Words and music by Tom Sanderson

I used to have daydreams
when I was in school
Then life was like movies
The mirror was cruel
The desert was thirsty
and drowned in the rain
It bloomed for a moment
then never again

This strange diversion
is far from where I thought that I would be

A walk on the tightrope
but I took fright
A march in a straight line
in the dim twilight
I didn’t want to hedge big bets
It seemed too dear a cost
The one-armed bandit took my change
and I wagered small and lost

This strange diversion
is far from where I thought that I would be

I dreamt I was a knight in armor
I would arise to win the day
Soon all my errands turned to detours
All my colors fade to gray

Punching my time card
at the local guild
It’s not like mining diamonds
but it keeps my belly filled
There ain’t no golden ticket
for the chocolate factory
I give my thanks for what I have
but I keep regrets with me

This strange diversion
is far from where I thought that I would be

This is the road that I must walk through
(guess then I must be on my way)

Recorded January – May, 2023, Calimesa, California

Keyboard/sequencer: Roland FA06; guitar: Fender Stratocaster; Microphone: CAD GXL2200; Recording device for vocals and guitars: Tascam DP-24-SD; Mixing software: Studio One