In Amsterdam Lyrics
I
Hey Bob, last night I had a dream
If Dan lived, he’d ask, “What was it?”
Or maybe he’d say nothing
Regardless, here’s my dream
It was of my only father
Cross-legged, meditating
In a red-light district window
And um
Well, in my dream I am in Amsterdam
My wife nor I know who I am
II
I turn to her
I tell her: “I won’t be home for Shabbos
It’s not that I don’t love you
It’s just that I hate Shabbos
With all its peace and quiet
And all its gentle prayer
I was not raised with quiet,”
And then
She screams, “I know! Goddamn! This is Amsterdam!”
I scream, “Don’t scream! I’m still a man!”
“No, you are a coward,” shе says
And I know I am
I’m worse than my father. At least
Hе was good enough in the end
III
It’s been two years since she left me
And three since Dan last died
The truth is I miss Shabbos
I miss what I should’ve tried
While I had an ex-wife’s father
While I had broken bread
Now who will be my father?
Oh, Bob
In my heart I am still in Amsterdam
My dad is dead and so is Dan
And I am a liar—it’s true
And I know I am
I’m worse than my father. At least
He was good enough in the end
Aah aah aah
Aah aah aah
Aah aah aah
Aah aah aah aah aah
He was good enough in the end