Michigan lakes, remember we moved
A hundred pianos in one day
For some kind of show, my brother was M.I.A
We met in July, I think we were swimming
At the lake when Pope Paul died
I thought to myself you'd make the perfect bride

But I never could make you laugh
If I could make you laugh
If I could make you laugh
If I could make you laugh

Would you have stayed when I left?
I can still recall your taste, it's all I kept
That town was such a waste, but you I won't forget

Work was steady enough
When everyone wanted uprights
In their basement dens
Unfinished houses
They were just built right in
My mom and dad
I still think my leaving
Was the thing that did them in
I came back for the wakes
I never came home again

If I could make you laugh
If I could make you laugh
If I could make you laugh
If I could make you laugh

Would you have stayed when I left?
I can still recall your taste, it's all I kept
That town was such a waste, but you I won't forget
I never could forget

Was it love or just a play?
It seems a million years away
Sometimes I see you in my sleep
Muddy water on your feet
The Sun was shining on your hair
I reach for your hand, but you're not there
I hope you're laughing all the time
I hope you still can read my mind
I hope you're laughing all the time
I hope you're laughing all the time
All the time, all the time

I think in the spring, I'll go back and buy
One of those pianos, learn to play
I'm setting aside a couple of hours a day