Skinny Lou you used to be that I couldn't see you sideways 
Skinny Lou many times I wish I could be like you 
turn away from the bay in my own ways 
Just like you do Skinny Lou 

There's a pull I can feel like gravity, grabbing me sideways 
The water railway station ticket to take me out of this town 
Leave me somewhere standing with the rain on my face again and again 

Oh, is it [bad word] you used [bad word] with constellations 
And the rock-a-billy boys will never see 
Your artistry of taking your whole world in without taking it all on 
Because you know it will be your skinny shoulders it rests upon 

Skinny Lou I've a mind to sew a tapestry this time 
For it feels like gold in the pocket of a coat 
it would be easy to forget you ever had 
to have it we do, me and you 

Oh, is it [bad word] you used [bad word] with constellations 
And the rock-a-billy boys will never see 
Your artistry of taking taking your whole world in without taking it all on 
For you know it will be your skinny shoulders it rests upon 

Yes you know it will be your skinny shoulders it rests upon 
Oh you know it will be your skinny shoulders it rests upon