Open Canon - Gail Doering suggests "Betty's Diner" by Carrie Newcomer

Carrie Newcomer "Betty's Diner" Lyrics:

http://www.carrienewcomer.com/bettys-diner.html

Miranda words the late night counter In a joint called Betty’s Diner Chrome and checkered tablecloths one steamy windowpane
She got the job that shaky fall And after hours she’ll write til dawn With a nod and smile she serves them all

Chorus: here we are all in one place The wants and wounds of the human race Despair and hope sit face to face When you come in from the cold Let her fill your cup with something kind Eggs and toast like bread and wine She’s heard it all so she don’t mind

Arthur lets his earl grey steep Since April it’s been hard to sleep You know they tried most everything Yet it took her in the end Kevin tests new saxophones But swears he’s leaving quality control For the Chicago scene, or New Orleans Where they still play righteous horns

Jack studies here after work To get past high school he’s the first And his large hands seem just as comfortable With a hammer or a pen Emma leaned and kissed his cheek And when she did his knees got weak Miranda smiles at Em and winks

Chorus

Bridge: You never know who’ll be your witness You never know who grants forgiveness Look to heaven or sit with us
Deidra bites her lip and frowns She works the Stop and Go downtown She’s pretty good at the crossword page

She paints her eyes blue black Tristan come along sometimes Small for his age and barely five But she loves him like a mamma lion

Veda used to drink a lot Almost lost it all before she stopped Comes in at night with her friend Mike Who runs the crisis line Michael toured Saigon and back Hair the color of smoke and ash Heads are bowed and hands are clasped One more storm has passed





Singer Gives Tour Cut to Charity
October 11th, 2007
by Andrew McGinn

Singer gives tour cut to charity

Audio: Listen to Newcomer sing "Betty's Diner"
By Andrew McGinn
Staff Writer
Thursday, October 11, 2007

SPRINGFIELD — As a Quaker activist first and foremost, Carrie Newcomer would prefer if people stopped sowing their wild oats.

But she's at least making it easier to live a purpose-driven life — just attend one of her gigs.

Playing Kuss Auditorium on Friday, the Indiana singer-songwriter has given a cut of her tour sales to charity since the '90s.

The Second Harvest food bank network has been on the receiving end of tour receipts in recent years.

Newcomer also leads workshops on everything from creative writing and songwriting to faith and "living with intention."

She'll present a creative writing and songwriting seminar from 7 to 9:30 p.m. today at the Glen Helen Building, 405 Corry St., in Yellow Springs. Call (937) 475-7357 for reservations.

Musically, Newcomer released "Regulars and Refugees" in 2005, marking her 10th album for Philo/Rounder.

A concept album, the songs are set inside Betty's Diner, a fictional greasy spoon in southern Indiana.

And if you're a Nickel Creek fan who thinks her name looks awfully familiar, they covered her song "I Should've Known Better" on the 2003 disc "This Side."

Newcomer also has toured Europe with Alison Krauss.