Runaway Annie (Mail Order Annie, Harry Chapin)

"My wife died 8 months ago Wednesday. She left me with too many chores and a hell of a mortgage. If you help me with the first one, I'll give you a fair wage and a place to stay." - Ray, Tabula Rasa

We just rewatched Tabula Rasa, and I realized I don't have a single filksong associated with that episode.  That definitely needs amending, and when I decided to start with Kate's backstory, Harry Chapin's gently wistful song popped into my head...

Runaway Annie

My first thought was to turn my gun on you,

A winsome vagabond asleep in my pen.

But seems to me you’re on the run from somethin’, yeah, yeah.

I could use a farmhand; you could use a friend.

Runaway Annie, aren’t you tired of walkin’?

The chores are a strain since I lost my wife.

Runaway Annie, maybe fate is knockin’.

I think we'll help each other here.

We are entitled to start again in life.

You know, it is a pity you’ve evaded me

And kept your weekly wage in that tin can.

Don’t tell me you can’t wait until the mornin’, no, no.

I’ll drive you to the station like a decent, honest man.

Runaway Annie, aren’t you tired of walkin’?

I understand pain since I lost my wife.

Runaway Annie, maybe fate is knockin’.

I think that I could help you here.

You are entitled to start again in life.

I know it’s not my business what you’re runnin’ from;

You store your stash of secrets like the money in that wad.

But Annie, after three long months of labor,

Not saying a goodbye would be odd.

You know about my dirty plan; we’re not headed for the train.

My mortgage isn’t pretty; I can’t manage it alone.

And I hope you know how much I hate betrayin’ you,

But you run away, Annie, and I will lose my home.

Runaway Annie, aren’t you tired of walkin’?

The bills are insane since I lost my wife.

Runaway Annie, maybe fate is knockin’.

I think that you could help me here.

I am entitled to start again in life.