ALL THINGS CHANGE

Ralph McTell

The bar is dressed for Christmas, with colored lights
Renee* the landlady and lady look so nice, tonight	*pronounced Reenie
And the lights flickering, like her smile
And she still wears her hair in the 1940s style.
She prefers it that way, though it's turned from red to gray.

All things change.
The only one who looks the same is the fairy on the Christmas tree.

Big Eddie and his songs are growing old
The piano player blames his fingers 
Says they're freezing cold, and the tinsel heart needs (?) shine
On the faded paper chains, that limply hang in lines
With the laughter in the air, that is breathed and that is shared.

But people change.
The only one who stays the same, is the fairy on the Christmas tree.
Outside by the wall where snails have clawed
Leaving tinsel trails shining in the moonlight
There are mothers promising nothing's ever gonna change
The things they share leaving promises 
Of cloudy vapor disappearing in the frosty Christmas air.

All things change
The only one who stays the same, is the fairy on the Christmas tree.