Written by: Patti Scialfa



To the east the factories stand

Like fire-breathing dragons against the sky

And from their throats a scarlet river

Burns itself into smoky lullabies

Over neon and fluorescent skies



Valerie, can you hear those engines drone

I wanted to go to Mexico

But I'm stranded here alone

And once I knew a true love

It's been three years since he's gone

And if I could get that feeling back

I'd give up everything I own



16 days since I left Corona

And I traveled to this carnival town near Alberndeel

And I rode the coaster there on the fairground

Twisted backbone of a beast that never heals

And I left some skin on fortune's wheel



Valerie, can you hear those engines drone

I wanted to go to Mexico

But I'm stranded here alone

And once I knew a true love

It's been three years since he's gone

And if I could get that feeling back

I'd give up everything I own



Everything's in slow motion now

In this little border town

I've come so close from so far

Just to hide behind these windows here

From the world outside

I watch those cars and trucks raise trails of dust

Down the road as they pass by



Valerie, can you hear those engines drone

I wanted to go to Mexico

But I'm stranded here alone

And once I knew a true love

It's been three years since he's gone

And if I could get that feeling back

I'd give up everything I own

Everything I own

Everything I own

Everything I own