of too much green Racking the balls til it brings out the sheen Such a long time to waste playing pool Fourteen hours of being the fool The leather creaked as the nine-ball dropped Ending all hope for a comeback pop Fourteen hours of chalk-up and play Nothing to show except the light of day A sigh of relief as I broke my cue This day at last was long overdue As I laid out the bills on the mahogany rail The money was crumbled and the green looked pale Well, look at this, I didn't lose it all There's two bucks left for a power ball My hands were shaking from cramps and fatigue I'm playing a loser that's not in my league Yes, that's the price when you're past your prime When age catches up and slows the mind Little things creep in about a sordid past Your stroke has a glitch, confidence can't last But you keep on going, 'cause that's all you know Keeping it together for the one big show You look for the big one, the easy run The Charlie Tuna who gambles for fun Fourteen hours of hill-hill play When the word gets out I know what they'll say: "The Duke lost his roll to a Farmer John He couldn't make it until the break of dawn." I rattled the keys to my Chevy truck Headed for the door muttering, "Just dumb luck" But I knew in my heart that the Duke was through Gone was the Duke with the velvet cue Well, maybe it's time for a turn in the road Someone once said you're never too old Fourteen hours of competitive play Can I find someone to show me the way? I walked past the truck and straight up the street Slowed when a stranger said, "Duke, you look beat." I know a spot where we can rest a spell It's a quiet place where they don't raise no hell We stopped at a storefront with a dark green door Flourescent lights and an old wood floor Folding chairs, a table or two A handful of people, no one I knew Pete poured me a coffee and pulled out a chair "Sit here, Duke, and try not to stare These are all folks who have lost their way Some come and go, some come and stay "It's a private place, won't ask you you're name Give it a rest, don't replay the game Let your mind flow free, there's no crystal ball Maybe say a short prayer, but give it your all" He picked up a guitar and started to play A song about Jesus lighting the way As the words rang clear, I started to cry My hands gripped the table, and I let out a sigh Fourteen hours of cat-and-mouse pool Wasting my life playing the fool Here is my answer, clear as a bell Here's my escape from this living hell Pete sang his ballad in a soft quiet voice The first time in my life I have a real choice To give up the green, start a brand new life Go home to my family, go home to my wife Pete witnessed the change, and stopped his song "There's one thing left, Duke, and it won't take long Just bow your head and repeat after me I accept you as my Savior, Jesus set me free" Fourteen hours of doubt-ridden pool The words gushed out, and I felt like a fool But my heart felt light, felt free as a bird And I just didn't care if I was heard Saying, "Thank you, Lord, for letting me play" A race to nine and I'll spot you the seven I'll bet you my life if you get me to heaven A race to nine and I'll spot you the seven I'll bet you my life if you get me to heaven A race to nine and I'll spot you the seven I'll bet you my life if you get me to heaven