That picture hangin' on the wall
Was painted by a friend
He gave it to me all down and out
When he owed me ten
Now it doesn't look like much I guess
But it's all that's left of him
And it sure is nice from right over here
When the light's a little dim

Step inside my house babe
I'll sing for you a song
I'll tell you 'bout where I've been
It shouldn't take too long
I'll show you all the things I own
My treasures you might say
Couldn't be more'n ten dollars worth
But they brighten up my day

Here's a book of poems I got
From a girl I used to know
I guess I read it front to back
Fifty times or so
It's all about the good life
And stayin' at ease with the world
It's funny how I love that book
And I never loved that girl

Hold this piece of glass
Up to the light comin' through the door
It's a prism glass I found on the road
Can you see that little rainbow
Well it's not really a prism I guess
It just broke in a funny way
I found it on my way from texas
Headed for l.a.

This guitar was given me
By old man thomas gray
It's not too much to look at
But I pick it every day
It's been across the country
Four or five times I guess
Between me and old man tom
It never got much rest

Well that's about all I own
And all I care to I guess
Except this pair of boots
And that funny yellow vest
And that leather jacket and leather bag
And hat hangin' on the wall
Just so it's not too much to carry
Could I see you again next fall

© 1971 chappel & co. (ascap)

Guy clark says "step inside this house"
Is the first song he ever wrote;
It had never been recorded.
I learnt it from eric taylor.
-- lyle (from the step inside this house cd booklet)

Below are all the differences I could find
Between guy clark's original lyrics
And the way lyle sings the song.
Lyle's changes are in italics.

Step inside this house girl
I'll sing for you a song
I'll tell you 'bout just where I've been
It shouldn't take too long
I'll show you all the things that I own
My treasures you might say
Couldn't be more than ten dollars worth
They brighten up my day

This book of poems was given me
By a girl I used to know
I guess I read it front to back
Fifty times or so

Now you hold this piece of glass
Up to the light that's shinin' through the door
It's a prism glass I found it on the road
Can't you see that tiny rainbow
It's not really a prism I guess
It just kinda broke a funny way
I was on my way through houston
And I was headed for l.a.

This guitar was given me
By old man thomas gray
It's not too much to look at
But I play it every day

Well that's just about all I own
And all I care to I guess
Except this pair of boots maybe
And that funny yellow vest
And that leather jacket and that leather bag
And that hat hangin' on the wall
Just so it's not too much to carry babe
Could I see you again next fall