a dark man sitting on his front porch

he moves like a meditation

tall city reeling out before him

rises like a revelation

honey can you bring me my bedtime slippers

and a fancy magazine

i'm getting tired and my eyes are weary

won't you send me to my dream



dream of a better place, better life

while coping with your civil strife

it cuts you like a knife

fix the dryer and the squeaky door

and it makes you wonder

wonder what you're working for

babe i don't want to run no more

from you



wake the children and pour some coffee

get them ready to go to school

where's your coat it's cold outside

don't you know the weather's cruel

honey do you think you could butter my toast

bring me a fancy magazine

i didn't get much sleep last night

won't you let me tell you about my dream



dream of a better place, better life

while coping with your civil strife

it cuts you like a knife

fix the dryer and the squeaky door

and it makes you wonder

wonder what you're working for

babe i don't want to run no more

from you



take my hat i'm sorry i'm late

tried to work some overtime

supervisor says he can't give no raise

twenty-three years ain't raisin' a dime

honey can you rub my shoulders

and read me a fancy magazine

i kiss you gently on the cheek

and i hold you till i dream



dream of a better place, a better life

while coping with your civil strife

it cuts you like a knife

fix the dryer and the squeaky door

makes you wonder

wonder what you're working for

babe i don't want to run no more

from you



what we ganna do when the tax man comes

say's he's repossessing

where we ganna go, who we ganna follow

these things are distressing me

honey can you tell me a story

'cause we can't afford no magazines

i can't buy you no diamonds or riches

but you'll find them in your dreams



dreams of a better place, a better life

while coping with your civil strife

it cuts you like a knife

fix the dryer and the squeaky door

makes you wonder

wonder what you're working for

babe i don't want to, babe i don't

babe i don't want to run no more

from you