Story Behind The Song

A thought of a man lying face down on the street popped into my head and so this song was born.

Song Description

Here is a down and out man lying drunk in the gutter up against a curb. It's raining and he is face down and his hands are palm down on the road. Thus 'ten fingers down'. He will be leaving this night and his stay in this town has been one of violence and loss.

Lyrics

Ten fingers down, face in the gutter, nobody cares about me.
My bags were all packed, three hours ago, I was gettin' ready to leave.

A room with a window, high on the wall, there's really not much to see.
A noise from the backroom, loud as a train, they must be comin' for me.

Oh kindly stranger, lend me your ear.
I'm just a wanderer, I won't be long here.
I haven't done nothin', I would confess.
But I know I'm someone, that heaven will bless.

My face is a puzzle, oh so complete, yet some of the pieces don't fit.
My tears are the real thing, born out of pain.
And you don't have to tell me 'bout it.

Chorus-

And so I must go. I'm not lookin' back
Tomorrow's not riding on me.
This night is so black, and I'm morning bound.
I'll get there eventually.
With ten fingers down, my face in the gutter.
And nobody carin' for me.
I'll pack my bags, and head for the road.
If you're lookin' that's where I'll be.
Said if you're lookin' that's where I'll be.

Chorus
Oh kindly stranger, lend me your ear.
I'm just a wanderer, I won't be long here.
I haven't done nothin', I would confess.
But I know I'm someone, that heaven will bless.