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The Ninth Cup

from Love, Money & Revenge by Shandy Lawson

/

lyrics

Audrey was unfaithful
Time and time again
And when she came in late
Her husband knew just where she’d been
So he asked around until he found
A friend of a friend of a friend
And they discussed a toxic dust—
She’d never cheat again

There were eight teacups in the house
For Audrey’s morning tea
She had a cup with breakfast
Seven days a week
He picked up one of Audrey’s cups
Grinning at himself
Then sprinkled the poison in the bottom
And placed it on the shelf

The sun came up on a brand new day
And Audrey drank her tea
Before she’s done he left for work
And rolled back in at three
But she was fine when he got inside
Rosy, right as rain
Seven teacups, seven days
Seven chances remained

Each day followed same as the first
Day after day for a week
She’d get up and pour a cup
He’s watching as she drinks
But he knew before he opened the door
When he got home that day
That she’d be laying dead in there
From teacup number eight

There was no surprise when he saw her eyes
Had lost their spark of life
He sat down on the sofa
Next to his late wife
And that was when he saw a pen
And a letter in her hand
Just a paragraph or two
And it began:

“Dear Johnny, I’m so sorry
I couldn’t bring myself to tell you to your face
Lately I have been so lonely
When you’re at work it gets so empty in this place
So I have spent some time
Looking for the love we lost
With another man in town

“Oh I hope you’re not so angry
That you can’t see your way to forgive me my crimes
I’m not asking for a pardon—
Just a chance for us to take a little time
To catch our breath.

“I’m not feeling well, Johnny
I’ll just close my eyes until you get home…”

Eight short years come and gone
With Audrey laid to rest
He still works the same old job
And sleeps at the same address
And he gets up and drinks a cup
Of coffee every day
Until one morning, he calls in sick
He feels a little strange

He looks across the kitchen table
Audrey’s sitting there,
A smirk upon her face
“Oh, Johnny—I’m so sorry!
You didn’t think I’d really let you get away?”

credits

from Love, Money & Revenge, track released January 1, 2006

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Shandy Lawson New Haven, Connecticut

Formerly of Los Angeles, Tampa, and NYC, Shandy is a New Haven, CT-based performing songwriter. But really, he'll play pretty much anywhere.

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