"Malcolm & Rosa" recorded live on XERS radio. This song was originally recorded on Riely's first album Workin' on a Memory which is available for sale at cdbaby.

Well he walked into the station with so little apprehension
And he crossed the crowded platform, the crowd stood at attention
and the calm conductor just called out 'all aboard'

Well he glided down the aisle like a loose and lanky cheetah
And he took a seat across a' from a solo senorita
She said "Hey mister, it looks like you missed your plane"

Well in fact I like the feelin' of the rails b'neath the wheels
An' the observation car with the scenery for a ceilin'
My name's Malcolm, may I ask your name?

Well he never made a ripple back at Lakewater High
He never caught a break, much less a cute girl's eye
He's a late bloomer, makin' up for lost time

He English majored back at Southern Cal, it made him antsy
It was 5 card stud that paid his way an' caught his fancy
Now the West is big, but it's a small world for his kind

He's got a face like Teddy Ruckspin, he's got a tux made out of buckskin

Well the lady that he's charmin' ain't no grist for his mill
Her resume includes the days she wore a badge and pistol
But lately she's a buyer for a retail chain
A while back she took a pack an' walked across the state and back
An' then she ran the ranch a' when her papa had a heart attack
Her name is Rosa, on business she's travelin' alone
A container load a' goods awaits her out on the coast
That garment maker's rep won't know his net from his gross
And if there's time she'll rent a car and drive by home

Her eyes hint at events in which he'd like to partake
all the while her smile makes his heart ache

Well ya never saw a pair hit it off so fine
The train his the flats, they headed for the diner
There was moon on the desert, maybe some plans to be made
On second thought he said let's make it love at first sight
She reached across the tablecloth and squeezed his hand tight
It was as good as a handshake, sweet as the kiss of Spring
Well it's difficult 'n dangerous, exceptionally tough when
A gambler meets a dealer who might not be bluffin'
It's Malcolm & Rosa roarin' west with a full head of steam

I never said the game of love is perfect, sometimes you play it sometimes you work it
It's Malcolm & Rosa roarin' west with a full head of steam

Riely O'Connor © 2004. BMI All Rights Reserved.

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