Nikki O'Neill

Lyrics

LA in the Morning (Every Time)
Music & Lyrics by Nikki O’Neill

it’s LA in the morning
the preacher’s on the street
warning of damnation
but she hears a different beat
she remains unbroken
and she knows her way around
she stays in the middle of this
merry-go-round, we go ‘round

she drives a Chevy Nova
with a dented door
cherry sparkle paint job
and a shag rug on the floor
she works a local diner
where the chatter hits a high
coffee, steam, children scream,
but she tunes out every time
every time, time, time
every time

it’s LA in the morning
where is his lucky break
his glasses are still crooked
from that five-point earthquake
he’s been holed up, grading
student papers half the night
walks down to the diner where he
sees his favorite sight and life’s alright

he orders Topo Chico
to fight off the heat
he ignores the preacher
who’s still out there on the street
feels this salty sweet temptation
to engage in conversation
the girl looks him in the eye and says
you’re sadly mistaken
every time, time, time
every time

the midday sun’s like fire
over this Pasadena diner
our preacher wipes his face
until he gets the Lord’s reminder
out comes the teacher
quite defeated, makes a sigh
he gets roped in, for his sins
she sees it every time
every time, time, time
every time