The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #40152   Message #4160616
Posted By: Jim Dixon
29-Dec-22 - 12:10 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Spooky Ballads for Halloween
Subject: Lyr Add: ELISE (Mike West)
This was mentioned by Dead_Horse back on 12 Sep 09. I like how it illustrates the connection between guilt feeling and irrational terror.


ELISE
As recorded by Mike West on “Home,” 2001.

What you did was wrong – was a long time ago
With a woman named Elise – wouldn’t want anyone to know,
Least of all your wife – least of all your kid.
Not real proud – of whatever you and her did,
But Elise she comes knockin’ – wants a dollar for a beer.
She says she’ll start talkin’ – and you don’t want anyone to hear.
Nobody will listen – but how can you be sure?
Gotta give her a dollar – just to keep Elise from your door.

And you’re thinkin’ ‘bout a murder – you got the gun.
Elise ain’t got family – Elise she ain’t got anyone.
When she comes knockin’ – you invite her in.
No one hears the shot – nobody is listenin’.

Troubles should be over – but they only just begun.
Now you hear a knockin’ – you know it couldn’t be anyone
Except Elise – your worst fear.
Now she’s talkin’ – and you’re the only one who can hear.
Nobody will listen – but how can you be sure?
Gonna take more than a dollar – just to keep Elise from your door.

And Elise she comes knockin – wants a dollar for a beer.
She says she’ll start talkin’ – and you don’t want anyone to hear.
Nobody will listen – but how can you be sure?
Gonna take more than a dollar – just to keep Elise from your door..