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Didn't Even Stand a Chance

from Poor Thing by Sam Steffen

/

lyrics

The ferris-wheel’s been crammed with likely suspects
the boardwalk’s lit up like it’s Christmas in July
there comes a time when a man must stand and face his prospects
with a keen, discerning and judicious eye
I came prepared, my equipment all was with me
I knew the odds would be against me in advance
But by the time I even knew what had gone and hit me—
It was too late—I didn’t even stand a chance

I’ve tried to keep my eye out for any sign of danger
I didn’t want to be the victim of love’s charm
I’ve learned to be suspicious of every stranger
And I’ve been known to greet unexpected kindness with alarm
I hope that you don’t think I went and planned this
If there’s one thing I’d rather skip, well, it’s romance
But when I met you, I was already disadvantaged
It was too late—I didn’t even stand a chance—

I’m well-practiced in the art of getting nowhere
I’ve rehearsed this scene a hundred thousand times
I know just what to say if you decide to go there
You’ll be on your way, and I’ll keep on mine—
But it would seem that habit’s failed me in this instance
I heard the music and got caught up in the dance—
I intended to give nothing but resistance
But it was too late—I didn’t even stand a chance

You stood there looking far out at the ocean
Where the sky and water fused in a streak of blue
I’ve seen beauty that’s stirred my heart into commotion—
None of it could hold a candle up to you
I could feel the stealing-in of love’s intruders
My guard was let down, you had me drifting in a trance
Cupid must have raised an army of sharpshooters
outnumbered—I didn’t even stand a chance

this must be what the bards and poets tell of
when they retire to their rooms to play and sing
and write their ballads all about their true-loves
what good’s it all—when sorrow’s all it brings?
I tried to put the feeling into language
My “Love at first sight” she destroyed with just a glance
Now the rapture and the joy’s turned into anguish
I should’ve known—I didn’t even stand a chance

credits

from Poor Thing, released July 24, 2022

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Sam Steffen Boise, Idaho

Sam Steffen is a Pennsylvania-bred, Boise-based singer-songwriter whose songs are the torch-wood for a new generation of folk music that has learned from the best stuff in the tradition and aims in spite of everything to keep the human spirit alive and kicking. A versatile musician and skilled finger-picker, Sam is at heart a story-teller, and a prolific one. ... more

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