It was past her bedtime

On a stormy night

And she couldn't shut her eyes

And she couldn't blow out the light

So she gave up struggling

And let the candle burn

The hail knocked her window

As her memories knocked in turn

And her room had four blue walls

They've been hers since she was small

No sleep in sight



Oh her father

Is the only one

Who pretends he can't remember

What was done

And her mother

Can't find the strength

To do anything at all but stand and pray



In a room with four blue walls

That were closing in together

'Til they got so goddamn small

That she had to brave the weather

By herself



So she went to the barroom

And she picked a fight

He told her she was looking for trouble

And she said "that's right"

She was looking for an eardrum

So she beat him and she shoved

'Til he couldn't quite resist her when she dragged him home for love



To a room with four blue walls

On a floor that's worn like leather

And the shadows fell across them

As she held their eyes together

And they cried



Would you be my ocean

Won't you be the rain

Can a kiss from you rinse another from my brain

Can we wash these floorboards

Can we wash these walls

Can I close my eyes and sleep once and for all



In a room with four blue walls

Filled from floor to roof with water

And a man who calmly calls her "darling dear"

Not "darling daughter"

She sleeps at last

She sleeps at last



And her room had four blue walls