waiting at the gate

an occasional joint

a glass or two of beer

still i would never have guessed that you'd wind up here

in a half-way house

on a dead-end street

in a run-down part of a one-horse town

but just do what they say

don't worry 'bout your girl

'cause i won't run away

and i won't run around

and i won't let you down

and without a doubt

i'll be waiting

waiting

waiting at the gate when they let you out

you set the world on fire

dancing after dark

now you're playing solitaire in a fenced-in park

i'm not the one to judge you

so baby don't be scared

no one gets a free ride

none of us is spared

i'll be back on the ninth

i've circled the date

three o'clock sharp

and i won't be late

you've been through hell i know what that's all about

and i'll be waiting

waiting

waiting at the gate when they let you out

the doctors have so little faith

they say you were a classic case

they said the chance is eight in ten

they'd see you back in here again

but i'm counting on you to prove the doctors wrong

i'm imagining you

healthy and strong

your papers all stamped

your eyes so bright and blue

looking like a baby picture of you

walking down the path

your suitcase in your hand

the howling at your back

a brand new man

be a perfect little camper

be a brave little scout

and i'll be waiting waiting

waiting at the gate when they let you out.