A Year Songtext
von Loudon Wainwright III

The only time I′ve seen you was about a year ago
I was afraid to hold you but I wanted you to know
I touched your tiny perfect hand before I went uptown
I didn't pick you up because I′d have to put you down

For reasons that don't make much sense and you won't understand
I′ve stayed away for your first year it′s sort of what I planned
But I've been in your neighbourhood sometimes just blocks away
I didn′t come to visit you because I couldn't stay


There was a baby on a plane maybe she was two
And she was smiling at me I was not sure what to do
I′ve kept my distance from you a year's much more than a while
And so I looked away from her too ashamed to smile

When I saw you last year, I knew that there was no mistake
Amazing things can happen why just look what life can make
But life can get so hard sometimes some feelings can′t be tamed
And people get so angry frightened and ashamed

You've been a sort of secret for a year I've told but few
Although where you are so many must love you
And I′ve passed by your window but haven′t dared look in
Although I know I'd love you too, I′m too scared to begin