James McMurtry - What’s the Matter Lyrics

The phone's on the dash, the goddamned thing
It's one of those times when I know it's gonna ring
Don't wanna answer but I got no choice
There's something bad wrong, I can hear it in your voice

What's the matter?
What's the matter now?
What's the matter?
What's the matter now?

The dryer's broke down and the kids all crying
It's pouring down rain and there's clothes on the line
I don't know what to tell you, don't know what to say
How am I gonna fix it, I'm a thousand miles away?

What's the matter?
What's the matter now?
What's the matter?
What's the matter now?

I get to travel and you gotta stay home
You're getting tired of raising them kids alone
I know it ain't easy, I know it ain't fair
You keep saying I never take you anywhere
Want me to take you for an airplane ride
Want me to take you to the seaside
Sorry, baby, but I can't right now
Gonna have to make it up to you somehow

What's the matter?
What's the matter now?
What's the matter?
What's the matter now?

We're nearly twenty years older
And it's not like we thought it'd be
We never talked this over
You can't lay it all on me

The van's barely running and we're all half sick
Band leader's being such a damn little prick
We hit the road early, I never got a shower
Supposed to been at soundcheck back about an hour
Blood pressure's up, I gotta take pills
The food don't kill me, the alcohol will
And I know it ain't healthy but this is what I do
Same thing I was doing back before I met you

What's the matter?
What's the matter now?
What's the matter?
What's the matter now?

You wanna know about a number I called
Must've been a misdial, I don't recall
Doctor bills came, we're down on our knees
Insurance pays when they damn well please
I sent home the money soon as I could
Sent it home to Sancho like a good man should

What's the matter?
What's the matter now?
What's the matter?
What's the matter now?

What's the matter?
What's the matter now?
What's the matter?
What's the matter now?