I heard the term quiet desperation used by Truman Capote on Letterman in reference to the state of many marriages. This song was to be the first single off Flying Colors but when I quit, the band went with 3 dressed up as a 9. I always believed it was one of my better songwriting efforts partly because of the implied conversation.
Started the day at 5:30 this morning
Still half asleep, reached toward her pillow
No one there, she left before daybreak
A brief kiss on the cheek introducing heartache
A flip of her hair as she walked out the door
I won't see her anymore
She wants to be the world's finest actress
Or did she say a famous ballerina
Either way, I'll be left here
While far away, she won't remember
All of the simple things we used to do
Why does she need something new
Live my life in quiet desperation
Trapped in the clouds, no sunshine in sight
Still have my hopes, but 'til she returns
I'll be living in quiet desperation
She doesn't feel the need to be close to someone
Too many dreams, different roads to follow
But perhaps, someday she'll be returning
Maybe call, talk about the old times
But still it seems that those days are all gone
How can I carry on
Live my life in quiet desperation
Trapped in the clouds, no sunshine in sight
Still have my hopes, but 'til she returns
I'll be living in quiet desperation
But still it seems that those days are all gone
How can I carry on
Live my life in quiet desperation...